NeoCon 2023 Trends: Lighting the Way to a Better Workspace

NeoCon Trends 2023 Stylex Seating Luna Lounge Seating

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.

NeoCon Trends 2023 Via Seating Vooom Chair
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.

NeoCon Trends 2023 Darran Dove Lounge Seating
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.

NeoCon Trends 2023 Via Seating 4-UP Chair
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.

NeoCon Trends 2023 Senator CoLab Worspaces
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 Californias 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, SenatorStylex Seating and Via Seating 

Editor’s Top Picks: NeoCon 2023 Winners

NeoCon 2023 Winners Senator Enwork Koncept

As NeoCon 2023 wraps up, we’re seeing the frontlines of the future emerge with cutting edge products from over 400 companies that attended the event. As the single most significant show in the commercial design industry, NeoCon attracted over 50,000 attendees over the course of three days, and named this year’s Best of NeoCon 2023 winners from more than 54 product categories.

NeoCon 2023 Winners

There are 6 available awards: the Gold Award, Silver Award, Innovation Award, Sustainability Award, Best of Competition Award and the new Business Impact Award. Each entry can be given one Gold Award and one Silver Award, defined by the top winner and second-highest performer of its category. The Innovation Award is given to products that offer a fresh solution through either the introduction of new goods or an improvement of an existing product while the Sustainability Award ensures the product has an environmentally-friendly manufacturing process. The Business Impact Award was just introduced this year to recognize impressive solutions that contribute to business productivity.

Every year NeoCon sets higher and higher standards. Every year there are an exceptional few who meet them.

So what are the latest outstanding designs in the world of furniture?  Here our our favorites!

Cayman by Enwork

GOLD WINNER / FURNITURE SYSTEMS – Enwork earns the Gold Award for the furniture systems category with their Cayman case-goods collection that redefines conference and private office landscapes. Cayman offers top-of-the-line aesthetics with a soft touch to revolutionizing the user experience in private offices and conference settings. Most notable, Enwork brings the comforts of home to the workplace, while elevating traditional design, with Cayman’s striking and iconic cantilevered work surface – along with a height-adjustable return, storage spaces and other customizable features.

NeoCon 2023 Winners Enwork Cayman Private Office and Conference Casegoods
Photo: Enwork Cayman Private Office and Conference Casegoods Collection

CoLab by Senator

SILVER WINNER / COLLABORATION – A leading company all on its own, Senator achieves greatness once again with their latest product: CoLab Modular Workspaces. CoLab is a result of 2 years of research into global pedagogy trends. With a focus on higher education models and changing approaches to work, Senator created CoLab to be an adaptable, durable, and recyclable working and learning environment that can support every mode of work. Learning plays a crucial role in shaping who we are and by recognizing that, Senator has been awarded the Silver Award in the collaboration category.

NeoCon 2023 Winners Senator CoLab Workspace
Photo: Senator CoLab Modular Workspaces

Dove by DARRAN

SILVER & INNOVATION AWARD WINNER / LOUNGE SEATING – DARRAN won the Silver and Innovation Award in the lounge category with their Dove Lounge Seating. Dove is designed to be soft and inviting, merging natural and recycled materials for sustainable means. Its hardwood frame and recycled PET ergonomic shell creates a chair that allows people to sit for hours without discomfort. Visually distinctive, Dove sparks a connection between natural and built environments.

NeoCon 2023 Winners DARRAN Dove Lounge Seating
Photo: DARRAN Dove Lounge Seating

Luna by Stylex

GOLD WINNER / MODULAR SEATING – Stylex stole the show with their Luna Banquette Lounge Seating collection. Luna is designed for collaborative use, equipped with rounded edges and ergonomic support. It’s innovative, modern design is available in high or low back models and with optional planters. Luna pairs well with Still screens, Stylex’s acoustical privacy walls, and allows further freedom to create separate workspaces within a larger space. With a clean, streamlined look and premium luxe materials that surpass others, it’s no wonder that Stylex won the Gold Award for the modular seating category.

NeoCon 2023 Winners Stylex Luna Lounge Seating
Photo: Stylex Luna Banquette Lounge Seating

Elara by OFS

GOLD WINNER / SOFA SEATING – OFS is a longtime contestant at NeoCon. With many awards under their belt, the Elara Lounge Seating is just the latest of their achievements. Derived from the Greek word for moon, Elara’s soft curves and wide frame is crafted as the perfect solution for the workplace and healthcare environments. The frame is made of durable powder-coated steel, while the seats and back are upholstered in customizable fabric and leathers. OFS designed this product to offer comfort, durability, and easy cleanability, winning the Gold Award for the sofa category.

