25 Canadian Interior Design Industry Statistics for 2024

Interior design and home decor are tremendously popular topics lately, according to recent interior design industry statistics for Canada. Since we’re all spending so much more time at home, there is a soaring interest in creating comfortable, functional, and comforting spaces.

Want to know what the latest trends are? Are you wondering if pursuing a career in interior design is worth it? Today we bring you our collection of hand-picked facts and stats about interior design.

Essential Interior Design Statistics and Facts

  • Interior design was made a separate profession by the American actress Elsie de Wolfe.
  • Interior design can be traced back to the Ancient Egyptian civilization and Indian mythology
  • The global interior design market is expected to reach the value of US$255.4 billion by 2027.
  • There were 7,486 active interior design establishments in Canada in 2019.
  • 16 Canadian companies received awards in wood design and building in 2020.
  • Interior design fashion trends are replacing minimalism with maximalism.
  • In 2019, interior design comprised about 45% of industry sales.
  • There were 24,600 interior designers employed in Canada in 2016.
  • 35% of Canada’s interior designers choose workplace design as their primary specialization.
  • 73% of Canada’s interior designers are based in Ontario and British Columbia.

Interesting Facts About Interior Designing

Do you know where the interior design came from? Or how it became an industry? Or how it can be used in building rapport with clients? Here are a few cool facts about the history and business side of interior designing.

Editor’s Pick of the Most Important Interior Design Moments

Source: Architectural Digest

1. Interior design was made a separate profession by the American actress Elsie de Wolfe.

(Architectural Digest)

She became a professional decorator in 1905, after restyling a home she shared with Elisabeth Marbury. Her reputation in the field skyrocketed with the opening of Colony Club, the first women-only club in New York, according to interior design facts.

After that, she kept receiving more interior design commissions. Eventually, she opened up her own office, her own showroom, and published a book in the niche (The House in Good Taste).

2. Interior design can be traced back to the Ancient Egyptian civilization and Indian mythology.

(Décor Aid)

One of the quirky historical facts of interior design is that it can be traced back to the time of pharaohs and ancient gods. Ancient Egyptians decorated their homes with textiles, animal skins, murals, urns, and sculptures.

In Ancient India, interior design was a part of the architecture. There are even records about the architect god, Vishwakarma, who was featured in the sculptures, in 17th-century Indian palaces.

3. Office interior design trends favour blue as the colour of choice for financial institutions.

(Entrepreneur)

The colour blue is typically seen as clear and serene. It gives the impressions of calmness, order, trustworthiness, honesty, safety, and responsibility.

Therefore, it’s often favoured in the brand design of financial institutions, including their office colour schemes. A hue like that, which sends the message of stability and honesty, inspires trust in clients.

Stats and Facts About the Interior Design Industry in Canada

In the section below, you will find an overview of the industry’s standing in Canada. Learn how many interior design establishments were in the country two years ago, how many interior designers get employed, and much more. Without further ado, let’s dive right in!

4. In 2019, interior design comprised about 45% of industry sales.

(Statistics Canada) (Statistics Canada)

As interior design market statistics show, interior design accounted for 45.4% of total Specialized Design Services sales in 2019. That was a steady increase in sales from the previous three years.

In 2016, interior design services made up 40.5% of the total SDS sales in Canada. In 2017, that percentage rose to 41.2%. In 2018, it followed with yet another increase, to 44.8%. From these numbers, we can see a trend of steady growth in the interior design market.

5. There were 7,486 active interior design establishments in 2019. 

(Canadian Industry Statistics)

These establishments would mainly plan, design, and manage interior design projects that would fit the legal requirements and fulfil the wishes of the people that hired them.

Also, in 2019, the interior design employment rate was a whopping 99.9%. Looking at the year before that, the average revenue for the market was $260.6 thousand.

6. The majority of interior design establishments are not employers.

(Canadian Industry Statistics)

One of the more interesting statistics about interior design in Canada is that employer-type establishments are in the minority.

According to governmental data from 2019, out of 7,486 active interior design establishments, only 1,935 had one or more employees. The remaining 5,551 were non-employers or of indeterminate status.

