JD Institute of Fashion Technology
Interior Design Jediiians Attend India Kitchen Congress (IKC) 2026 at WelcomHotel by ITC, Gurugram

Design trends evolve in conversations, showcases, and industry spaces and that’s exactly what our Interior Design Jediiians stepped into, at the India Kitchen Congress (IKC) 2026, where ideas, materials, and market realities come together to shape the future of interior design.

Students from the HKV campus attended IKC 2026 at WelcomHotel by ITC, an industry platform organized by the Furniture and Fittings Skill Council. The event brought together leading brands, designers, and professionals from the modular kitchen and furniture sector, offering students a closer look at how the industry is evolving.

Engaging with Industry Leaders and Brands

A key highlight of the visit was the opportunity to interact with established brands such as Greenply Industries, RR Living, Amulya Mica, and Samet.

Through these interactions, students explored:

• New material innovations and finishes
• Product applications in modular kitchen systems
• How brands position themselves in a competitive market

This exposure helped students connect academic knowledge with real products and industry practices.

Learning Through Master Sessions

Beyond exhibits, students attended curated master sessions that focused on design thinking and trend analysis.

These sessions highlighted:

• The importance of context-driven design in India
• How designers interpret and apply trend forecasts
• The role of experiential design in modern kitchen spaces

Students were encouraged to think not just as designers, but as professionals who understand why trends emerge and how they influence user experience.

Understanding Trends and Market Direction

One of the most insightful aspects of the visit was the unveiling and discussion around the India Trend Report, which provided a structured view of evolving design directions.

This helped students understand:

• How trends are researched and predicted
• Their impact on design strategy and decision-making
• The importance of staying updated in a fast-changing industry

This made the learning more current, relevant, and forward-looking.

A Shift Towards Sustainable and User-Centric Design

Throughout the event, a recurring theme was the growing importance of sustainability and user-focused design. 

This reinforced the idea that interior design must respond to:

• Practical user needs
• Cultural context
• Environmental responsibility

Students observed how materials, layouts, and systems are being developed to meet both environmental concerns and changing lifestyles.

What Students Took Back

By the end of the visit, students developed a clearer understanding of how the interior design industry operates at a professional level.

They gained:

• Exposure to latest materials and modular systems
• Insight into industry trends and consumer preferences
• Understanding of brand positioning and product development
• Awareness of sustainable design approaches
• Confidence in connecting theory with real-world applications

The JD Institute Approach

At JD Institute, students are encouraged to step into industry platforms where design is actively being discussed, debated, and developed. By engaging with professionals, brands, and real-time trends, they begin to understand design as a dynamic field shaped by multiple influences. This approach helps students move beyond concepts and develop a perspective that is both informed and adaptable.

Save This Thought

To design for the future, you must first understand where the industry is heading.