NeoCon 2023 Winners OFS Elara Lounge Seating
Photo: OFS Elara Lounge Seating

4-UP by Via Seating

BUSINESS IMPACT AWARD WINNER / ERGONOMIC DESK & TASK – Via Seating has one goal: to make the world greener with the 4-UP Ergonomic Task Chair series. 4-UP is designed to add ambiance and sophistication to any environment it inhabits. With its range of backs and two seat options, 4-UP embodies great design, function and comfort. It’s also made of Via Seating’s signature comfort foam: a proprietary blend of high-density, injection-molded comfort foam so durable that Via Seating swears by a 12 year warranty. This attention to detail earned Via Seating the Business Impact Award for the ergonomic desk/task category.

NeoCon 2023 Winners Via Seating 4-UP Chair
Photo: Via Seating 4-UP Ergonomic Task Chair

Ooty by Allermuir

GOLD WINNER / STOOLS SEATING – Allermuir is a veteran at NeoCon, submitting many award-winning entries over the past few years. Their latest product, Ooty, won the Gold Award for the stool category. Allermuir’s objective was to create a stool with one component to eliminate waste and prove a sustainable solution. The result was Ooty: a multi-use product that could double as a stool or side table. This piece is lightweight and stackable, allowing for the ultimate ease of movement. Ooty is a functional, versatile and fun piece to add to commercial and residential settings.

NeoCon 2023 Winners Allermuir Ooty Stools
Photo: Allermuir Ooty Stools

Yurei by KONCEPT INC.

GOLD WINNER / TASK LIGHTING – Koncept has always focused on bringing the best creative lighting solutions to the industry. The Yurei Co-Working Light can fit in with any unique decor decisions you make with its sleek and modern design. The table lamp version is multifunctional, featuring a built-in USB-C charging port and warm white light with up to 3000K light color and 60,000 hour lifespan that allows users to stay connected. Koncept’s Gold Award for task lighting category is well-deserved.

NeoCon 2023 Winners Koncept Yurei Work Lamp
Photo: Koncept Yurei Work Lamps

Susu by DARRAN

SILVER WINNER / OCCASIONAL TABLES – DARRAN Furniture has many stand-out designs and the Susu Occasional Table series is one of them with its beautiful simplicity, embodying the idea of “Beauty in Small Things.” With sleek design lines, elegant architecture, sustainable materials and beautiful finishes, Susu is sure to fit right in with the future of furniture. This table is made with pressed PET shells to create a two-tone visual, and support the table surfaces with robust metal bases for commercial use. The Susu collection incorporates an unexpected softness and hybrid texture that differentiates this collection from the rest in the occasional category, winning DARRAN the Silver Award.

NeoCon 2023 Winners DARRAN Susu Tables
Photo: DARRAN Susu Occasional Tables

Tibo by Allermuir

GOLD WINNER / OUTDOOR SEATING: Allermuir’s Tibo Bench and Table System follows the latest trend in multi-use furniture. Capable of seating people indoors and outdoors with its combined bench and table system, Tibo’s objective was to allow natural interaction and spur collaboration between people. Tibo comes in 3 sizes and is engineered around an aluminum frame for strength and lightness. Encourage creative collaboration and interaction with one of Allermuir’s latest innovation, the Gold Award Winner of the outdoor seating category.

NeoCon 2023 Winners Allermuir Tibo Bench
Photo: Allermuir Tibo Indoor/Outdoor Bench and Table System

All NeoCon 2023 Winners

For a complete list of Best of NeoCon 2023 winners, please visit the official NeoCon website here.

Interested More in NeoCon 2023?

Looking for more info or inspiration?  Explore all the latest office furniture possibilities with the specialists at 2010 Office Furniture. Our team has nearly 50 years of combined experience working with Southern California’s most distinguished corporations, universities, and small business from Los Angeles and Orange Counties to the Inland Empire.

Contact us and let us know about your potential project needs.  We can help you create the modern office that fits perfectly for you and your employees.

Read Also: NeoCon 2023 Trends: Lighting the Way to a Better Workspace
Main Photo: NeoCon 2023 Winners – Senator CoLab Workspaces, Enwork Cayman Desk & Koncept Yurei Lamps
Resources & Special Thanks to Respective Product Manufacturers: AllermuirDARRAN, Enwork, Koncept, OFSSenatorStylex Seating and Via Seating 

NeoCon 2023 Countdown Begins!

NeoCon 2023 OFS Zero Chairs

NeoCon 2023 is fast approaching, and with it the chance to see the latest innovation in furniture.

