Wednesday, June 11, 2014

NeoCon 2014 Highlights

This year's NeoCon show at the Merchandise Mart was impressive as always.  Here are some of the most interesting things I saw while I was there, and some trends I've noticed.


Bulletproof Office Chairs

No, I am not making this up.  I guess we must now trust our furniture to protect us from violence since our laws will not? These chairs from Neutral Posture have a discreet bulletproof vest in the seat back that can be detached and worn, or left on the chair so that it can be used as a shield. Naturally, the company that makes them is based in Texas.

Neocon 2014 #NeoConography

The mannequin is wearing a vest riddled with .357 magnum bullet holes. They didn't go all the way through.




Furniture for Introverts

Besides the new line of furniture by Steelcase informed by the research into introverted work styles that Susan Cain has done, many manufacturers this year have created enclosed seating where you can work ensconced in privacy.

Neocon 2014 #NeoConography

Neocon 2014 #NeoConography


NeoCon 2014 #NeoConography

NeoCon 2014 #NeoConography


Some of these pieces grew up to become cubicle substitutes.


Neocon 2014 #NeoConography


The soft, high-backed seating was also prevalent in the form of banquette style pieces that were put together to create meeting spaces.


Neocon 2014 #NeoConography

Neocon 2014 #NeoConography



Accent Colors / Color Palettes

Is gray the new beige? It seemed to be everywhere this year as the neutral color of choice. It was often paired with shades of yellow or chartreuse.

Neocon 2014 #NeoConography

Neocon 2014 #NeoConography

Neocon 2014 #NeoConography

Neocon 2014 #NeoConography

Neocon 2014 #NeoConography

Neocon 2014 #NeoConography

Neocon 2014 #NeoConography



Silhouettes

Curved sofas and modular seating wound their way through booths and showrooms all over NeoCon. This one from Okamura looks so cozy.

NeoCon 2014

 NeoCon 2014

And here are some more I liked.

Neocon 2014 #NeoConography

NeoCon 2014

Neocon 2014 #NeoConography

Neocon 2014 #NeoConography






New companies I just discovered

Some are new to NeoCon and others are just new to me.

NeoCon 2014

Mamagreen has some of the most stylish outdoor furniture I've seen in a while. It looks good enough to go indoors. Modist is available to the trade only. They have great prices and a wide range of styles.

I'm familiar with Bend furniture because I've seen it on Dot & Bo and other online retailers, but it was great to see it in person and find out about how I can buy it direct from the company for clients. 


 












While exploring the rest of the Mart I happened upon the sultry and mysterious Jean de Merry showroom. It's also trade only, but here's a sneak peek at one of their coffee tables.






















My favorite showroom

Every year the participating showrooms compete for awards. This year my favorite was Evolve Furniture.

NeoCon 2014

NeoCon 2014

NeoCon 2014


NeoCon 2014





My favorite booth

I love this beautiful booth from Ode Creative. It's so romantic. It could be part of a wedding chapel.

NeoCon 2014





Amazing materials

I am fascinated by the textures of these products and really want to make something out of them. It could be something functional or a piece of art.


Neocon 2014 #NeoConography

Neocon 2014 #NeoConography

NeoCon 2014

NeoCon 2014


Neocon 2014 #NeoConography

Neocon 2014 #NeoConography




Other cool stuff
 
Leland's showroom was looking lovely, too.

NeoCon 2014 #NeoConography


It would be cool to do a DIY version of this using recycled shipping pallets.


Neocon 2014 #NeoConography



Buzzispace keeps it quirky.


NeoCon 2014



These chairs from Izzy+ are funny-looking but surprisingly comfortable.


Neocon 2014 #NeoConography


And their showroom is adorable, as always.


Neocon 2014 #NeoConography


A mood board from the Universal Fibers booth.



NeoCon 2014 #NeoConography


I like the shoe store concept that leather manufacturer Moore & Giles used. They also sell the hair on hide shearling featured on the footstools.


Neocon 2014 #NeoConography


Herman Miller shell chairs on parade in the lobby. Or are they models on a runway?


Neocon 2014 #NeoConography


I want this kitchen.


NeoCon 2014 #NeoConography



See the rest of my NeoCon photos on Flickr.

1 comment:

  1. Next year come accross wells street to Kimball Office showroom during NeoCon. There are 5 more companies in this building you can check oit. BEAUTIFUL PICTURES. thanks for sharing.

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