7. There were 24,600 interior designers employed in Canada in 2016.

(Statistics Canada)

Canadians experienced a high interior design employment rate in 2016. According to the National Occupational Classification census from that year, there were 118,940 creative designers and craftspersons.

Out of that number, 25,635 were interior designers and interior decorators, and 24,600 of them were actively employed at the time of the census.

8. 16 Canadian companies received awards in wood design and building in 2020.

(Canadian Architect)

One of the most interesting interior design facts we learned this year is that wood design is a category for architectural awards! Wood Design & Building magazine holds the competition every year.

In 2020, 16 Canadian companies won awards in six different categories: Honor, Merit, Citation, Canadian Wood Council Award, Western Red Cedar Sponsorship Award, and Sansin Sponsorship Award.

9. Interior design industry statistics for Canada show a steady growth of the industry over the past five years.

(IBISWorld)

Industry stats on the Canadian sector show an average growth rate of 2% between 2015 and 2020. That growth was mostly thanks to improved downstream market demand.

Moreover, improvements in the residential construction investment rates successfully offset the decline in the nonresidential construction segment of the market.

10. Interior Designers of Canada offers its members over 900 online courses.

(IDC)

One of the tricky facts about an interior design career is that you never really leave school for it. In order to keep up with industry regulations, trends, and management and business practices, the IDC has a Continuing Education program for its members.

In partnership with Orion Learning, IDC members get special rates for more than 900 online courses. Moreover, the IDC’s Continuing Education Council annually awards more than $10,000 in bursaries and scholarships.

11. 35% of Canada’s interior designers specialize in workplace design.

(IDC)

Canadian interior design industry demographics reveal that 35% of industry professionals chose workplace design as their primary specialization (as of 2018). Residential design is in second place, accounting for 31% of the specializations.

Interior designers who specialize in healthcare design account for only 4%. Finally, public and institutional spaces interior design makes up 5% of the specializations.

12. In 2019, 77.5% of establishments employing interior designers were micro-businesses.

(Canadian Industry Statistics)

When it comes to employment in Canada, interior design stats show that most people in the field work in tiny enterprises.

According to data from 2019, 77.5% of employer establishments were in the “micro” category, having 1-4 employees. 22.4% were small employer establishments, with 5-99 employees.

There was only one employer establishment in the medium category (100-499 employees), but there were no large establishments (500+ employees) in the Candian interior design industry at that time.

13. 2018 interior design industry demographics show that 73% of designers are based in Ontario and British Columbia.

(IDC)

In reviewing its statistics for 2018, the IDC found that 73% of its members were distributed between Ontario and British Columbia.

More precisely, Ontario-based interior designers made up 53% of IDC members, and British Columbian members comprised 20% of the total.

Miscellaneous Interior Design Market Trends and Stats

Despite the economic chaos wreaked by the pandemic, the interior design industry is thriving. Revenue, job opportunities, and even awards keep pouring in. Let’s take a look at the market through some official numbers.

14. The global interior design market is expected to reach the value of US$255.4 billion by 2027.

(ReportLinker)

Although the pandemic has negatively impacted projected revenue trends to some extent, growth rates will generally resist the resulting economic crisis. Going by the interior design statistics from 2020, the market for these services will continue to grow steadily on a global scale.

More precisely, commercial interior design is expected to climb at a 7.5% CAGR (compound annual growth rate) over the 2020–2027 period.

The market as a whole is expected to reach the size of US$255.4 billion by 2027. It is expected to undergo a CAGR rate of 7.8% over the seven years covered by this analysis.

15. The commercial segment of the market is dominating the interior design services industry.

(Mordor Intelligence)

Comparing the commercial and residential market segments, recent interior design industry statistics show that the former has taken an overwhelming lead.

Projects on the rise include airports, office spaces, various commercial buildings, and smart cities. Regarding the effects of interior design on wellness, statistics show an increasing interest in sustainable features, collaborative office spaces, and a focus on employees’ mental health.