NeoCon is the most important event of the year for the commercial design industry since 1969. It takes place at the famous Merchandise Mart, also known as “The Mart,” in Chicago and is only open to trade professionals. They divide their entries into categories, ranging from Furniture, Fabrics, Flooring, Interior Building Products, Interior Finishes and Technology to markets such as Workplace, Healthcare, Hospitality, Retail, Education, Public Space and Government. NeoCon is an event of creativity and growth that allows professionals to see the latest the furniture world has to offer and attend educational programs to make connections, learn, and offer their insight and expertise on important topics in the industry today.

A Look Back at NeoCon 2022

Typically organized by Merchandise Mart Properties Inc., the most recent NeoCon was held in 2022. For three days, from June 13 – 15, the exhibit hall was the heart of NeoCon, where over 500 exhibitors showcased the latest products and trends in commercial design. The key themes that emerged from them were sustainable design, the increased use of technology to enhance the workplace, adaptable, flexible spaces in a post-pandemic world, and a focus on employee wellness.


Photo: OFS Heya Table

KONCEPT INC. won the Gold Award for the lighting section with their Focaccia Desk Lamp and Silver Award for the Combi Pendant Light while OFS  presented a new series of seating products that won the Sustainability award with their natural materials.


Photo: Koncept Focaccia Desk and Floor Lighting 

Scandinavian Spaces also won the Innovation award in the furniture category with their Yarn chair for its environmentally-friendly textiles and organic design.


Photo: Scandinavian Spaces Yarn Chairs

NeoCon 2022 offered a glimpse of the future where design can be used to create more productive, comfortable, and green workplaces.

Looking Forward to NeoCon 2023

This year, NeoCon is going to take place on June 12 – 14. It will feature 56 product categories that will be evaluated onsite by a diverse panel of juries that consist of renowned architects, designers, and others with a mastery in commercial, healthcare, education, and hospitality sectors. While there are typically 5 awards available, as of 2023, NeoCon is also announcing that the best entries will be granted a Business Impact Award as recognition of outstanding solutions through industry-oriented lens.

What Will NeoCon 2023 Trends Be?

What key trends can we expect to see at NeoCon 2023? Many of the post-pandemic trends are still prevalent today.


Photo: OFS Denro Table

Sustainable materials continue to be popular; consumers are now more aware than ever of their impact on the environment and are seeking green materials. Long-lasting, environmental-friendly furniture solutions is a trend that’s here to stay.


Photo: Allermuir Various Seating Collections 


Photo: OFS Roo Planters

Wellness is another trend expected to extend into 2023 and beyond because designers have finally found the balance between motivation and relaxation. The importance of wellness is also backed by studies that show how flexible office layouts lead to more productive and happy employees. Wellness-focused design include features like ergonomic furniture, natural light and fresh air, thermal comfort and biophilic design.

We can look forward to further technology integration; technology is growing increasingly advanced and is taking the workplace with them in the form of touch-screen displays, smart lighting, and integrated audio/visual systems.


Photo: Stylex Underline Seating

Bold and colorful interiors influenced by the 70s are also making a comeback—designers are all about channeling the exuberant energy and innovation from that decade to the present.

Curved furniture is another rising trend in 2023; adding a soft touch to the straight lines and clinical design of spaces. In tandem with sustainable design, color palettes with a focus on green, brown, and cream shades are popular throughout this year for its calming effect.

2010 Office Furniture Knows the Latest Trends

What are you looking forward to seeing from NeoCon 2023?  Stay tuned for upcoming updates covering the much anticipated event taking place next week.

With a combined 50 years of experience, the team at 2010 Office Furniture is committed to always being at the forefront of the latest and greatest 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 Californias 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: OFS Brands Zero Chairs
Resources & Special Thanks to Respective Product Manufacturers: Allermuir, Koncept Lighting, OFS Brands, Scandinavian Spaces and Stylex Seating

Editor’s Choice: NeoCon 2022 Winners

NeoCon 2022 Winners

What’s in store for the future of office furniture? NeoCon 2022 dazzled the world this month with game-changing innovations and revolutionary new products unveiled by more than 400 leading companies.  As the single most important event in the commercial design industry, this annual show drew nearly 40,000 attendants to Chicago to celebrate upcoming trends in furniture, textiles, building materials, lighting, wall coverings, accessories, outdoor products and more. Every year a selected panel of industry professionals announces the “Best of NeoCon” winners,  honoring outstanding new products in 54 product categories.  Below are some of ourfavorite NeoCon 2022 winners and standouts, capturing our imaginations with their thoughtful designs, unique features, and the promise of better, exciting times ahead.

