We had a great time at this year’s NeoCon! We had a chance to learn about and experience some of the latest innovations that solve common problems in the workplace, and we want to share them with you. Here are our top 5 favorite products.
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Transient Furniture – Our top furniture trend at this year’s Neocon was all Transient. We saw several furniture designs that were perfect for passing areas, somewhere where you’re only going to spend 10-20 minutes. What we are calling the “Leaner” or “Lean To” is the perfect seat to perch on while you wait for an in-person meeting or the barista to finish making your coffee. Wherever you may find yourself waiting, take the load off your feet and Lean To. A few of our favorite designs are from Hightower, Mizzeto and Watson.
- Structural Furniture – Our next furniture trend would be Structural Furniture. These pop up, freestanding spaces within open environments are the most creative ways to have private/ semi-private meetings, personal workstations or just a fun spot to catch up with a friend. The first manufacturer who has made this space perfect for commercial collaboration would be KI. Their Super Structure comes in varies sizes and materials with several ceiling and wall options to endless accessories and custom features.
The second manufacturer that created something really unique is Anthom House Design with their Block-O product. This structure is an overall round shape that has booth seating within, to comfortably fit 4-6 people. No matter your height your feet rest on the organic circular shape right under the booth seat and your back leans on an adjustable cushion. We hope to get the opportunity to specify one of these soon!
- Grid Blocks – Who knew that having one square frame could create so many different design solutions. By taking one of these frames and multiplying it, these manufacturers were able to create space dividers, tables, benches, storage, display cases and so much more. Anthom House Design and Spacestor captured this innovation the best by adding the appropriate accessories to make this the most customizable for your client’s specific needs. It can be as small as a three-person bench with cubby storage for shoes or as big as personal lockers for the company, you name it. Keep this solution in mind for your next out of the box idea!
- Biophilia – I’m happy to say that this trend has only been getting more and more popular as the years go on and I don’t think it’ll ever phase out, it’s a part of us! Being able to bring nature into our designs, whether it is literal or subliminal, it improves creativity, reduces anxiety, and boosts everyone’s overall mood, how can you argue with that? No one does it better in the most literal way than Garden on the Wall. They harvest plants and flowers at their peak and preserve them using a biodegradable preservation liquid so that we can enjoy their beautiful gardens, maintenance free all year round.
In a more subliminal solution, Momentum Wallcoverings shows us a wide variety of nature within their textures and patterns, creating a tranquil feeling in the atmosphere. And a mix of both brings us Magnuson Group and Watson. They both provide all the accessories your client needs and incorporate a biophilic twist, display rails that hold small planters or waste receptacles that double as planters.
- Innovative Furniture Designs – Last, but not least we wanted to highlight some unique furniture designs that we haven’t seen before. First, from Great Openings is a mobile, multi-use pedestal. This manufacturer wanted to provide a solution for today’s dynamic workplaces by giving them temporary personal storage. Instead of having a locker you need to constantly walk to, bring your mobile pedestal to your desk to safely store your belongings for the day. This pedestal has a convenient suitcase-like handle, file or drawer storage, hooks for your bag, and cubby space for any extra luggage.
Next, is the Combo from Scandinavian Spaces. This funky perch includes a bar table, bar stool and footrest all in one unit or separate the bar stool and just have the table and footrest to comfortably lean against. This design is built to last with a solid aluminum frame and can be used indoors in a lounge setting or outdoor at your favorite roadside café.
Another unique company, we have Iron Age, a manufacturer who handcrafts furniture with solid wood and carbon steel to create Industrial style resimercial office furniture. The two materials of carbon steel base and solid wood surface complement each other so well, giving their desks, workstations, tables, reception desks a handsome finish.
And lastly, A French indoor/outdoor living brand serving the US and Canada, Fermob creates beautiful furniture that brings everyone together in a fun space. One piece from their collection we really wanted to highlight is their Adada Rocking Horse. It is made with an aluminum frame and plastic pads and is sure to keep the kids with hours of fun (and maybe some adults too)! We think this can be the perfect accessory to a school’s playground or classroom and hope to get the opportunity to spec it in our next school project. Don’t pass up these manufacturers and products in your next design.
We hope that you found these products as awesome as we did! Follow us on social to stay up to date with the latest interior trends and all our upcoming events.