ON THE ROAD
SMBW attended NeoCon 2023 and saw what's next in design.
SMBW Interior Designer Stephanie Wilburn attended NeoCon 2023 to explore the latest updates in the design industry. This experience offered key insights into the latest design innovations and an opportunity to network with industry professionals from around the world.
Since 1969, NeoCon (National Exposition of Contract Furnishings) has been at the forefront of sharing the latest advancements and innovations in the world of furniture and interior design. It has established itself as one of the most significant events in the commercial design industry, attracting thousands of professionals, including interior designers, architects, facility managers, manufacturers, and retailers.
NeoCon focuses on showcasing current and future trends in commercial furniture, office design, interior finishes, flooring, and textiles. The event provides an opportunity for manufacturers to launch new products and network with potential clients and partners.
In the last couple of years several brands have relocated out of the Merchandise Mart, and while they still host events and launch products during the same timeframe in June, they do not consider it NeoCon.
Two of the big Six manufactuers, MillerKnoll and Teknion, now reside in the Fulton Market area.
Trends
Following years of shifting attitudes and priorities regarding the workplace by employees and companies, NeoCon featured a handful of key trends that speak to the direction and future of the design industry. Check out the summary on the next page for a glimspe into the future.
Takeaway
For years, NeoCon has created a space for designers and vendors from around the world to come together and share their insights. This offers invaluable opportunities to see the latest products and explore creatives uses of the products in showrooms.
After experiencing these products in person, Stephanie is excited to find ways to incorporate these new products, color combinations, fabric choices, and furniture layout ideas into future projects! Stay tuned for more On The Road updates as smbw continues its education journey.
Room Within a Room
Using space dividers and furniture walls to delineate boundaries within a given space was a common strategy to make the most of your real estate's space, flexibility and bottom line.
Miller Knoll
As the design industry explores a balance privacy and connection, the implementation of space dividers evolves. A product line with over 30 individual elements, Rockwell Unscripted is a partnership between Knoll and Rockwell Group, that strives to be an "eclectic array of furniture that can be easily and, seemingly, endlessly adapted to create a variety of scenes and experiences."
Exposed Structure
Exposed framed furniture and tube construction furniture were spotted throughout the showrooms, signalling a return to an elegant simplicity within furniture design
Geiger
Designed by EOOS, the Full Loop Chair by Geiger uses a walnut or oak frame with an optional leather-wrapped arm to define the form of the chair. With elegant folded upholstery detailing, this conference chair blends form and elegance.
OFS Carolina
The Blueprint seating collection is offered in dining chair, counter and bar stool. With an exposed powder coated metal frame, the strength of the chair is a featured component. Optional leather strap on the back of the seat provides for easier movement.
Jewel / Rust Tones
Rust and pink were everywhere, in addition to toned down, less saturated jewel tones.
Turf
The Reed wall panel from Turf was featured in flowing hues of purple to coral. Part of the Folded Tiles collection, the product has an undulating texture created by a dense row of fluted felt.
JSI
Opening its doors for the first time in the Fulton Market District, JSI's Indie Collection showcases choice with easily reconfigurable units and a relaxed aesthetic with soft curved and rounded ends. Using deep and warm, tranquil terra cotta tones to highlight the paint color and upholstery mixing options, the settings showcased a environment rich in personality.
Luum Textiles
Textile designer Suzanne Tick created The Super Natural collection for Luum. It if offered in five environmentally-conscious styles made from recycled and biodegradable fibers. Each pattern is available in a range of colorways developed to harmonize natural and man-made colors.
Kimball
Connolly, designed by Derek Schweikarth, is a new collection of lounge seating and corresponding side tables from National/Kimball. With residential detailing, such as contrast stitching and a smaller scale footprint, the collection provides comfort and richness. Shown here in a rich emerald and tweed blend.
