In January 2026, something pretty exciting happened for our team at Martin Jesko Custom Cabinetry (MJCC).
For the first time ever, our London, Ontario–based custom cabinetry company packed up our ideas, craftsmanship, and a whole lot of ambition and headed to Toronto for the Interior Design Show (IDS) as official exhibitors.
And what an experience it was.
IDS Toronto is one of the most exciting gatherings of designers, builders, architects, and design-driven homeowners in Canada, and being part of that environment was energizing in every possible way. The conversations were inspiring, the people were incredibly passionate about design, and the opportunity to share what we do as a fully in-house custom cabinet maker from London, Ontario, Canada was something we’ll never forget.
But most of all — it was fun.
A Booth Built on Details
If there’s one thing people quickly learn about MJCC, it’s that we love details.
Our booth at IDS wasn’t just a display — it was a hands-on showcase of what happens when design, engineering, and craftsmanship live under the same roof. Because everything we do at MJCC is designed, engineered, and manufactured in-house in London, Ontario, we were able to bring some pretty unique features to the show.
Visitors experienced a variety of custom innovations, including:
- Pocket door systems that glide away seamlessly into cabinetry
- Curved doors with hidden storage features
- A motorized backsplash system that reveals storage with the touch of a button
- A pop-up spice rack integrated into a porcelain island
- Precision custom metalwork including brass patina doors and brass inlays
- Brass details beautifully integrated into both cabinetry panels and countertops
The reactions were incredible. Many visitors were surprised to learn that a custom cabinet maker from London, Ontario was producing this level of detailed, engineered work entirely in-house.
That moment of realization — when someone opens a door, presses a button, or notices a hidden detail — that’s the part we love most.
Lighting That Brought Everything to Life
Lighting was another major feature of the MJCC display.
We didn’t hold back — and honestly, we put lighting almost everywhere we could.
Visitors saw lighting integrated:
- Inside cabinets
- Within drawers
- Behind panels
- Along architectural features
- Inside doors
It allowed us to demonstrate something we believe strongly in: lighting isn’t just functional — it’s part of the design language. When done right, lighting highlights materials, emphasizes craftsmanship, and completely transforms how cabinetry is experienced.
The Colour Everyone Was Talking About: Burnt Wine
If one element truly stole the show, it was our custom paint colour: “Burnt Wine.”
Deep, rich, and bold, the colour created a dramatic focal point in the booth and quickly became one of the most talked-about details of the entire display. Designers, homeowners, and fellow exhibitors all stopped to ask about it.
The response confirmed something we’ve always believed:
Custom cabinetry should never be boring.
It should make a statement. It should have personality. And it should reflect the people who live with it every day.
The Best Part? The People.
While the design details were exciting, the most meaningful part of IDS Toronto was the people we met.
We had the pleasure of speaking with:
- Interior designers
- Architects
- Builders
- Homeowners planning their dream spaces
- Fellow craftspeople who appreciate the beauty of thoughtful work
Connecting with so many like-minded design enthusiasts reminded us why we love what we do. The energy, the curiosity, and the appreciation for craftsmanship made every conversation worthwhile.
To everyone who visited our booth, asked questions, opened doors, pushed buttons, and shared ideas with us — thank you.
A Huge Thank You to Our Partners
Bringing a display like our IDS Toronto booth to life is never the work of one company alone. We were incredibly fortunate to have the support of many outstanding companies who helped us transform our ideas into a fully functioning showcase of custom cabinetry, innovation, and design.
Platinum Partners
Our Platinum Partners went above and beyond to support our vision for IDS. Their generosity, materials, expertise, and enthusiasm helped make it possible for us to present our work at the level we had imagined. We are truly grateful for their support.
A sincere thank you to:
- Häfele – for their incredible range of furniture hardware, architectural hardware, lighting systems, and innovative cabinet solutions that helped bring many of the functional features of the booth to life.
- Hardwoods Specialty Products – for their continued support and high-quality materials that helped form the foundation of our millwork.
- Moulures JONH – whose craftsmanship and moulding expertise helped add refined detail and architectural character to the display.
- Mark Deren Custom Metal Design – for the stunning custom metalwork that elevated the booth with beautiful precision metal details.
- Classic Granite & Marble Inc. – a trusted local supplier who helped bring premium stone surfaces into the display.
- Sloan Stone Design – for their beautiful quartz and stone surfaces that added elegance and durability to the space.
- Better Distribution – for their support and product contributions that helped complete several key elements within the booth.
- London Bath Centre – for their continued partnership and premium plumbing and bath solutions.
- Tony Hindle Custom Furniture – whose craftsmanship and furniture expertise added another layer of artistry to the overall presentation.
Their support allowed us to present a booth that truly reflected the level of detail and quality we strive for every day at MJCC.
Gold Partners
We would also like to extend a heartfelt thank you to our Gold Partners, who provided generous support and significant discounts that helped make the project possible.
Mercury Wood Products
Commonwealth Plywood
Their continued partnership and high-quality materials play an important role in many of the projects we produce.
Silver Partners
A big thank you to our Silver Partners as well, whose support and product contributions helped bring the booth together.
- Richelieu Hardware – a global leader in specialty hardware solutions.
- McFadden’s – trusted distributors of quality hardwood and hardware products.
- Weston Premium Woods – suppliers of exceptional lumber and wood products.
Honorable Mentions
Finally, we would also like to recognize several additional brands whose materials and surfaces continue to inspire the design community and contribute to the incredible palette of products available to custom fabricators like us.
- HanStone
- Caesarstone Canada
- Marbella
A Big Moment for a Custom Cabinet Maker from London, Ontario
For us, IDS 2026 represented more than just a trade show.
It was a moment where we could proudly showcase what a fully in-house custom cabinetry and millwork company from London, Ontario, Canada can create.
From design and engineering to manufacturing and installation, every piece of our work is produced with intention, precision, and a passion for doing things differently. And judging by the reactions at IDS… people noticed.
We’ll Be Back
Our first year at IDS Toronto exceeded every expectation.
We left the show inspired, motivated, and excited for what’s ahead. Meeting so many talented and passionate people reminded us that the design community in Canada is incredibly strong — and we’re grateful to be part of it.
So, to everyone who visited us, supported us, and encouraged us along the way:
Thank you.
This was just the beginning.
And you can count on seeing Martin Jesko Custom Cabinetry back at IDS again.
Without hesitation.
See you next year.