NeoCon has been setting the tone for commercial office furniture trends since 1990, and lighting the way for revolutionary designs of the commercial industry as a whole. Every year, NeoCon hosts more than 40,000 attendees and 400 companies to exhibit their latest furniture solutions, as well as keynotes, special events, and workshops for entrepreneurs and design professionals to connect and educate each other. And this year is no exception. With the best and brightest minds brought together, what are the NeoCon 2023 trends that we saw last month in June?
One thing’s for certain: the pandemic has heavily impacted the way we see the workplace, and the design industry has been significantly changed.
Trend 1: Sustainability
Sustainability is a rising concern in production. Consumers are increasingly aware of where their products come from, and it’s become one of the main factors they consider when buying furniture. This makes “green” furniture attractive to manufacturers from an ideological perspective. But not only that – sustainable furniture reduces carbon footprint, lengthens the lifespan of the product, and creates a circular economy that utilizes recycling and repurposing.
Photo: Via Seating Vooom Chair
Via Seating’s Vooom chair won the Sustainability Award with their sustainable seating solution. Vooom has a distinctive wing arm design and is made up of 60% recycled PET bottles in its chair shell and is 100% recyclable.
Trend 2: Wellness
Wellness goes hand-in-hand with sustainability. The world today is fast-paced and full of uncertainties, leaving many stressed and stretched thin. As a result, designers are now leaning into the human aspect of care to facilitate relaxation and gain balance. More and more, furniture these days are made with the environment and the people who use them in mind. No longer are workers expected to act like drones; designers are responding to changing needs in workspaces for people by using natural materials to enhance wellbeing. Materials like wood and soft, soothing colors create a sense of warmth and comfort and ties into other trends like sustainability and biophilia.
Photo: DARRAN Dove Guest, Lounge & Rocking Chairs
DARRAN’s Dove guest, lounge and rocking chair series is welcoming with its molded PET shell that is custom made to fit the perfect ergonomic shape for seating. It combines natural and recycled materials for extra stability and comfort.
Trend 3: Technology
Technology has come a long way from computers and copy machines when it comes to the office. The influence of technology on furniture design has become increasingly prevalent especially in the past few years, when we were forced to rely on it and find new ways to integrate it to our work culture during the pandemic. During NeoCon 2023, smart furniture is seeing a rise. Smart furniture has made its way into the workforce in the form of furniture being equipped with technology to adjust height, collect data on comfort preferences and more, to create an interactive space. Media tables are also frequently used as a flexible area, as an easy way to gather groups for quick online meetings and break apart for individual work. Technology has become a crucial solution to issues like ergonomic optimization, hybrid workspaces and productivity. It’s an irrefutable game-changer that is here to stay.
Photo: Via Seating Ergonomic 4-UP Chair
Via Seating’s 4-UP chair is an excellent example of technology at work with its focus on providing incredible ergonomics and comfort. The upholstered backs have adjustable lumbar standards and advanced control mechanisms that use single rotation adjustments for back and body options.
Trend 4: Flexibility
As the next generation heads into the workforce, productivity changes appearance. Nowadays, workplaces are willing to be more flexible, capable of working with their employees to find a space they can concentrate in. This was a trend this year in NeoCon 2023 because it allows for employees to have more adaptability and personalization in their workspaces, and are easily reconfigured to accommodate different needs. Flexible furniture consists of modular furniture, adjustable desks, collaborative seating and more. Optimization and fluidity is the objective of flexible furniture.
Photo: Senator CoLab Modular Workspace Series
Senator’s modular furniture series, CoLab, is the personification of flexibility. It was created to accommodate changing approaches to work, so whether you need to sit, stand, or perch – feel free to pick the posture you need to inject fresh energy.
Neocon 2023 Trends Deliver For the Future
As always, NeoCon never disappoints. With the latest trends pointing towards a more health-oriented workplace, it is guaranteed that the future of the commercial industry is looking bright.
What are some trends you would like to see?
Interested in More NeoCon 2023 Trends?
Interested in learning more? Stay tuned for our upcoming article on our NeoCon 2023 trends favorites, and winners of the coveted awards won each year.
With a combined 50 years of experience, 2010 Office Furniture is always at the forefront of the latest trends in office furniture and equipment. If you need help and guidance on planning and furnishing your office space, we can help! 2010 Office Furniture has worked with clients who are among Southern California’s most distinguished corporations, nonprofits, and small businesses. Contact us with your office furniture planning and design needs.
Read Also: NeoCon 2022 Trends: The Future of Office Furniture
Main Photo: Stylex Seating Luna Lounge Seating
Resources & Special Thanks to Respective Product Manufacturers: DARRAN, Senator, Stylex Seating and Via Seating