Amobi by AMQ

INNOVATION WINNER / FURNITURE SYSTEMS – AMQ has long since been a reliable company that regularly produces modern products on quick timelines for a great budget. At NeoCon 2022, AMQ’s Amobi won the Innovation Award for the Furniture Systems category. Amobi gives us a glimpse of the future of work; it exemplifies a more collaborative and fluid style of working and recognizes the need for rapid configuration for a more flexible workflow. The Amobi Desk is a mobile workstation with easy transport and storage design, as well as additional privacy options. Amobi Team pairs well with the desk, featuring a family of mobile carts and walls that double as collaboration hubs or privacy walls.


Photo: AMQ Amobi Agile Workspaces

Focaccia by Koncept

GOLD WINNER / LIGHTING: TASK – The Focaccia Desk Lamp is another leading product that showcases the recent trends of the workplace: flexibility. With its sleek metal frame and slim base, Focaccia is an unobtrusive addition to your desk. Focaccia also offers an adjustable soft, diffused light from 2700k to 5000k, making it perfect for professionals that need minimal shadows and maximum luminescence.


Photo: Koncept Focaccia Desk Lamp

Fleet by OFS

SILVER WINNER / COLLECTIONS FOR COLLABORATION – OFS strikes again with the Silver Award winner Fleet Collection. Made to adapt to the everchanging flow of work and life, Fleet is made through “Soft Architecture,” architectural furniture designed to never make you feel like you’re boxed into a cubicle. Fleet’s tables are oval-shaped and come with optional casters for easy mobility. Their conference tables can be personalized with a canopy and media screen. Fleet seating complement their tables with their three different stool models to fit the user’s needs. Fleet planters add a pop of green in a variety of shapes to energize the office.


Photo: OFS Fleet Series

Kaleid by OFS

GOLD WINNER / WORKPLACE ACCESSORIES – In line with the philosophies of the Fleet Collection, Kaleid  was made to match increasingly dynamic offices. The Kaleid Collaborative Division Shelves are crafted with warm wood and come in multiple configurations and options for media units. Whether you want to use it as a board, self-watering planters, or shelving unit, Kaleid can adapt itself to fit your needs.


Photo: OFS Brands Kaleid Collection

Plot Twist by OM Seating

GOLD WINNER / SEATING: STOOLS – Whimsical, playful and lightweight, Plot Twist by OM Seating brings people together in a creative and collaborative way.  Featuring the fun, warm comfort of a pouf and robust optional adjustable height tablet surfaces, the collection reimagines casual brainstorming sessions, impromptu meanings and sharing of ideas – all the while being easily mobile.  They can also be configured with or without a backrest, and are available in multiple vibrant colors.

Photo: OM Seating Plot Twist

Adapt Wall by Senator

GOLD WINNER / COLLECTIONS FOR COLLABORATION – The Adapt Wall Partitions are Senator’s solution to the change of the individual’s daily work routine. Crowned the Gold Award for NeoCon’s collaboration collection category, Adapt serves as a mobile partition with additional functions such as a drawing board, shelf, coat hanger, and more. With four configurations in mind, Adapt enables a more agile, fluid, and flexible dynamic within the office.


Photo: Senator Adapt Wall Partitions

CellPod by Senator

2010 EDITOR’S HONORABLE MENTION – Innovation meets collaboration with Senator’s CellPod series. Senator gives a nod to the importance of collaboration with CellPod, a fully demountable room that still provides all the architectural qualities and services you would expect from a traditionally built environment. The CellPod has four configurations: Cabana, Focus, Meeting, and Round Personal. Cabana features a more open setting with its three-sided walls for larger meetings, while Focus and Round Personal were created to help the user immerse themselves in their work with no interruptions. The Meeting CellPod offers a more intimate meeting and collaboration space for smaller groups of people.


Photo: Senator CellPod

Reya by SitOnIt

SILVER WINNER / WORK FROM HOME SOLUTIONS – Reya is the desk for everyone, whether this means official or family business. Marketed as a work-from-home piece, Reya provides a dedicated place to escape the clutter with customizable options. This desk features rounded corners and a slim, modern design, capable of fitting into almost any room. Reya also boasts a patent-pending, lightning-fast assembly, meaning users don’t have to break a sweat putting this desk together.


Photo: SitOnIt Seating Reya Desk

Umo by Stylex

SILVER WINNER / TABLES: OCCASIONAL – Turn heads with the Stylex Umo Table. With its unique base and wood materials, Umo serves multiple functions, from adding visual warmth to any space to its efficient utility as an accent table. Featuring 4 wood finishes, the Umo Table is perfect for spaces that blur the lines between residential and commercial.


