As the dust settles on another exhilarating NeoCon, the buzz surrounding this year’s show continues to reverberate through the design community. NeoCon 2024 brought together the best and brightest in contract furniture and interior design, setting the stage for the trends that will shape our spaces in the coming year. From innovative materials to the evolution of biophilic design, here are the top trends we spotted at this year’s event.
1. Sustainable solutions
Sustainability took center stage at NeoCon 2024. This year, there was a noticeable shift towards eco-friendly materials and processes, with a strong emphasis on circular design. This approach considers the entire lifecycle of products, ensuring they can be recycled or repurposed at the end of their use.
Along with the use of repurposed materials, 9to5 Seating has been making a conscious effort in reducing the amount of components used in the manufacturing process, reducing material usage, waste and cost. HÅG Celi and HÅG Tion are setting examples by reclaiming and reusing materials in their production processes while also creating products that require less materials. This year, both products were awarded Best of NeoCon for Sustainability.
2. Flexibility and adaptability
The modern workspace continues to evolve, and this year’s NeoCon showcased furniture that supports flexibility and adaptability. For instance, 9to5 Seating introduced a new modular series called Koble (“connect”) that can be easily reconfigured to suit varying needs. This trend reflects the ongoing shift towards dynamic and collaborative work environments where spaces must accommodate both focused work and team interactions seamlessly.
As the most common systemized soft seating typology, modular pieces like Koble, are designed with work in mind, incorporating firmer and higher seating solutions with upright seating support. The comfort-calibrated seat and back foster an engaged posture for long sits. Koble’s built-in lumbar curve promotes active seating and lasting support with a balance of firmness and softness.
Koble is truly a soft task seating that can be moved and repositioned to adapt to any setting. For example, single seat models can be placed back-to-back, creating an angular back design that adds a striking aesthetic to any environment, especially when designed with two-toned upholstery.
The adaptability of light task chairs, such as HÅG Tion, have been heavily present across shows due to the popularity of sustainable, ergonomic task chairs. There is a conscious effort to remove material to save weight, waste, and cost – an obvious example is the increased adoption of knitted fabrics. Often used in compact lounge and ergonomic seating, lightweight coreless fabric solutions are also now prevalent across screening and even lighting. HÅG Tion serves as a prime example of a light task chair with desirable features such as a small carbon footprint, colorful execution, lightweight material and limited user controls. The adaptability of light task chairs, such as the HÅG Tion, are known to be perfect for collaborative spaces.
3. Tech-Integrated Furniture
As technology continues to be an integral part of our lives, furniture that seamlessly integrates tech features was a standout trend. Many manufacturers showcased pieces with built-in charging ports, wireless charging surfaces, and even furniture that supports virtual reality experiences. These innovations cater to the tech-savvy workforce and enhance productivity by keeping us connected and powered up. For instance, 9to5 Seating’s new Koble modular series has the option of built-in ports for AC/110V and USB.
4. Maker Movement
While not the most dominant trend, the Maker Movement showed a growing interest in handcrafted and locally made products. This trend emphasizes authenticity and the craftsmanship behind products, counterbalancing the rise of AI and mass production. 9to5 Seating’s manufacturing process combines advanced technology with skilled craftsmanship to produce in-house, high-quality seating solutions.
Conclusion
NeoCon 2024 was a vibrant showcase of innovation and forward-thinking design. The trends we observed not only reflect the current demands of the market but also set the stage for the future of interior design. At 9to5 Seating, we’re excited to incorporate these trends into our own offerings, ensuring that we continue to provide solutions that are not only stylish and functional but also sustainable and inclusive. Here’s to another year of inspiring design and innovation!
