Journal

What's New at NeoCon!

June 17, 2016  |  inspiration, interior design trends, midcentury modern, neocon
What's New at NeoCon!

With all the commercial work we do at Amy Youngblood Interiors,  it was a well anticipated, successful trip to NeoCon.  As many of you know, NeoCon,  held at the Merchandise Mart in Chicago, is the largest annual show for the contract furnishings market.

Here are some of the latest trends:

-Mid-Century Modern,  just like in residential design, is here to stay.  With chairs designed by the Bauhaus greats or new designs with built-in curved armrests,  the clean, contemporary look is everywhere.

-Emphasis on a combination of multi- task areas.  The old highly enclosed panel systems are no longer. A mix of open areas and private pod like furniture are the solution for both group work and private space.  For example,  we saw many products with an almost mini-theatre look with levels of cushioned seating for monitor/conferencing.  These areas,  can also be used for casual group meetings,  versus the old conference room set-up.  In addition, many of the manufacturers are offering individual pod products for individual working with both privacy and comfort.  Many these products even have  cushioned ceilings just to enhance the cocoon like feel.

-Residential look and feel.  We saw many seating vignettes that looked almost residential in feel.  For examples, many of Herman Miller and Knoll's classic contemporary chairs are used both residentially as well as commercially.  This make for a more comfortable, homey atmosphere, which is sure to increase productivity.

-Adjustable,  more rounded work surfaces.  Almost every design system we saw now fluctuates between standard desk and bar height with the push of a button.  This allows for more flexibility in terms of task work and collaborative work.  It also allows workers to adjust their position based upon the type of work they are doing.

-Fabrics.  Can't forget this fun part!  I couldn't believe how much heavy grade grey wool I saw.  That, in addition to men's wear inspired plaids,  to bright graphic patterns in orange, fuchsia and green.

-Finishes.  Finally,  I noticed how many solid surfaces where either a white laminate/or faux grainy wood.  The days of the big red cherry desk are gone!  However, when I did see real wood...the trend is repurposed wood with a true rustic flair.  An amazing, eclectic mix with the sleek modern lines of the other furniture.

These are just of the hot trends in contract furniture.  We look forward to putting these concepts to work even more!