Photo: Stylex Umo Table

Jeté by Via Seating

SUSTAINABILITY WINNER / SEATING: CONFERENCE – The Via Seating Jete Chair is a conversation-starter with its distinctive European aesthetic and multitude of features. Jete is a combination of Via Seating’s signature comfort, unmatched design, and sustainable innovation. Available in high and mid back forms, as well as a variety of customizable upholstery and arms options, Jete creates an uncompromising standard for all executive-conference chairs.


Photo: Via Seating Jeté Chair

All NeoCon 2022 Winners

For a complete list of Best of NeoCon winners, please visit the official NeoCon website here.

Interested More in NeoCon 2022?

Looking for more info or inspiration?  Explore all the latest office furniture possibilities with the specialists at 2010 Office Furniture. Our team has nearly 50 years of combined experience working with Southern California’s most distinguished corporations, universities, and small business from Los Angeles and Orange Counties to the Inland Empire.

Contact us and let us know about your potential project needs.  We can help you create the modern office that fits perfectly for you and your employees.

Read Also: NeoCon 2022 Trends: The Future of Office Furniture
Main Photo: OM Seating Plot Twist, OFS Fleet and Senator CellPod
Resources & Special Thanks to Respective Product Manufacturers: NeoCon
AMQKonceptOFS BrandsOM Seating, Senator, SitOnIt Seating, StylexTrendway and Via Seating

NeoCon 2022 Trends: The Future of Office Furniture

NeoCon 2022 Trends

Every year, NeoCon takes our breath away with the unveiling of new and revolutionary designs in commercial office furniture. This year is no exception as the largest event of the industry introduced all the long awaited NeoCon 2022 trends earlier this month. Since 1990, NeoCon has been the leading hub of the commercial design community, giving designers, architects, end-users, manufacturers, dealers, service providers, associations, educators, students and media the chance to educate and, at equal turns, learn about game-changing products and services from more than 400 leading companies and emerging competitors. Countless products are entered for the chance of recognition at the world’s leading platform.

With 10 categories ranging from Best of Competition to Textiles, NeoCon is pivotal to setting trends. So what’s new in the world of commercial design?

Trend 1: Micro Spaces

Micro spaces—such as pods, dens or booths—are receiving an upgrade as one of the biggest NeoCon 2022 trends. It was the solution to the issues of the open office, a floor plan meant to foster collaboration, but instead can result in very distracting, noisy environments where employees find it challenging for concentrated work. Micro spaces on the other hand create a comfortable workspace that allow people to focus. They provide a quiet, less exposed environment for individual work, but glass doors and open doorways also ensure people aren’t completely cut off from the pulse of the company. Even better, in light of the pandemic, micro spaces can reduce the spread of diseases by preventing too many people from inhabiting a crowded area.

Groupe Lacasse PanGram Social Distancing Office Design and Nevins Phone Booth provide excellent micro spaces that tastefully transforms otherwise unused spaces to functional private work environments.


Photo: Groupe Lacasse PanGram and Nevins Phone Booth

Trend 2: Flexible Furniture

If there is anything office interior designers observed from the past three years, it’s that we no longer need X desks for Y people. We are no longer in the era of cubicle farms. How we work has changed and the office has changed with us. The office can now be rearranged to support different ways of working. Areas like open-plan benching, micro spaces, and breakrooms will give your team more chances to personalize their work experiences and boost productivity.

The OFS Fleet personifies adaptability. The Fleet table can be reconfigured for individual, group, and organizational needs.


Photo: OFS Fleet

Trend 3: Resimercial Inspiration

The resimercial aesthetic has been a popular trend in recent years and continues to be seen as one of the NeoCon 2022 trends. It’s a furnishing style meant to bring the relaxed feel of home into the formal office environment. Since quarantine, workers have been enjoying the ability to work from the comforts of home. To draw them back to the office, designers have taken inspiration from where they’ve been working in, bringing in furniture that emphasizes comfortable seating, ambient lighting, durable upholstery, and accessories like rugs and lamps.

Check out the National Collette Seating, a product that inspires employees to work in a space that exemplifies comfort and is reminiscent of home.


Photo: National Collette Seating

Trend 4: Bold Colors

Bold colors are making a comeback after years of using calm, neutral colors. Adding a beautiful pop of color can liven the office up. How organizations use colors often set the tone for the company’s culture, from calm to cheerful.

NeoCon 2022 showcases flexible ways to bring color into your space through accessories. For instance, this Stylex Trim Table setup features different brightly colored privacy walls and accessories that add an air of playfulness to the setting. ERG’s International Parma Table has accents of vivid colors that liven up offices.


