Report From NeoCon 2019
Discover the latest office furniture trends from NeoCon 2019! Office Gallery International explores resimercial design, sustainable materials, flexible workspaces, and biophilic elements transforming modern offices. Learn how modular seating, technology integration, and eco-friendly solutions are reshaping workspace design for productivity and employee wellbeing.
Post Summary
Key trends included resimercial design, sustainable materials, modular flexible seating, biophilic elements, and technology-integrated furniture.
Resimercial design blends residential comfort with commercial function, using home-like furniture, soft edges, and inviting materials for a more welcoming workspace.
OGI offers personalized consultation, space planning, trend-aware furniture selection, and project management, specializing in flexible, sustainable, and tech-integrated solutions.
Options include furniture made from recycled plastics, eco-friendly manufacturing, modular designs for longevity, and biophilic elements for healthier workspaces.
Flexible workspaces support changing work styles, easy reconfiguration, hybrid work models, and use modular furniture that adapts to evolving business needs.
Once again, the team from Office Gallery was at the 51st annual NeoCon, which has been held every June at The Mart in Chicago since 1969, and which serves as the “commercial design industry’s launch pad for innovation – offering ideas and introductions that shape the built environment today and into the future.” More than 500 leading companies presented thousands of new office furniture products and services in a wide array of categories such as Fabrics, Flooring, Interior Building Products, Interior Finishes, and Technology, and over 50,000 design professionals in the fields of Workplace, Healthcare, Hospitality, Retail, Education, Public Space and Government were there to share their ideas and insights. Here are some of our observations from the three-day event:
- Size and scale. This hasn’t changed, but it bears emphasizing – the Chicago NeoCon is three times the size of Boston’s design showcase, and with a scale so massive, it’s a great opportunity to really get immersed in all kinds of new, innovative, and experimental designs! Once again, it did not disappoint!
- Price points. Many of the furniture designs exhibited at NeoCon 2019 are fairly high end, with price tags to match. But it’s still great to get close up to these ultra-expensive furniture pieces, and then see how these designs, fabrics, and materials trickle down. One style in particular we’ve seen for a while at the higher end of the pricing spectrum are industrial tables, which feature a natural butcher-block-like table-top with a metal base. This style, we’re happy to say, is now at a much more accessible price point!
- Shapes and colors. We noticed a distinct return to mid-century modern, with lots of colors coming back from the 1970s, including mint greens, pinks, oranges, and yellows, as well as a penchant for bright pastel colors like blush, teal, and purple replacing primary colors. Along with that we saw shapes from the 1950s, including non-square shapes as well as amorphic and asymmetrical styles. Lots of textures from that time period – including felt and terry cloth – are also growing in popularity once more.
- A more natural look. Complementary to the lighter colors we were seeing, natural materials and lighter woods (such as maple) demonstrated an attempt to bring the outdoors in, as did some new design features, such as benching systems with planters in between them, to add some plant life as part of the furniture. These additions also seemed like a great way for people to achieve a more individual look to their specific furniture.
- Phone booths. We’ve seen these before, but these small private conversation areas that live within open spaces are really exploding, and taking on all kinds of new looks, including all-glass booths as well as spaces that replicate an updated version of an old London phone booth. We took a turn in one of these spaces – not only was it not at all claustrophobic (booths tend to be made in two sizes, one big enough for two people, and one big enough for four), but despite the fact that we were in a larger room with literally thousands of people, when we sat inside the nook it was almost totally quiet! This is a great addition to workplaces that depend on large open spaces or co-working areas.
- Updates to the executive desk. Executive desks with big walls, coordinated and acoustically functioning paneling, and more decorative accoutrements overall were definitely showcased in force. Additionally, the popularity of the sit-to-stand base continues to grow, and more and more of these are built into executive desks.
If you’ve stopped by our showroom lately, you know that we’re in the midst of updating it, and plan to bring in some of these newer pieces into the store soon so that you can see the latest in office furniture design. For your own glimpse of NeoCon 2019, plan to stop by Office Gallery in September!
Key Points
What key insights did Office Gallery International gain from NeoCon 2019?
- Resimercial Revolution: Shift toward residential-inspired commercial spaces with mid-century modern aesthetics and living room-style comfort
- Sustainability Focus: Emphasis on eco-friendly materials, including furniture made from post-consumer recycled plastics
- Flexible Design Solutions: Modular, reconfigurable furniture systems supporting hybrid work and evolving team needs
- Biophilic Integration: Use of natural elements, organic finishes, and plant-friendly designs to boost wellbeing and productivity
- Technology Seamlessness: Furniture designed for modern tech needs, supporting digital workflows and connectivity
- Collaborative Innovation: Acoustic lounge seating that balances open collaboration with privacy
How does the resimercial design trend benefit modern workplaces?
- Enhanced Employee Comfort: Home-like furniture and soft textures reduce stress and increase satisfaction
- Improved Collaboration: Living room-style seating encourages informal interactions and creativity
- Attraction and Retention: Comfortable, modern environments help attract and keep top talent
- Flexibility and Adaptability: Residential-inspired furniture offers versatility for various work activities
- Cost-Effective Wellness: Wellness-focused environments without major renovations
- Brand Differentiation: Unique, inviting spaces help companies stand out
What sustainable office furniture solutions does Office Gallery International recommend?
- Recycled Materials: Furniture made from post-consumer plastics and reclaimed resources
- Sustainable Manufacturing: Products from manufacturers using renewable energy and waste-reduction processes
- Longevity-Focused Design: Durable pieces that reduce replacement frequency and waste
- Modular Systems: Adaptable furniture that evolves with business needs
- Local Sourcing: Partnerships with regional manufacturers to minimize environmental impact
- End-of-Life Planning: Furniture designed for easy disassembly and recycling
- Certification Standards: Products meeting GREENGUARD, BIFMA, and other environmental certifications
How can flexible workspace solutions improve business operations?
- Adaptability to Growth: Modular systems accommodate expansion or downsizing
- Multi-Functional Spaces: Transform areas for individual work, collaboration, or presentations
- Remote Work Support: Configurations for both in-office and hybrid models
- Cost Optimization: Versatile solutions reduce need for multiple specialized spaces
- Employee Satisfaction: Customizable environments for comfort and productivity
- Future-Proofing: Investments adapt to changing needs and work styles
- Space Efficiency: Maximized use of square footage
What role does technology integration play in modern office furniture design?
- Power and Connectivity: Built-in outlets, USB ports, and wireless charging in desks and seating
- Cable Management: Organized, accessible systems for clean aesthetics
- Mobile Device Support: Dedicated spaces for tablets, phones, and laptops
- Video Conferencing Optimization: Configurations for effective virtual meetings
- Smart Building Integration: Furniture that connects with building systems for data and control
- Ergonomic Technology: Height-adjustable desks with memory settings and app connectivity
- Collaboration Enhancement: Integrated digital displays and shared screen solutions
Why should businesses choose Office Gallery International for their NeoCon 2019-inspired office redesign?
- Industry Leadership: Direct NeoCon participation and ongoing trend research
- Personalized Consultation: Expert space planning and design tailored to each client
- Comprehensive Project Management: End-to-end service from consultation to installation
- Trend Integration: Seamless incorporation of resimercial, sustainable, flexible, and biophilic elements
- Quality Partnerships: Access to the latest innovations and best pricing through leading manufacturers
- Local Expertise: Understanding of regional business needs and building requirements
- Proven Track Record: Successful projects from small offices to large corporate campusesReport From NeoCon 2019
