Designing in Harmony at ICFF 2025, a global stage for human-centred design

The design world eagerly anticipates the return of the International Contemporary Furniture Fair (ICFF) 2025 to New York City, poised to transform, once again, into a nucleus for innovation and global collaboration in furniture and interior design. Set to take stage from May 18 – 20, 2025, at the Javits Center, ICFF intends to reaffirm its status as a seminal platform for contemporary design, this time with a refreshed theme, Designing in Harmony.

The latest iteration of the design event promises to emphasise human-centred, multi-sensory and multicultural design, with a spotlight on craftsmanship, sustainability and innovation. From thoughtfully curated exhibits to forward-thinking dialogues, ICFF 2025 assures a dynamic convergence of ideas that reflect the evolving needs and aspirations of today's design community.

"Design has the power to ignite real solutions to global challenges—it is a profound source of hope and optimism for the future. At ICFF 2025 in New York this May, [...] we envision it as a gathering space for connection, creativity and conversation—a place where understanding is built, communities are strengthened, and new ideas are born,” state ICFF brand directors Odile Hainaut and Claire Pijoulat, in an official statement.

With a freshly reimagined floor plan by RADS (Rodolfo Agrella Design Studio) and an impressive roster of international participants, ICFF 2025 offers an immersive, human-centred journey through the latest in furniture design, lighting design, textiles as well as interior interventions. The fair responds directly to the shifting landscape of the design industry, shaped by climate realities, economic uncertainties and a growing call for inclusive solutions. "Designing in harmony goes beyond form or function—it is a holistic approach that centres on respect for people and the planet. It is about combining empathy with imagination to resolve challenges and create meaningful experiences that support both human well-being and ecological integrity," Hainaut tells STIR. "It is a mindset that asks designers to act with intention—to be conscious of the built and natural worlds," she adds.

Industry leaders, emerging talents and global brands will come together to showcase cutting-edge concepts from over a dozen countries, including Japan, France, South Africa and Mexico. Beyond a showcase, the International Contemporary Furniture Fair aspires to be a call to action: a space where empathy meets enterprise and design meets the demands of the future.

This year, a stimulating lineup of design exhibitions and faceted programmes will reflect ICFF's commitment to the global creative community. Among the design fair's most anticipated features is Bespoke: The Art of Making; this celebrated showcase will highlight the work of elite artisans known for their exceptional craftsmanship in furnishings, finishes and interiors. The WANTED programme is set to elevate emerging talent through Launch Pad, Look Book and design school showcases. Making its US debut is MORPHO, a collaboration between Tomorrowland, Ethnicraft and architect Dieter Vander Velpen. This collection, exuding Tomorrowland's characteristic 'dreamlike aesthetic', is shaped by contemporary Art Nouveau influences and the high-end lifestyle design of today.

Also drawing attention will be Grohe's Aqua Atelier, an immersive space debuting the Listra collection and Grohe Bluewater system, alongside panel discussions featuring designer Christian Siriano and other cross-disciplinary leaders. Other key experiences will include the Juniper Recharge Lounge, a new, relaxing, tech-friendly space furnished with hospitality-grade product designs by HBF and lit by Juniper's Multiverse collection. Visitors can also explore The Library x Phaidon, Be Original Americas x Rarify Dining Lounge and a new Media & VIP Lounge by Dooor and OFS/ROOM, offering curated environments for learning, networking and reflection—all designed with authenticity and intention. Global design will take centre stage with new and returning exhibitors from countries including Denmark, Japan and Argentina, with pavilions representing Brazil, France and Italy.

The ICFF Talks will join the programme as a dynamic forum for dialogue, exploration and critical thinking across the design spectrum. Held on the Mainstage and The Oasis, the talks will explore themes of sustainability, identity, sensory design and technology. Standout sessions include Bridging the Gap, a session challenging design to act as a tool for social, cultural and environmental equity; the talk is realised in partnership with STIR and will feature Amit Gupta, editor-in-chief, STIR, as a panellist. Design for the Senses, How Sensory Design Shapes Inclusive Spaces and The Future is Fractal will delve into the emotional and biological impacts of thoughtful design, while Rebuilding Los Angeles will address resilience in the face of the climate crisis.

Also featured are inspiring conversations such as Defining Style: A Conversation with the World's Leading Designers, How Indigenous Systems Can Solve Our Most Complex Design Challenges, Exploring Infinite Creative Potential With New Technologies and Designing for Public Life with global visionaries on the panels. Hosted by comedian Dan Rosen, the ICFF Editors Awards will close the programme on May 18, 2025, celebrating ingenuity across key design categories. Together, the talks will echo ICFF's mission to spark ideas that shape the future—one conversation at a time.

ICFF 2025 stands as a vital touchpoint for the global design community, uniting visionaries, brands and makers in an environment brimming with purpose and possibility. With a focus on inclusivity, innovation and impact, the fair strives to go beyond aesthetics to shape contemporary lives and connections. "Together, we're committed to building a festival that not only celebrates creativity everywhere in NYC but also drives forward-thinking solutions that resonate with the broader community," share Hainaut and Pijoulat.