A new trade fair for premium interior design will make its debut from 26 to 29 October 2025 with the inaugural edition of idd cologne. The event positions itself as an exclusive platform for the residential, hospitality and contract segments of the interior design market, centered around the key theme “Shaping Homes & Hospitality.” Parallel to the trade fair, the accompanying urban event program idd cologne downtown will invite visitors to experience design across the entire city of Cologne, with more than 25 partners already signed up for the initiative.
The new format is designed to strategically expand idd cologne, taking it beyond the trade fair grounds and into the city. “The launch of idd cologne will give the furniture hotspot Cologne a new industry platform that brings the diversity and quality of the premium international interior design market to life. idd cologne downtown is the perfect extension to this concept. It takes the inspiration from the trade fair and injects it into the city,” explains Maik Fischer, idd cologne’s director.
City-wide design showcase
The idd cologne downtown initiative will transform Cologne into a stage for design experiences and stimulating conversations, with participating retailers and creative businesses showcasing their latest collections, new launches and design ideas. Partners include Becker Interior, Biomöbel Johannes Genske, Bretz Store, Denisoberender Design, Designpost, Eiting Räume, Goldkant, Machwerkhaus, Markanto, Pfannes & Virnich, Qvest Shop and Stoll Wohnen + Objekt.
To accompany the product premieres and special promotions, a program of inspiring design talks is planned featuring a diverse line-up aimed at both the trade audience and design-savvy visitors. Some participating partners will start their programs the weekend before the trade fair opens, signaling the launch of the autumn design season in the cathedral city.
“idd cologne downtown will take interior design into the beating heart of the city – the streets, store windows and interiors. The new format is an invitation to join an open dialogue between specialist retailers, manufacturers, creative professionals and consumers,” says Dick Spierenburg, idd cologne’s creative director.
Evening events and networking opportunities
To round off the downtown program, varied evening events are planned including networking get-togethers, parties and cocktail receptions that will set the scene for conversations in a stylish and inspiring ambience. The line-up of urban events will transform interior design into an experience for the industry, the city and design lovers from around the world.
The main trade fair is aimed at interior design professionals, though it will open its doors to private visitors with a passion for design on the last day of the event. During the preceding days, design enthusiasts will be able to obtain tickets to the trade fair from retailers participating in idd cologne downtown, giving them exclusive access to the flagship industry event before other members of the public. The urban event program idd cologne downtown is open to everyone – both industry professionals and design-loving consumers.
