Space Solutions
NeoCon 2023 Trends
Written By Rob Kirkbride, Editor-in-chief, OI Publications
While trend setting used to be limited to European shows like Salone and Orgatec, NeoCon is definitely gaining stature as a place where the future of the office can be found today. For this month’s Space Solutions feature, we’re bringing attention to the trends highlighted at NeoCon 2023.
Falcon - J87 Series
The J87 Series multipurpose tables with steel column and base. Available in 5 heights and a variety of table top options.
Falcon - Tufgrain Armchair
Tufgrain uniquely combines the realistic grain and color of natural wood with the strength and durability of metal, making it an excellent way to add a touch of sophistication to any space.
Falcon - Westbury
Dining booth with removable waterfall seat, available in multiple heights. Nine-gauge sinuous spring seat wrapped in high-density foam.
I Dig Those Groovy Colors, Man
Color is an important part of any NeoCon and this year’s show didn’t disappoint. The palette was muted, subdued and very residential. The color palette at NeoCon 2023 seemed to be taken directly from a late 1960s or early 1970s appliance store with soft greens, yellows and browns dominating the showrooms, textile makers and carpet companies. I like it.
Magnuson Group - CIRKEL
CIRKEL offers the opportunity to bring nature indoors, blending unique design with sturdy painted steel construction. With a 12" deep liner, CIRKEL is perfect for a variety of plant options, and also comes in a matching waste receptacle.
Global - River+™
River+ is the next generation of Global's highly popular River lounge series, tested to three times the BIFMA standard and warranted to an active weight of 600 lbs. per seat location to support the demands of 24/7 environments.
Global - Stream™
Stream is a multitasker with a chic aesthetic that sets a new bar for plastic seating. Expertly designed and seamlessly detailed from any angle with matching arms, seating surfaces, under-seat shroud and glides available in 14 great colors.
Featured Brands: Global and Magnuson Group
Round Is the New Square
The clunky, squared-off furniture of the past is long gone, replaced by rounded sofas and lounge chairs that feel more residential and much less institutional. This trend has been percolating for the past few years, but is in full swing in 2023 and is literally changing the look of some companies. Indiana Furniture looked great at NeoCon 2023 with its softer looking furniture lines on full display. I particularly liked the Rockstar Roadie chair, a welcome departure from mesh, metal and plastic.
Indiana Furniture - KickStart
A modern collection designed to address a wide range of applications for today’s social workplaces and community spaces. KickStart’s flexible lounge and tables offerings combine with collaborative elements to create inviting spaces for people to gather, work, re-energize, and learn.
Indiana Furniture - Jot
Discover the perfect table collection to go anywhere. Jot offers a materials mix to complement a diverse range of interiors from ultra modern to classic. Its metal base, available in five refreshed colors, supports tops in solid surface, veneer, or laminate.
Indiana Furniture - Iconic
With a nod to the ‘50s and ‘60s, Iconic’s clean lines, tapered legs, and unexpected details present a timeless, approachable quality while being suited to outfit a multitude of areas, including private office, open plan/benching, small meeting areas, and ancillary spaces.
Featured Brand: Indiana Furniture
If I Can’t Be Outside, I’ll Bring the Outside In
Biophilic design is another trend that isn’t exactly new, but it did take a major step forward this year. And the plants found in many — if not most — NeoCon showrooms this year aren’t just window dressing. Many furniture makers are adding products that include planters or space for greenery. Magnuson Group’s Valuta and Kaskad products are great examples of how plants can (and should) be part of the office.
Global - Sora™
Sora™ responds to your movements while you work. With perceptive adjustments built into a streamlined aesthetic, Sora provides the support you need to stay focused. Personalize your comfort with adjustable lumbar support and a range of ergonomic seat width and backrest options. Available in 24 brilliant mesh colors.
Magnuson Group - KASKAD
KASKAD is a family of planters that brings modularity, design and elegance to any space. Designed to stand alone or work together in combination, KASKAD serves as a flexible and highly adaptable planter solution. High units are ideal for dividing interior spaces in a unique and interesting way.
Featured Brands: Global and Magnuson Group
Work Happens Away From the Desk
One of my favorite product categories in recent years is the introduction of laptop tables. These tiny desks were invaluable during the pandemic as many of us worked from sofas, lounge chairs and outdoor seating. I love being able to work from anywhere I can drag one of these tables. But I’m equally excited that a few manufacturers are adding to the size of the tops.
KFI Studios - Alden
Alden is a side table that accommodates diverse work styles and spaces. The thin steel work surface and base slices through the vertical column giving this pull-up table grace and simplicity.
KFI Studios - Tioga
The Tioga collection includes an arm and armless guest chair, arm and armless lounge chair, ottoman, barstool, and counter stool. The prominent design feature is the rear legs that flow uninterrupted into the back for a clean visual line.
Featured Brand: KFI Studios
As Comfortable as Home
Offices are becoming more comfortable. Yes, the office is still designed for work, but it is feeling more and more like home as well. More than at any other NeoCon, I found myself thinking: “I wish I had this sofa (or lounge chair) at home.” I especially liked Global’s Drift lounge collection.
Global - Drift™
Drift seating inspires people to come together with new ideas, new priorities and new ways of thinking. The series features lounge and side chairs in multiple back heights with wood or Polished Chrome bases.
Global - Laminate Occasional Tables
High pressure laminate tables with adjustable plastic glides. Ideal for reception areas. Colors coordinate with all Global desks, conference tables and accessories.
Featured Brand: Global
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