Photo: Stylex Trim Table and ERG International Parma Table

Trend 5: Acoustic Materials

We’ve learned from past office trends that the cubicle farm made workers feel isolated and dehumanized. In an effort to find a more flexible solution for privacy and quiet, designers had to look away from hard surfaces because they cause sounds to echo and magnify. Soft surfaces like acoustic walls are the perfect sweet spot for the office because it not only reduces noise but have the mobility to be set up and rearranged at any time.  It’s no wonder that it’s one of this year’s top NeoCon 2022 trends.

Snowsound’s Botanica is a modern, lightweight acoustic screen made with high-quality sound absorbing elements that reduces ambient noise.


Photo: Snowsound Botanic Acoustic Panel

Trend 6: Touch Down Spaces

Throughout the years, we’ve been seeing more and more rigid work structures in our offices change and evolve with the people. No longer are meeting rooms only for large groups of people doing formal presentations. Employees are looking for more personal meeting spaces that are more informal and can easily be set up or reconfigured and separated in a flash.

This HON Preside Table and Flock Seating setup, as well as the OFS Obeya Architectural Structures, provide two perfect examples of touch down spaces. Whether you’re there for a group project or “me time,” these support your needs to get work done.


Photo: HON Preside Table and Flock Seating and OFS Obeya Architectural Structure

Trend 7: Retro Influence

We’re seeing a resurgence of old trends. The 70’s design style is usually touted as an ugly mistake with shag carpets and strange color combinations, but in a time when color can represent optimism and play, we’re glad to see it back as part of NeoCon 2022 trends.

National’s Hobsen Chair exhibits obvious 70s influence with its earthy, warm color scheme, psychedelic patterns, and wood accents.


Photo: National Hobsen Chair

NeoCon 2022 Trends Showcases Innovation at Every Turn

NeoCon has been a trendsetter for commercial design since 1990 and continues to be so to this day. From new trends such as touchdown spaces and callbacks to retro inspiration, NeoCon gives the stage to leading competitors to stun the world with new office products and solutions.

Interested More in NeoCon 2022 Trends?

Looking for more info or inspiration?  Explore all the latest office furniture possibilities with the specialists at 2010 Office Furniture. Our team has nearly 50 years of combined experience working with Southern California’s most distinguished corporations, universities, and small business from Los Angeles and Orange Counties to the Inland Empire.

Contact us and let us know about your potential project needs.  We can help you create the modern office that fits perfectly for you and your employees.

Read Also: Office Furniture Trends 2022: What’s New in Commercial Office Furniture
Main Photo: Senator Adapt Wall
Resources & Special Thanks to Respective Product Manufacturers: ERG International, Groupe Lacasse, HON, National, Nevins, OFS Brands, Snowsound & Stylex

NeoCon 2019 Office Furniture Trends

TRENDS BLOOM AT NEOCON – 2019 OFFICE FURNITURE TRENDS

Tens of thousands of guests from around the globe were dazzled at NeoCon 2019 a couple of weeks ago at Chicago’s historic Merchandise Mart, as top industry names such as Herman Miller, Vitra, Steelcase and more lead the world’s biggest manufacturers in showcasing their most impressive and newest products.  As the single most important event of the year for commercial office furniture, NeoCon is the world’s leading platform for commercial design innovation and networking.  Hundred of brands were represented in areas of furniture, textiles, building materials, lighting, wall coverings, floor coverings, outdoor products, accessories and more. 

Every year, NeoCon gives us a special glimpse into the future.  From the most popular colors, fabrication and materials to progressive shapes, structures and cutting-edge innovations, here are the top trends we found at the show.

LIGHTING STEALS THE SHOW

Manufacturers definitely pulled out all the stops inside their showrooms–and it was oftentimes difficult not to look up.  Fabulous lighting displays were everywhere this year at the Merchandise Mart, attracting guests to each of the beautifully designed rooms and vignettes.  Lighting was no longer there just to complement, but instead wow the guests and lead them in.  Maybe–just maybe–it really is all about the lighting..?

NeoCon 2019 Office Furniture Trends: 1) BUZZISPACE 2) HUMANSCALE 3) STEELCASE 4) STEELCASE

PASTELS & NEONS LEAD A RAINBOW CAST

Among the dizzying display of rainbow colors, 2 types were no doubt up front and center: pastels and neons.  Pastels came in all different hues, but there was definitely a love affair with dusty pinks, magentas and salmons this year (probably trickling down from Millennial Pink’s fading popularity, and Pantone’s 2019 hot color of the year, Living Coral).  Neons were also very much in your face, especially with highlighter yellows and greens.  But one thing’s for sure, the colors didn’t stop there.  There was a bold experimentation with geometric color-blocking and mixing-and-matching of everything–from neutral palettes to bright, cheerful hues, and to darker, brooding tones such as burgundy and teal.

