NeoCon 2025

Explore What’s Next in Design

Top Industry Trends We Noticed

Curves Are In
From desking to architectural walls, soft edges and organic shapes stole the show. Sharp corners and hard lines are officially out, replaced by furniture and partitions that feel more fluid and approachable.
Embedded Acoustics
Acoustic design has evolved beyond panels—it’s now embedded into furniture, ceilings, and architectural systems. From desk modules to ceiling décor, manufacturers are focused on creating quieter, more focused work environments.
Nature-Inspired Palettes
Earth tones, soft neutrals, and muted pastels dominated the color stories, with pops of forest green, deep blue, and burgundy providing contrast. Light woods and warm metals like bronze reinforced the shift toward residential warmth.
Tactile Over Pattern
Fabric trends leaned into texture over prints, with a growing focus on materials that feel cozy and inviting. Think bouclé, felted wools, and soft knits that enhance comfort while maintaining durability.

Plants with Purpose
Biophilic design remains strong, but the focus has shifted to how greenery is integrated. Creative planters, multi-tiered stands, and modular displays are redefining how plants live in the workplace.
Sustainability as a Standard
Sustainability is no longer a feature—it’s a given. From bioplastics (like those seen in Haworth’s new products) to demountable architectural walls, products are being designed for longevity, reuse, and waste reduction. Replaceable cushions and modular parts reflect the growing demand for furniture that can evolve with a space.
Tech That Works for You
While flashy AI wasn’t a major focus, practical, intuitive tech took the spotlight. Tools like AIS’s cloud-based caseworks configurator impressed with their usability and smart customization. Integrated lighting and environmental controls are increasingly being built into architectural platforms for a seamless user experience.
Modular Privacy & Flexibility
Scalable, sound-conscious “room within a room” solutions were everywhere—from Haworth’s Enclose, Trivati, and 4Space systems to pods by Hush and BuzziSpace. These modular systems reflect the demand for spaces that can flex with team needs while maintaining visual and acoustic privacy.

“NeoCon 2025 showcased a clear shift toward flexible, human-centered design, with modular walls and privacy booths taking center stage. “Room within a room” solutions like Haworth’s Enclose, Trivati, and 4Space systems, along with offerings from Hush and BuzziSpace highlighted the demand for scalable, acoustically sound spaces that adapt to evolving workplace needs. While many vendors embraced this direction, Haworth stood out for offering the most comprehensive, vertically integrated architectural platform. Light hardwoods and soft pastels (hallmarks of Danish modern design) dominated color palettes, reinforcing the trend toward residential warmth in commercial interiors. Integrated technology focused less on novelty and more on enhancing user experience through intuitive lighting, AV, and environmental controls. Sustainability was not just a theme but embedded in the products themselves; modular systems like Trivati and 4Space are inherently demountable, reusable, and designed to reduce waste while supporting long-term adaptability.”

Daniel Lawlor Director of Business Development