Each year, Vancouver plays host to some of the best design events in the West. From Vancouver’s Modern Home Tour to our very own Designers of the Year, here’s everything you need to keep your Design Week schedule full.

Thursday, September 15

Designers of the Year

Western Living’s Design Week kicks off with our annual Designers of the Year awards. This invite-only event celebrates the best new designs in Western Canada, as judged by an international panel of the industry’s foremost designers and architects.

Thursday, September 15 – Friday, September 16

Dinner by Design

Dinner by Design brings together internationally celebrated designers and local talent to create three-dimensional dining installations that awe, inspire and delight. These extraordinary dining environments—from the lavish and romantic to the outrageous and whimsical—set the stage for two days of fun and fascination. For tickets and information, visit dinnerxdesign.com. (Photo: Lucas Finlay)Cocktail Art – Thursday, September 15Designers and guests mingle during this dazzling display of tablescapes while sampling gourmet food, delicious craft cocktails, wine and beer. It’s an evening filled with special live entertainment, custom cocktail bars (as imagined by participating designers) and reverie. Each ticket includes a complimentary drink and a wonderful selection of canapes—and the opportunity to converse with some of the most influential creative thinkers in the West.Public Viewing – Friday, September 16Design enthusiasts and fans of IDS Vancouver have a singular opportunity to admire Dinner by Design’s enchanting tablescapes and inspiring atmosphere.Gala Dinner – Friday, September 16Cocktails and table-hopping are followed by an elegant VIP dinner (limited tickets available). Enjoy a multi-course dinner and fine musical accompaniment in one of the most unique dining environments. The creatively-plated food echoes the spectacular design of the tablescapes to provide an entirely new sensory experience.

Saturday, September 17

4th Annual Vancouver Modern Home Tour

Modern Home Tours has become the Modern Architecture and Design Society (MADSociety)—a new multi-media property that will not only expand their home tour offerings, but will create a vibrant, global community of modern architecture and design enthusiasts.DesignWeek_ModernHomeTourThe annual Modern Home Tour events in the U.S.A and Canada will be expanded into the Modern Architecture and Design Series—a new platform of events that will encompass not only the highly visible and successful Home Tours, but will also include individual one-off events such as “deeper dives” into very special single homes, educational and commercial events in some of our post popular locations, and exciting fusions of modern architecture, art and culinary adventure called “The Art of Architecture.”Take a self-guided tour of several of Vancouver’s coolest modern homes at the 4th annual Vancouver Modern Home Tour, which will feature 5-7 amazing residential works of art, created by some of Vancouver’s best architects and designers. For an up-to-date list of all participating home and architects, and to purchase a ticket, visit mads.media.

Thursday, September 22 – Sunday, September 25

IDS Vancouver

Celebrating its 12th anniversary this year, IDS Vancouver is the West’s largest design event and is expected to draw 36,000 attendees this year, including 7,000-plus interior designers, architects, builders, developers and other trade professionals. At IDS Vancouver, previously IDSwest, there will be opportunities to hear from some of the design world’s most notable and talented personalities and to connect with a long list of world-class designers that either call Vancouver home or call on Vancouver for Inspiration. For tickets and information, visit idswest.com.Thursday, September 22Vancouver’s design party of the year kicks off IDS Vancouver in true style. The Party on Opening Night, presented by Inform Interiors and Intracorp, is an opportunity to explore features, entertainment and exhibits. All exhibits will be open for business and the wine will be flowing! Be one of the first 2,500 people through the doors to receive the Party Loot Bag: a custom-designed canvas tote exclusive to IDS Vancouver. Doors open at 7 p.m.Friday, September 23IDS Vancouver is pleased to announce internationally-renowned industrial designer Tom Dixon will be a key presence at the 12th annual fair. Presented by Caesarstone and Inform Interiors, Dixon will take the Caesarstone Stage as keynote speaker during the Azure Trade Talks. Dixon will also headline the IDS Vancouver central feature, exhibiting his Caesarstone Fire Kitchen on the show floor, and Inform Interiors will present a Tom Dixon pop-up shop to sell newly-launched accessories and designs.Saturday, September 24Stylist, author and HGTV personality, Emily Henderson will be welcomed to the Caesarstone Stage, presented by Western Living. Known for a bright, whimsically contemporary style that incorporates vintage and antique pieces, she is sure to be a star attraction at IDS Vancouver, the pacific platform for all things design.Saturday, September 24Spend a lazy Sunday at IDS Vancouver perusing over 200 unique and inspiring exhibits. Design aficionados will be inspired by luxurious contemporary furnishings, fixtures, decor and much more.