Design That Moves Us: Insights from NeoCon & Design Days 2025
This year’s NeoCon and Design Days weren’t just a glimpse into what’s next—they were a celebration of where workplace design is headed. The showrooms told stories. The materials spoke volumes. And the products? They challenged the status quo with bold new forms, flexible functionality, and a resolute commitment to sustainability.
One of our greatest takeaways this year was the clear shift toward human-centered design in the form of environments that adapt, respond, and inspire. From unexpected textures to modular solutions with personality, the message was loud and clear: workplaces today are as dynamic and diverse as the people who use them. We left energized, inspired and ready to carry that momentum forward into our own spaces—starting with the highly anticipated Pivot headquarters in San Jose. Stay tuned as we bring some of these ideas to life in ways that are thoughtful, future-ready, and suited to support the work we all do.
Read on for some of the key themes we saw throughout both conferences.
Overall Takeaway: Elevated Materiality & Monochromatic Color Washing
While the warmth of wood is often present in furniture, a significant trend stepped away from the norm – we saw unique surface materials, such as stone, dichroic glass, soft-touch laminate and linoleum. Luxe velvety textiles paired with chrome and silver accents were abundant.
We also saw a great deal of color washing. This trend applied similar color ranges in total environments, as well as on individual pieces like task chairs. Additionally, drapery and sheer curtains were used extensively to create textured layers of visual and acoustic privacy. Pictured above: the Martin Brattrud dichroic glass table - a silver winner.
Theme 1: Multisensory Environments
Similar to the trends we saw in materiality and texture, settings we saw engaged the senses. These included immersive spaces designed to foster excitement, calm, and a sense of belonging. Color and light rounded out the sensory experience in many showrooms as well as texture, shape and scale – curved sectionals and chunky forms that created a welcoming and grounded presence.
Dark warm tones and deep purple hues were prevalent with brands like Arktura, and a unique Project Color Corps pop-up leading this trend. Pictured above: the Turf Showroom.
Theme 2: Modular Adaptability
Flexible rooms and furnishings were a standout this year. Many manufacturers highlighted freestanding room systems that evolve with changing needs.
We saw lots of drop-in nooks: Upholstered booths were a notable feature. Several notable product examples from this theme include Herman Miller Bay Work Pod, a flexible micro-environment supporting privacy and focus, can be used to provide soft buffers in the open plan, as well as the BOSS Mews Modular Collection - pictured above.
Theme 3: Tech-Forward Solutions for Hybrid Work
The integration of tools to support both in-person and remote collaboration was a major focus. This trend emphasized seamless tech solutions to enhance hybrid work environments, which is still a major factor in the everyday workplace.
Alternatively, we saw a shift towards highlighting non-tech forward spaces, to offset our attachment to monitors and screens, providing much needed recharge and respite. Pictured above: the Clarus Lynk Smart Glassboard.
Theme 4: Inviting and Personalized Spaces
Spaces we saw tended to reflect individual preferences, highlighting the need for customization in today’s office. We noted applications that promoted comfort while reflecting brand and personal taste. This concept was showcased through a change in geometry or materiality in both modular soft seating and tables.
Facing different angles promotes different groups of people to be able to feel like they have their own personal space to feel comfortable in a shared environment. Having a defined seat, though the change in the fabric or a seam, can also encourage different groups of people to feel welcome to sit in a shared space. This helps maximize workpoints or headcount in a reduced square footage. Quirky designs with lots of personality were prevalent, made from 3D-printed or unique sustainable materials. Watson's Mastermind Flow - pictured above, embodied this trend.
Theme 5: Bringing Hospitality Culture to the Workplace
The trend of creating warm, communal settings to encourage connection and wellbeing was evident. Details like portable lamps on tabletops were used to bring a sense of hospitality to various surfaces.
One standout example: Nucraft showcased new catering additions to their credenzas like induction burners and a sink to provide a furniture solution for something that is traditionally in the millwork scope. We also loved the Mizetto Cargo sofa, pictured above.
Theme 6: Sustainable Impact
Similar to 2024, we saw a focus on sustainability with upcycled textiles. There was also a focus by many manufacturers on designing additions or improvements to existing product lines versus developing brand new designs.
Brands like Designtex and Luum showcased textiles made from garment waste. The Metropolis Sustainability Lab at NeoCon 2025, themed “Material World,” spotlighted over 20 innovative products and materials focused on sustainable design. Highlights included regenerative agriculture concepts, circular material strategies, and eco-conscious innovations. The Lab emphasized healthy, circular, and regenerative practices, offering designers tools to create a more sustainable and equitable built environment. Pictured above: the Keilhauer Dais Chair (made of minimal materials).
This year's Best of NeoCon and Design Days awards celebrated the most innovative and impactful designs in the commercial interiors industry. The awards highlighted products that are driving critical design movements, such as circularity, neuro-inclusive thinking, and the integration of advanced materials and AI.
The top honor, Best of Competition, was awarded to Halcon for its Astoria collection (pictured above left), praised for its elegant design and functionality. Other notable winners included Framery for its Framery One Lounge in the Acoustics and Privacy category (above right), and Patcraft for its Modern Finds in the Flooring category.
The 2025 Neocon/Design Days experience showcased a powerful new perspective on how space can shape culture, creativity, and performance. Interested in learning more? Contact our Research and Design team using the link below.