Top Interior Design Trends in 2020

The onset of the pandemic caused U-turns in terms of design choices. Minimalism definitely lost its throne to more comforting styles. Additionally, home offices made a boom due to quarantine-induced working conditions. Check out what challenges interior designers had to face in 2020.

16. Multifunctional spaces were the most in-demand in 2020.

(Decorilla)

The need for rooms that would fulfill multiple purposes skyrocketed in 2020 due to working from home and home-based learning. Statistics about the furniture industry show a boom in furniture pieces that visually divide a space while still being functional.

The most frequent multipurpose solutions, according to interior design trends for 2020, were combining children’s rooms with playrooms, kitchens with dining rooms (which often featured islands that could become home offices or workstations), and inventive storage options.

17. Vintage and antique items took the forefront in furniture and decor choices.

(Apartment Therapy)

2020 has seen an increased interest in sustainable living, which spilled over from cooking and composting into interior design fashion trends. For those who don’t have a knack for upcycling and DIY, antique and vintage pieces were the most popular choice for home design.

People have become more aware of the impact they have on their environment, and they are making purchases that correspond to those values.

18. Home office layouts became the most impactful element of home organization.

(Decorilla)

When it comes to floor plans, interior design industry statistics have shown a drastic demand for office spaces. Therefore, workstations have been introduced into living rooms, guestrooms, bedroom corners, hallways, entryways, closets, and those tiny nooks under stairs.

This interior design trend heavily relies on smart furniture solutions and everything that can help people take advantage of vertical space while saving precious floor space.

19. 2020 interior design customer statistics show a preference for neutral colours, natural decor, and bold prints.

(Apartment Therapy)

Home improvement industry stats show that interior painting was the most popular renovation project in recent years. The minimalist colour schemes evolved into a style that might be called “comfortism.” It’s based on the same neutral palette, but with a warmer twist.

Shades like salmon, blush, taupe, eggshell etc. gained in popularity. For adding a pop of fun to walls and furniture, bold prints like florals were the go-to choice. Other decorations followed the nature-leaning trend, introducing wood, stone, houseplants, and organic shapes.

20. Fibre and cloth artwork was the most popular option for adding texture.

(Dwell)

One of the most accurate predictions for 2020 interior design trends was that tapestries and macramé pieces would soar in popularity. The collective term for these design elements is “fibre art.” They can be displayed on their own or incorporated into a gallery wall.

21. Performance fabrics have taken over in family homes.

(ElleDecor) (Revolution Fabrics)

Versatile patterns and colours, as well as quick and easy maintenance, have made performance fabrics — durable and easy to clean fabrics — one of the top interior design trends of 2020.

They bridge the gap between “safe for messy games” and “pretty enough for guests and fashion.” With entire families being stuck together indoors due to the pandemic, they’ve completely stolen the spotlight.

Upcoming Interior Design Trends in 2022

There is a continuous craving for a mix of practicality and comfort. People are experimenting with hybrid esthetics and demanding eco-friendly and sustainable home solutions.

22. Kitchen paint is taking on a more functional role.

(ElleDecor)

One of the more fun facts of interior design in “the corona age” is that kitchen walls aren’t painted just for esthetics anymore. There is a growing need for functional paint that’s more on the heavy-duty side.

The kitchen walls are painted in heavier, muted colours, which are better at hiding stains from occasional grease splatters. Bonus prestige points are given to paints that are washable and more durable.

23. The Grandmillennial esthetic is picking up in popularity.

(Ideal Home)

Among the many cool interior design trends is the emergence of the “Grandmillennial” style: the blend of “grandma” and “millennial.” This hybrid of modernity and nostalgia is a big trend, and it’s here to stay.

The central concept is layering. Grandmillenial features fabrics and patterns that one would associate with a typical “grandma’s house.” They are combined with a base of modern furniture and crisp paint palettes.

This trend developed as a variation of the “granny chic” style. The main idea is to add physical and emotional comfort and anxiety relief to modern millennial homes.

24. Interior design fashion trends are replacing minimalism with maximalism.

(Homes and Gardens)

After the immense popularity of minimalism in the previous period, trends are making a U-turn and going into maximalism instead. The idea is for the home to tell a story of the dwellers’ lives.

