NeoCon 2021 Themes + Trends

What is NeoCon?

NeoCon is the largest trade show in the commercial design industry, allowing the industry’s major manufacturers and emerging companies to showcase their products to the community. Located in the MART in downtown Chicago, NeoCon has hosted the contract design industry annually for over 50 years and has been an inspiration source for countless designers and industry professionals through the year. We were excited to be back in Chicago for this year’s event after a long hiatus.

NeoCon 2021 Highlights + New Products

NeoCon 2021 was packed full of design inspiration and trends. If you weren't able to make it this year, no need to worry, we've put together an overview of trends and themes seen throughout the showrooms and displays.

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Color Trends from NeoCon 2021

In 2019 and 2020, pastel colors dominated the showrooms. This year we saw a transition from pastels to brighter colors found in nature, such as floral shades and sunset hues. Trending colors this year include mauve, terracotta, light and dusty pinks, maroon shades, and deep forest greens.

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Browse bright paint colors on Source

Shape and Form Trends from NeoCon 2021

Playful structure and texture were common themes seen throughout showrooms. Materials such as boucle fabric, moss, and velvet all add dimension and texture.

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Bold Maximalism Trending Over Minimalism

Boldness over minimalism is another apparent theme from this year’s show. Showrooms displayed bold patterns, graphics, wallpaper, and LED signs.

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View Bold Pattern Wall Coverings

Sustainability at the Forefront of Design Themes

Companies are continually trying to reduce their carbon footprint by creating more sustainable products. We saw lots of recycling and reusing of products. Econyl transforms nylon waste into a material that is used to create clothing, furniture, rugs, textiles, and more. Cambria repurposes their leftover products into community road and freeway materials. Flek by 3form is made up of over 90% recycled material.

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View Products with Recycled Content

We already can’t wait for next year! A big kudos to the team at NeoCon for putting on an amazing show and to all the vendors who worked tirelessly to bring NeoCon back in a big way for 2021!