Another year, another incredible NeoCon experience! Walking the floors of Chicago's Merchandise Mart, it was clear that 2025 marked a pivotal moment for workplace design. From the moment you stepped into the showrooms, you could feel the energy—brands weren't just showcasing furniture, they were crafting experiences that told compelling stories about the future of work. The themes were unmistakable: sustainability isn't just a buzzword anymore, it's driving real innovation, and comfort has become the cornerstone of productive workplace design. Here's what caught my eye and got me most excited about the direction our industry is heading.
Standout Design Trends
1. Mid-Century Modern Revival with Walnut Accents
Warm walnut tones and mid-century modern silhouettes dominated the showrooms, bringing a sense of timeless sophistication to the workplace. Many pieces featured rounded corners (Nienkamper, Tuohy), organic shapes, and soft tactile fabrics (new Haworth Velvet and Boucle fabrics) that emphasized comfort and approachability.
2. Storytelling-Driven Lounge Collections
Several brands (Haworth, Andreu World, SitOnIt) introduced expanded lounge offerings, curated within immersive showroom environments that reflected a cohesive design narrative. From thoughtfully layered materials to mood-driven vignettes, the pieces felt intentional and grounded in a larger story about space and culture.
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3. Sustainability at the Forefront
Eco-conscious design took center stage, with standout innovations like Alder Side Table (Haworth), made with biodegradable plastic from Mater's patented Mater technology, and the Fern Chair (Haworth), manufactured in a closed-loop process continually reusing the raw materials for black plastic parts of the chair. The push toward circular design and responsible sourcing was a clear priority across both ancillary and office categories.
4. Comfort-Driven, Hospitality-Inspired Aesthetics
Healthcare furniture is shifting toward a softer, more inviting look—integrating residential influences with clean, functional lines. Pieces like the Integra Odyssey seating and lounge chairs from SitOnIt and Global offer a comforting presence, balancing durability with warmth through layered upholstery, gentle curves, and muted palettes.
Standout Products We Loved
Framery Six
The Framery Six is an innovative phone booth solution that caught our attention with its sleek design and superior acoustic performance, perfect for the hybrid workplace's need for private, focused workspaces.
Nienkamper Una Tables (Mesh Bases)
The Una Tables from Nienkamper exemplify the mid-century modern revival with their elegant mesh base design and warm walnut surfaces, creating sophisticated meeting spaces that feel both professional and approachable.
That's a Wrap on NeoCon 2025!
The trends we saw this year show a clear direction: workplaces are becoming more human-centered, sustainable, and story-driven. At Unisource Solutions, we're excited to help our clients incorporate these innovations into their spaces, creating environments that truly support how people work today.
Ready to Transform Your Workspace?
Interested in bringing these NeoCon 2025 trends to your office? Let’s talk about how we can help you create a workspace that reflects these exciting new directions in design.
