In today’s Trend Flash, Julie Smith Vincenti provides top-line trends for contract and commercial spaces from the annual NeoCon trade fair in Chicago. Noteworthy at NeoCon:
COLOR
- Menswear influences were recast in bright colors and new fabrications
- Ripe persimmon and fiery reds energized lounge, conference and executive spaces
- The same was true of upbeat yellows
- Blues looked new paired with either citrine or gray-cast purples
- Metallic highlights—silver, gold and copper tones—dazzled in wall coverings, window coverings and upholstery
MATERIALS AND PATTERNS
- Plank-shape modular floor tiles in a variety of widths stepped up floor patterns
- Write-on glass replaced dry-erase boards
- Best-quality leather held up when wrapped around drawer fronts, sofa backs
- Wool/polyester embroidered wall coverings offered a tactile sensation
- Diamond, dots, zigzag diffusers gave new shape to super-size LED sconces
- Proven patterns in residential interiors—ikat, tribal patterns and embroideries—crossed over to lounge seating and conference stations
COLLABORATION & SOLUTIONS
- Low-profile file cabinets (many with upholstered tops) facilitated collaboration
- Lounging about: modular poufs and super-long sofas gained popularity
- It’s quiet time! Acoustic solutions included sound-muffling and noise-reducing products for ceilings, windows and walls
- Taking a page from the residential playbook, metal legs created open, airy environments