There is a tendency to mix the old with the new, such as using antique or faux-antique items to decorate a modern room, displaying favourite colours in old-fashioned patterns, and highly individualized fabric and silhouette choices.

25. Eco-chic is taking the lead among sustainability-oriented interior design trends.

(Homes and Gardens)

Besides maximalism and Grandmillennial, eco-chic is skyrocketing. The design aims to look calming and handcraft-y. It employs warm earthy colours like olive green, moss green, beige, gold, etc., and fabrics like linen, boucle, and velvet.

The focus is placed on sustainability. Furniture featured in this interior design style needs to be multifunctional, well-made, durable, and long-lasting. This trend gets the most out of every piece before you think about replacing it with something new.

Conclusion

Interior design trends have shifted more towards functionality, nostalgia, and comfort. Minimalism is out the window. There is a rise in design solutions that are more environmentally friendly and more personal.

Interior design industry statistics foresee that the industry will continue to grow, both on the Canadian market and worldwide. Commercial design is now more in demand than residential, and new projects are accommodating to smart tech developments and remote work trends.

FAQ

What are the 7 elements of interior design?

They are space, colour, light, pattern, texture, form, and line.

  • Space means the physical dimensions. There is 2D (length and width), 3D (includes height), and negative space (empty space in between furniture and other items). Colour is the prevalence of a hue and shade. Different colours elicit different moods, like “cheerful” (yellow), “secure” (brown), etc.
  • Light can be natural, artificial, or a mix. Consider its intensity, colour, placement, and adjustability. The latest interior design technology trends increasingly focus on the LED light, smart lamps and wifi-enabled bulbs, and biodynamic light fixtures that mimic sunrise and sunset.
  • Pattern is the intentional repetition of a design element, like lines and shapes. It’s important not to have patterns clash.
  • Texture represents how something feels to the touch or what kind of impression it gives off when looking at it, e.g., soft, coarse, worn, sleek, etc.
  • Form refers to the shapes of rooms, furniture, and artwork. It can be geometric (man-made, angled, sharp lines) and organic (natural, irregular, curvy lines, abstract).
  • Line refers to the outline of a shape: horizontal, vertical, or dynamic (e.g., zigzags, waves).

(Flooring America) (Art Therapy)

What industry is interior design in?

Interior designers can be found in several different industries, ranging from architecture and engineering to residential construction and furniture sales. For example, in the context of the Canadian economy, interior design services are categorized under “specialized design services.”

The interior design service industry in Canada includes the designers themselves, as well as interior design consultants. It covers the areas of residential, corporate, and commercial interior design, as well as institutional, hospitality, and healthcare design.

(Canadian Industry Statistics)

How big is the interior design industry?

According to interior design industry stats, Canada boasted a market size of roughly $1.50 billion at the time of writing (measured by overall revenue).

The market grew by 2.2% between 2016 and 2021, and interior design industry statistics for 2021 show that it was expected to grow by 4.7%.

In comparison, the US interior design industry boasted a market size of US$14 billion with 112,141 businesses, according to a December 2020 report from IBISWorld.

Additionally, a 2017 report and outlook provided by Statista estimated that the global interior design market size would go up to US$121,054 million in 2021.

(IBISWorld) (Statista)

Is there a demand for interior designers?

Regarding possibilities of an interior design career, statistics from the Canadian Labour Market Information Council’s Online Job Posting Dashboard project show a 27.3% drop year-over-year for interior design and interior decor jobs in 2020.

However, a market analysis available at the Canadian Job Bank predicts a labour shortage in the field during the 2019–2028 period. The projected interior design industry statistics from the analysis report predict an approximate total of 11,900 new job openings available over that period.

(CLMIC) (Canadian Job Bank)

Sources:

Doroteja Balaban

Doroteja is a content creator and language play enthusiast with a penchant for noticing links between seemingly unrelated ideas. She puts this observational quirk to use in her career as a content writer, researching and writing compelling articles and blog posts about education, health, fitness, ecommerce, pets, and science. When not working, she enjoys reading everything she can get her hands on, exploring different types of coffee, and trying to make puns work in different languages.

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