October on Vancouver Island brings cozy sweaters, golden leaves, and that unmistakable shift toward slower, more intentional living. Mornings are cooler, coffee tastes better, and homes begin to glow with the warmth of wood tones and soft light. It’s also the perfect time to find fresh inspiration — whether you’re settling in for the season or planning a fall getaway before the winter rains arrive.
Global Design, Local Inspiration
Across the world, October is one of the busiest months in the design calendar. International fairs, exhibitions, and showcases are unveiling the trends that will shape the year ahead — new palettes, textures, and ideas that push creativity forward. From the refined elegance of Paris Design Week to the boundary-pushing installations of New York and Milan, the design world is buzzing with innovation and artistry.
Here on Vancouver Island, that global energy feels surprisingly familiar. Our local design scene is thriving, with homeowners, builders, and artisans drawing inspiration from the land and sea. You can see it in cedar-clad homes that glow under autumn light, in the handmade pottery that fills local markets, and in interiors that embrace natural textures and sustainable materials. The same creative pulse that drives international design can be felt right here in Nanaimo — just expressed through the rhythm of Island life.
Where to Find Design Inspiration This October
If you’re someone who loves keeping an eye on what’s next, Business of Home has curated a list of October’s can’t-miss design events happening around the world. It’s the perfect way to see where design is headed, discover new materials and ideas, and bring that inspiration back to your own home.
Explore the full lineup of events here:
October’s Can’t-Miss Design Events
Because great design doesn’t just happen in studios or showrooms — it begins with how we live, how we notice, and how we draw inspiration from the world around us. And this October, there’s plenty to be inspired by, both here at home and across the globe.