NeoCon 2019 Office Furniture Trends: 5) OM 6) HAWORTH 7) STEELCASE 8) GLOBAL

DECADENT TEXTURES & FABRICS

One universal theme that was clear and very much present at NeoCon 2019 was comfort.  And nothing says comfort more than fabrics and materials that draw us in and make us feel good.  From luxurious fur, velvets and felt to exquisite leather, chenille and quilted surfaces, this is the era of rich, decadent textures and fabrics. And we all want to be enveloped in them–not just at home–but at the workplace.

NeoCon 2019 Office Furniture Trends: 9) ARCADIA 10) INDIANA FURNITURE 11) STEELCASE 12) HAWORTH

REAL FURNITURE HAVE CURVES

Falling under the comfort theme, we were shocked at how much curves there were in many of the furniture design displayed.  It seemed as though there was a unified, conscious effort to make sure everything was rounded off, softened up, and cushioned.  And when you saw something that was hard-edged or sharp, its starkness was minimized with blunt edges and organic textures.  Gone are the days of sharp and sleek. For now, it’s bye-bye furniture anorexia and hello furniture with curves.

NeoCon 2019 Office Furniture Trends: 13) DAUPHIN 14) OFS BRANDS 15) JASPER GROUP 16) BOSS DESIGN

THOUGHTFUL GREENERY & BIOPHILIA

Biophilia in recent years have taken root and flourished into our offices, reaching its peak in 2017 when Pantone announced Greenery as color of the year.  Now, a more refined way of introducing the outdoors indoors was seen throughout many of the showrooms.  It was no longer trees, plants and leaves galore.  Greenery was tastefully pulled back and incorporated in more thoughtful, inventive and even quirky ways.

NeoCon 2019 Office Furniture Trends: 17) GLOBAL 18) STEELCASE 19) KRUG 20) AIS

ALL ABOUT PRIVACY

We all knew it was coming.  When office walls started to disappear around the early 2000’s to make room for collaborative open-plan layouts, our privacy went along with them.  Now, there is a much stronger need and demand for private, secluded spaces for quiet, concentrated work.  We were excited to see many innovative solutions that were offered at this year’s show.

NeoCon 2019 Office Furniture Trends: 21) NOOK 22) STEELCASE 23) SILEN SPACE 24) JASPER GROUP

RESIMERCIAL COMFORT TO RESORT BLISS

Resimercial design, which was huge in last year’s show,  helped bring the comforts of home to the office.  It provided professionals comfortable, informal workspaces where they can be productive, collaborative, and dynamic.  This year (as though feeling at home wasn’t enough) we saw a lot of rich, natural, soothing wood finishes, parachute chord details, light and airy curtains (serving as room dividers) and wicker weave applications–all reminiscent of being at a 5 star island resort.  It was as if resimercial design is now giving way to hospitality design.

NeoCon 2019 Office Furniture Trends: 25) OFS BRANDS 26) HERMAN MILLER 27) HERMAN MILLER 28) HAWORTH

Read Top 5 Commercial Office Furniture Trends – 2018 NeoCon
Main Photo by: Global
Resources & Special Thanks to: Respective Product Manufacturers
Photos by: 2010 Office Furniture

 

NeoCon 2019 Winners

NeoCon 2019 Winners

CONTRACT MAGAZINE ANNOUNCES NEOCON  2019 WINNERS

Every year, Contract Magazine hosts the Best of NeoCon Competition which surveys the latest and greatest in commercial product design and highlights standout entries in various design categories.  The 2019 winners were announced during an awards breakfast on June 10 at the Renaissance Hotel in Chicago, Illinois, where eighty-three awards and recognitions   were given, including six Editor’s Choice awards, eight Innovation awards, and a Best of Competition prize.  Below are all winners from this year’s competition. Drumroll and envelopes please!—Here are the Best of NeoCon 2019 winners:

Acoustic Panels & Solutions

Gold: Snowsound: FLAT
Silver: Luxxbox: Linea Acoustic LED Lighting System

Acoustic Privacy & Modular Solutions

Gold: OFS: Leant To
Silver: Framery Acoustics: Framery 2Q


(Image Source – OFS: Leant To)

Architectural & Decorative Glass

Silver: Skyline Design: Oblique & Chevron

Architectural Products

Gold and Best of Competition: OFS: Obeya
Silver: Connectrac: Flex


(Image Source – OFS: Obeya)

Carpet: Broadloom

Gold: Tarkett: Tatami System
Silver: Mohawk Group: Textural Effects

Carpet: Contract Area Rugs

Innovation: Mohawk Group: Connecting Neurons Definity

Carpet: Modular

Gold: Patcraft: Deconstructed Felt
Silver: Shaw Contract: Suited

Case Goods

Gold: HALCON: HALO Office
Silver: Herman Miller: Geiger One Casegoods

Conference Room Furniture

Gold: Nucraft: Alev
Innovation: Tuohy Furniture Corp.: Meich Tables
Silver: Andreu World: Reverse Wood

