With more than 700 brands introducing new products at NeoCon 2016, experiencing the totality of the largest and most recognizable commercial design event can be quite a challenge. Senior editor of design and product development at WGSN Lifestyle & Interiors, Gemma Riberti summed up show trends with a curated collection of notable products in “NeoCon 2016 – Colour, Material & Finish.”

Let’s explore a few. 

COLOR

Commerical interior design grows darker as a wide range of brands inject a sophisticated black into collections, with Vitra's interpretation above. A jungle green brings the lush outdoors inside the workplace, like this display from BuzziSpace. Barely tinted grey and white in matte finishes or textile pairings create soothing designs that offer respite amidst bright colors. Rounded volumes also add calmness, seen with the cocooning shape of Coalesse's new seat by Jean-Marie Massaud.

FINISH & TEXTURE

In line with this year's overarching focus on warmer office spaces, warm metallics are emerging across furniture at Coalesse and textiles at Carnegie Fabrics and Architex.

PRINT & PATTERN

Seemingly weathered and eroded patterns were an important direction at NeoCon, and are ideal for hiding stains and wear across contract interiors. Flooring and upholstery work this trend with either woven or printed designs, as seen from Pallas and Lapidus modular carpet from Milliken.

Additionally, geometrics are driving contract interiors across a variety of markets. Bolder color-blocking is especially popular, seen at Knoll and Sunbrella, while linear patterns remain a commercial solution. Printed, woven or directly cut in the shape, these designs enliven upholstery as well as modular flooring. Asymmetrical patterns offer a fresh configuration option to customize compositions. 

This article was adapted from the WGSN Lifestyle & Interiors report “NeoCon 2016 – Colour, Material & Finish” by Gemma Riberti. Images and content courtesy of WGSN Lifestyle & Interiors and Milliken, respectively.