Each year, NeoCon and Design Days offer a glimpse into what’s next for workplace design. This year’s show felt less focused on what’s new and more focused on what’s meaningful. Across Chicago, manufacturers embraced familiar forms, rich materials, and residential influences to create spaces that feel welcoming, functional, and deeply connected to the people using them.
From nostalgic design references to layered textures and bold color palettes, here are the trends that stood out most:
Trends We Saw| Colors & Mood
Color Drenching
Rather than using color as an accent, many showrooms fully embraced it. Walls, furniture, textiles, and accessories were layered in the same hue to create immersive, cohesive environments.
Earthy, Saturated Palettes
Warm browns, rich rusts, deep greens, and other nature-inspired tones were prevalent throughout the show. These colors added depth and warmth while maintaining a sophisticated feel.
Favorite Showroom Experience | JSI Aura Readings
What’s Trending | Texture & Detail
Large-Scale Textures and Patterns
Bold textiles, dimensional weaves, and statement patterns added personality and visual interest throughout seating, fabrics and architectural applications.
Stitching Details
Decorative stitching became a design feature of its own, adding craftsmanship and character to upholstery.
Accent Metal Finishes
Colored metal details added personality to frames, bases, and accents, creating a more customized and intentional look.
Fluted Elements
Fluting continued to appear across casegoods, architectural elements, and millwork, adding depth and rhythm.
TURNING INSPIRATION INTO BETTER SPACES
The best ideas don’t stay in the showroom—they’re brought back, shared, and thoughtfully applied to the spaces we create every day. By attending NeoCon and Design Days, we’re able to discover emerging trends, experience new products firsthand, and bring fresh inspiration to every project.
If something caught your eye, let’s start a conversation. We’d love to show you these products and explore what’s possible for your space.