Education Solutions

Gold: VS America: JUMPER
Silver: Keilhauer: Buncha

Flooring: Hard Surface LVT & Planks

Gold: Patcraft: Handloom
Innovation: Metroflor Corp.: Metroforms with Attraxion Magnetic Attachment Technology
Silver: Milliken & Co.: Change Agent LVT

Furniture Collections for Collaboration

Gold: Steelcase: Flex Collection
Innovation: Teknion: Bene Box
Silver: STYLEX: Free Address


(Image Source – STYLEX: Free Address)

Furniture Systems & Enhancements

Gold: Watson Furniture Group: Cloud 9 Rail
Silver: HALCON: HALO Office

Furniture: Benching

Gold: Innovant: Cross Benching

Healthcare Fabrics & Textiles

Gold: Designtex: Biophilia 2.0
Silver: CF Stinson: Chiaroscuro Collection

Healthcare Flooring

Gold: Teknoflor: Coordination Collection
Silver: Mohawk Group: True Hues

Healthcare Guest & Lounge Seating

Gold: Kwalu: Prizzi Lounge
Healthcare Patient Seating
Silver: Spec Furniture: Tailor HD

Lighting: Decorative & Hospitality

Gold: Eaton: Shaper Sense Acoustic LED Luminaires
Silver: LightArt: Acoustic Wing

Lounge Furniture Collections

Gold: Haworth Inc.: Cabana Lounge
Silver: Andreu World: Rap Sofa

Movable Walls

Gold: Teknion: Tek Vue
Silver: Allsteel: Beyond Pavilion

Office Accessories

Gold: Allsteel: Radii
Silver: Watson Furniture Group: Cloud 9 Cart and Garage

Seating: Bar Stools

Editors’ Choice: Martin Brattrud: Cumbia
Gold: Davis Furniture Industries: Muse Barstool

Seating: Benches

Editors’ Choice: Nienkämper: Heartbeat
Gold: Green Furniture Concept: Nova C Perch
Silver: Allermuir: Axyl Bench


(Image Source – Allermuir: Axyl Bench)

Seating: Conference

Gold: OFS: Kasura
Silver: Davis Furniture Industries: M75

Seating: Ergonomic Desk/Task

Gold: via seating: Younique
Silver: Nightingale Corp.: NLC


(Image Source – Via Seating: Younique)

Seating: Guest

Gold: Allermuir: Kin
Silver: Andreu World: Gala

Seating: Outdoor Contract & Hospitality

Silver: Andreu World: Nuez Outdoor

Seating: Sofas & Lounge

Gold: Andreu World: Rap sofa
Silver: Green Furniture Concept: Nova C Recliner

Seating: Stacking

Gold: Sandler Seating: HDS 1.1
Silver: SitOnIt Seating | IDEON: Mika


(Image Source – SitOnIt Seating: Mika)

Signage & Wayfinding

Gold: Takeform: Lucid Refined Interior Signage
Silver: 2/90 Sign Systems: SafeCare Signs

Space Dividers/Partitions/Screens

Gold: Clarus Glassboards: Flex Wall
Silver: Naava: Naava Flow

Tables: Communal & Task

Gold: Nucraft: Epono
Silver: Davis Furniture Industries: Inform


(Image Source – Nucraft: Epono)

Tables: Height-Adjustable/Training/Work

Editors’ Choice: Versteel: Sky
Gold: Watson Furniture Group: Cloud 9 Desk
Silver: Senator International: Array


(Image Source – Senator International: Array)

Tables: Occasional

Editors’ Choice: Studio TK: Freehand Occasional Tables
Gold: Nucraft: Alev
Innovation: Davis Furniture Industries: Lift

Technology-Integrated Solutions

Gold: Steelcase: Roam
Innovation: Connectrac: Flex
Silver: National Lighting: Revive

Textiles: Upholstery

Editors’ Choice: Wolf Gordon: VEER
Editors’ Choice: Luum Textiles: Future Tense Collection
Gold: HBF: Lost & Found
Innovation: Haworth Inc.: Haworth Knits
Silver: Momentum Group: Architectural Textures Collection

Wall Treatments

Innovation: Momentum Group: Woven Silica
Silver: Designtex: Metallic Wallcoverings

Workplace Technologies

Gold: CF Stinson: designMix with colorAI
Silver: FreeAxez: Gridd Mobile

See NeoCon 2018 Winners
Resources: www.contractdesign.com