Commercial designers converged on Chicago for NeoCon 2014, the commercial design show held in June. Design analysts say Baby Boomers and Millennials are both trending to design that promotes health and wellness, and is fully wired to online. As with other shows the trends are toward textured, engineered and reclaimed woods and to bright colors.

Sherwin-Williams made its color forecast at the show, revealing a bright, vibrant outlook as optimism takes hold on design. Cabinetry and furniture items can take color cues from unrestrained palettes.

Stevens Industries, manufacturer of laminated products from panels to casegoods, introduced a new textured laminate, which Marketing Director Bill Lane says, “looks as much as like real wood as possible.”

A new approach to storage solutions came from Molo, Vancouver, BC, which makes foldable paper furnishings such as banquets and partitions. The accordion-fold materials are stronger than one might think at first. One of the most creative uses on display this year was for a closet space. The idea was well received. The Molo collection won Gold in the 2014 Best of NeoCon awards.

LED lighting was a bright spot at NeoCon, with a new task light shown by LUX LED, the Pullman, with USB and charging ports. Doug Mockett showed its telescoping task lighting, along with charging towers telescoping from grommets. Wireless charging stations may be the next big thing, appearing at Air Charge and other spots around the show.