NeoCon, the largest commercial interiors trade show in North America, is a must-attend event for the interior design industry. It showcases the latest products, technologies and services for office, healthcare, hospitality and education spaces. While the pandemic may have forced the cancellation of the 2020 and 2021 editions, the 2023 edition set out to be bigger and better than ever. In this blog post, we review the top 4 trends that we noticed at NeoCon 2023.
1. Sustainable Materials: In a world where climate change and environmental sustainability are pressing concerns, designers are increasingly looking for materials that are eco-friendly, recyclable and renewable. At NeoCon 2023, we saw more products made from recycled and upcycled materials, such as carpet tiles made from recycled fishing nets, desk chairs made from recycled plastic bottles, and wall panels made from reclaimed wood. In addition, biodegradable and compostable materials were also in focus, such as plant-based fabrics and natural fibers. The emphasis on a brand and product’s sustainability infiltrated numerous showrooms and was more visible than in the past years.
2. Flexible Layouts: With the rise of remote and hybrid work, traditional office layouts give way to more flexible and adaptive designs. At NeoCon 2023, designers showcased furniture and technology that can easily adapt to changing work modes and space requirements, such as modular desks that can be reconfigured into collaborative tables, movable walls that provide privacy and acoustical control, and smart lighting systems that respond to occupancy levels. The goal is to create spaces that promote productivity, wellness and collaboration, regardless of physical location.
3. Muted Colors as Neutrals: While many textile manufacturers featured some poppy woven fabrics, muted colors were prevalent in many showrooms. Salmon pink, rose blush, moss green, rusty browns were visible on walls, floors and mixed with poppier woven textile colors throughout many showrooms.
4. Human-centered Design: The trend towards human-centered design was more prominent at NeoCon 2023. This approach puts people at the center of the design process and seeks to create spaces responsive to their physical, psychological and emotional well-being. For example, designers incorporated elements such as biophilic design (bringing nature indoors), color psychology (using colors to influence mood), and ergonomic seating (supporting good posture and circulation) into their workspace designs. The goal is to create spaces that are functional, efficient, and enjoyable and inspiring places to be.
In conclusion, NeoCon 2023 was an exciting showcase of the latest trends and innovations in commercial interior design. Whether you are a seasoned veteran or a newcomer to the industry, it is an event you cannot afford to miss. By keeping an eye on the top 4 trends we have highlighted in this post – sustainable materials, flexible layouts, integrated technology and human-centered design – you can stay ahead of the curve and create truly transformative workspaces for your clients. We look forward to seeing you there!
