NeoCon 2024 united industry leaders and exhibitors across sectors, showcasing interior design trends for workplace, healthcare, education, retail, hospitality, government, and some residential uses. 

The event's theme highlighted its influence on modern environments and its role in catalyzing innovation in commercial interior design.

Modern office spaces 2.0

As more people return to the office full-time, design innovations are focused on creating welcoming, inclusive, and collaborative work environments. 

 

Features include accessible privacy booths, ergonomic touchpoints, versatile furniture for both private and collaborative spaces, biophilic elements like integrated planters, and reimagined office furnishings to add a playful touch.

Breathing easy: earthy hues and natural materials

Inspired by nature, this theme emphasizes creating calming environments through earth-inspired designs. Natural materials, soothing colors, and biophilic elements are used to promote well-being and tranquility in interior spaces.

 

Neon fever dreams

Taking inspiration from retrofuturism and digital aesthetics, these colorful and creative spaces are made for maximalists.

 

Neon, iridescence, colored acrylic, metallics, LEDs, and mirrors added vibrant and dynamic elements, while soft, rounded shapes and high saturation colors created a visually engaging environment. 

Modularity and customization were key themes, with touchable textiles enhancing the interactive and tactile experience.

Wood you believe that?

Wood remains a fundamental material in interior design, with innovative uses and mimicked wood effects. Techniques and materials like molded plywood, felted PET panels with wood-grain textures, PE-coated aluminum with printed wood patterns, and bamboo showcased the versatility and aesthetic appeal of wood and wood-like materials.

 

 

A pop of powder

 

Powder coated metal added vibrant pops of color to various spaces and furniture pieces. This trend is driven by the superior durability, color fidelity, and eco-friendliness of powder coating compared to traditional paint. Powder coated metal was seen in a wide range of colors, mostly matte finishes, and was used on desks, trashcans, chairs, outdoor furniture, storage, and shelving.

 

Clearly a trend 

 

Transparency was a prominent trend, featuring materials like frosted glass, gradients, colorful transparent acrylic, and translucent glass whiteboards with colorful backing. These elements added depth, lightness, and a modern aesthetic to various interior designs.

Flower-power pattern party

 

Mod-inspired geometric patterns were prevalent on textiles, wallcoverings, and acoustic panels, appearing in bright, saturated colors and muted, earthy hues. Common shapes included semicircles, dots, chunky flowers, squares, rectangles, and arches.

 

Textural enrichment

Textural variety added richness and tactile interest to designs, with standard textures including ribbing, tambour, quilting, and mesh. These textures were used across various materials and categories, enhancing the sensory experience of interior spaces.

 

Get a good grip!

Commercial furniture at NeoCon emphasized accessibility and comfort through the softening and simplification of primary touchpoints. This included the use of fabric, leather, and rubber loops instead of rigid handles, loops on chairs for easy movement, molded plywood coat hangers, tubular or large radius handles and armrests, and gradual texture changes to guide user interactions naturally.

 

Function junction

Dual and multi-purpose furniture was a standout trend, promoting dynamic and adaptable spaces. Features included motorized standing desks, convertible desks, whiteboards, carts, storage units with live plants, and acoustic felt panels that double as pinboards. These versatile pieces often feature wheels or adjustable components to facilitate easy reconfiguration.

 

Some ergonomic flex-appeal

Ergonomically designed furniture focused on visual and structural mimicry of the human spine, adjustable and aesthetically pleasing monitor arms, and tables and chairs that are easy to rearrange, fold, lift, store, and stack. These designs aim to enhance comfort and productivity through user-centered ergonomics.

Digital dashin' - touch & go

 

Another key trend was the integration of technology in office furniture, with features like standing desks and privacy pods, touch screens, limited buttons, and mobile screens. These digital interfaces enhance functionality and user interaction, making workspaces more efficient and adaptable to technological needs.

Sabat graphic piece

Vibrant inspiration picks