The 55th edition of NeoCon, considered the leading contract furniture show and voice to the commercial interior design community, was held June 10-12 at the Merchandise Mart in Chicago. 
An estimated 50,000 attendees toured 1-million square feet of exhibiting space at “The MART” exploring firsthand the latest trends influencing shared spaces at workplaces, hotels, restaurants, retail spaces, educational institutions, and healthcare facilities.

These trends included sustainability and circular design to workplace flexibility and neuroaesthetics, a concept that explores how environmental elements such as color, sound, and art promote worker well-being and productivity.

The show featured decorative surfaces, colors, hardware, and the latest trends in commercial design. Materials and finishes were showcased that enhance aesthetics and functionality and address sustainability. Textured wall panels and surface treatments that mimic natural elements such as wood and stone were particularly popular, as bold, saturated colors and striking patterns are often specified by designers.

Smart hardware solutions, such as power hubs, integrated lighting and touch-sensitive controls, highlighted a seamless blend of technology and design. These elements, combined with new surface treatments and color trends, show how modern decorative surfaces, colors, and hardware transform contemporary interiors.

An prime example of these smart products is the ArtMorph from CECOCECO that combines high-resolution LED and texture in a panel system. 
 

Best of NeoCon
The annual, coveted, Best of NeoCon Awards were presented at a celebratory breakfast ceremony, and for the first time in the awards’ 34 years an entrant in the Wall Treatments and Textiles categories took home the top honors.
Momentum Textiles & Wallcovering’s colorful collaboration with British-Nigerian artist Yinka Ilori received the Best of Competition prize.

This year, a total of 126 awards were bestowed on products in 50 categories for Gold, Silver, Sustainability, Innovation, Business Impact, and the coveted Best of Competition. 

According to a juror’s description, the  collection brings the “vibrant, modern design language of Ilori’s artistic vision to the commercial built environment. Its infusion of color, playfulness, and narrative elevates interior spaces beyond functionality, transforming them into immersive experiences that inspire, captivate, and build community.”
 

Sustainability goals
Circularity, sustainability, net zero goals, and material choice design were primary themes, and global challenges, examined at the show.

For instance, Andreu World, which is well-known for its sustainable furniture products, launched what it called the Circular Design Challenge. 

Jesús Llinares, CEO, said the “climate emergency is a major challenge that requires a new industrial revolution in the way we design, manufacture and distribute globally. A challenge that we must face collectively.” 

The Circular Design Challenge is a call to action to adopt practices such as ecodesign, zero waste management, carbon neutral footprint, sustainable materials and adherence to certifications.

For its part, Steelcase launched a net-zero transition plan, “Power of Possibility: A Net-Zero Future Needs Us All,” that has a goal of reducing carbon emissions by more than 90% by 2050.

The company, for example, is using Carbon Smart Wood, which is reclaimed wood that would typically end up in landfills. Supplied by Cambium Carbon, the material is used in designs in its Bassline Collection, a line of sustainably sourced commercial tables.

In Haworth’s booth, its showcased its DesignLab concept that works with designers to explore sustainability and circular design such as Los Angeles-based designer Sam Klemick. On display was her communal seating design called Play Station that uses Douglas Fir salvaged from construction sites, deadstock fabrics, and strapping elements to hold the pieces together. At the end of its life, it can be thrown into a woodchipper.