NeoCon + Design Days 2026 — Chicago
NeoCon + Design Days
Workplace Design Is Becoming More Human
From Fulton Market showrooms to the floors of NeoCon, this year’s message was clear: workplace design is becoming more human. Comfort, flexibility, craftsmanship, and thoughtful technology are replacing one-size-fits-all solutions, creating environments that feel as welcoming as they are high performing. Here are the five trends that stood out to the Pivot team.
Trend 01
Warm Tones. Soft Forms. Smarter Function.
The workplace continues to move away from corporate minimalism in favor of environments that feel lived in and inviting. Across nearly every showroom, softer silhouettes, residential-inspired furniture, and intuitive functionality created spaces designed to support how people actually work—not just where they work. MillerKnoll echoed this shift with immersive settings that blended workplace, hospitality, and residential design into one connected experience.
The color story this year was unmistakable. Rich browns, earthy greens, layered neutrals, and black wood finishes replaced cooler palettes and high-contrast interiors. Materials felt natural, tactile, and refined, with craftsmanship taking center stage.
We saw this throughout the show—from Allermuir’s warm lounge collections and Geiger’s beautifully detailed new Ascent table to Herman Miller’s updated Aeron, which paired fresh colorways with an ongoing focus on sustainability and material innovation.
Trend 02
Comfort Takes Shape
Curves continue to evolve—and they’re getting bolder. Oversized sculptural sofas, rounded lounge seating, and residential-inspired proportions made comfort the priority without sacrificing sophistication.
Standouts included Muuto’s Coltre Sofa, Knoll’s Biboni collection, and Studio TK’s relaxed lounge environments. KI also impressed with its Kiaura Collection, whose innovative motion technology creates a dynamic seating experience that responds naturally to the user’s movement rather than relying solely on traditional ergonomic adjustments.
Trend 03
Spaces Are Working Harder
Today’s workplace has to do more with less, and manufacturers are responding with smarter, more adaptable solutions. Privacy became more flexible through adjustable soft seating, accessible work pods, and modular planning, while technology quietly integrated into furniture with USB-C power and easier infrastructure upgrades.
Some of our favorites included DARRAN’s height-adjustable privacy seating, Framery’s new Gradus pod, Spacestor’s Portico, and MillerKnoll’s expanded workplace power solutions designed to support evolving workstyles.
Trend 04
Craft Still Matters
Innovation wasn’t just about technology—it was about quality. Across the industry, brands celebrated the details that make products feel timeless: refined materials, thoughtful construction, and visible craftsmanship.
Herman Miller highlighted continual improvements to iconic products through sustainability and material innovation, while Geiger, Knoll, and the broader MillerKnoll collective reinforced that enduring design comes from balancing performance with beautiful execution. Throughout Fulton Market, it was clear that craftsmanship remains one of the industry’s strongest differentiators.
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