Young designers engage with contemporary trends shaping the future of interior spaces

“Good design is a bridge between today’s needs and tomorrow’s possibilities.”
— Dieter Rams

Living up to this philosophy, Interior Design students of Apeejay Institute of Design (AID) gained valuable academic exposure through a visit to India Design ID 2026 held at the NSIC Exhibition Complex. The visit was conceptualised as an immersive learning experience aimed at familiarising students with contemporary discourse in interior design, emerging technologies, and evolving spatial practices shaping the industry’s future.

The exhibition provided students with an opportunity to engage directly with cutting-edge design innovations and industry-leading brands. They explored modular furniture systems, decorative and architectural lighting solutions, high-performance surface finishes, sustainable and bio-based materials, smart home integrations, and experiential installations curated by prominent designers. The diversity of exhibits enabled students to observe how conceptual design thinking translates into tangible, market-ready products and built environments.

Beyond product exploration, the visit offered valuable insights into exhibition design methodologies and spatial planning strategies. Students carefully analysed how spaces were curated to enhance user engagement and effectively communicate brand narratives. Attention was drawn to visual merchandising techniques, lighting compositions, material palettes, and layout planning that collectively contributed to immersive design storytelling. The strategic integration of branding and experiential elements highlighted how design is not only functional but also communicative and emotive.

A significant aspect of the visit was the emphasis on sustainability and innovation. Students observed how contemporary designers are increasingly incorporating eco-conscious materials, energy-efficient lighting systems, and technology-enabled solutions into their work. This exposure reinforced classroom discussions on responsible design practices and broadened their understanding of the role designers play in addressing environmental and social concerns.

The experience proved both intellectually stimulating and pedagogically enriching. It strengthened students’ awareness of current industry standards, professional practices, and future directions in interior design. By witnessing real-time applications of design theories and concepts, students bridged the gap between academic learning and professional implementation.

Sharing her experience, Kelessha Massey, GDP – IV Sem, Interior Design, expressed,  “Visiting India Design ID 2026 was a very inspiring experience for me. I was amazed to see the variety of furniture, lighting, and material innovations showcased by different brands. It helped me understand how creativity and practicality come together in professional interior design. The visit motivated me to explore new ideas and improve my design skills.”

Similarly, Riya Gautam, EDD – IV Sem, Interior Design, reflected, “The exhibition gave me a clear understanding of current trends in interior design, especially sustainable materials and modern spatial concepts. Seeing real products and installations helped me connect classroom learning with practical applications. It was an enriching experience that broadened my perspective about the design industry and future career opportunities.”

Overall, the visit to India Design ID 2026 served as a dynamic platform for experiential learning, inspiring students to envision innovative possibilities while grounding their creativity in professional practice.