Adventures at NeoCon: Office Design Trends for 2025 from a Marketing Director’s Perspective

I recently had the privilege of attending NeoCon at Chicago’s Merchandise Mart alongside DisplayIt’s design team, our CEO Kurt Ripkey, and Kevin Hughes, Senior Director of Sales & Marketing. Even without a background in interior design, the innovative concepts on display were impossible to miss. Below are the key trends that will shape retail and corporate workspaces in 2025.

1. Utility Meets Beauty

Gone are the days when functional items stayed hidden under desks. At NeoCon, vendors like Mizetto demonstrated how everyday essentials—trash cans, tape dispensers, hole punches—can be designed as sleek accents rather than eyesores. Monochromatic palettes and refined materials turned these utility pieces into conversation starters, proving that elevating small details can transform an entire environment.

Mizetto transformed trash cans and recycle bins into aesthetically pleasing utilitarian items.

Mizetto's hole punch and tape dispenser are just as beautiful as the desk they sit upon.

2. Conference Tables as Centerpieces

Conference tables are no longer afterthoughts. Brands such as Nienkamper International and Andreu World showcased tables with ultra-thin tops, concealed support structures, and sculptural edges. Achieving that balance of elegance and stability requires advanced engineering—a fact our design team eagerly confirmed as they examined hidden reinforcements beneath each surface. In 2025, expect these tables to set the tone for any high-end meeting room.

A stunning conference table from Andreu World.

3. Modular Workspaces Take Over

Modular “phone booth”-style offices were everywhere—some sized for solo video calls, others spacious enough for small teams. These soundproof pods answer the post-COVID challenge of maintaining open-plan collaboration without sacrificing privacy. As Framery aptly puts it, “A modular office is future-proofed for the changing demands of employees.” Incorporating a range of pod sizes can preserve an open aesthetic while delivering the quiet spaces workers need.

A modular office from Framery showcases the future of corporate workspaces.

4. The Rise of Designer Outdoor Furniture

Outdoor furniture has evolved from folding chairs to fully styled installations worthy of interior spaces. NeoCon exhibitors presented weather-resistant pieces in woven fabrics, bold color palettes, and refined wood accents. For organizations considering alfresco seating, these collections promise durability without compromising on design—often becoming even more eye-catching than their indoor counterparts.

An outdoor lawn chair that doesn't compromise on design.

5. Biophilic Moss Accents

Moss took center stage as a versatile, low-maintenance biophilic element, anchoring booths with living walls and tabletops that doubled as green art installations. Beyond its visual impact, moss improves acoustics by dampening ambient noise and helps regulate humidity—subtly enhancing comfort in high-traffic areas. Designers used moss in sculptural panels, freestanding partitions, and integrated planters, proving that natural textures can soften hard surfaces and create calming focal points. Its widespread adoption reflects a growing desire to reconnect interior spaces with the restorative power of nature, boosting well-being and productivity in both retail and workspace settings.

Moss and other botanical accents were on full display at NeoCon

6. Midcentury Modern’s Enduring Appeal

NeoCon reaffirmed midcentury modern’s status as a perennial favorite, showcasing furniture and fixtures that fuse clean lines with organic forms. Iconic silhouettes—tapered leg chairs, rounded credenzas, and streamlined lounge seating—were reinterpreted in contemporary materials like molded plywood, molded plastics, and recycled metals. Warm palettes of ochre, rust, and mustard yellow offered a nostalgic yet fresh contrast to neutral backdrops, while integrated LED lighting inside furniture pieces added a modern twist. Exhibitors like Dauphin showcased how a blend of timeless aesthetics and functional innovation ensures midcentury modern continues to deliver environments that feel both classic and cutting-edge, seamlessly complementing other trends like modular pods and biophilic accents.

An exhibitor showcases a seating area that is rooted in MCM design.

I’m eager to debrief with DisplayIt’s designers and explore how we can incorporate these insights into our upcoming projects. Stay tuned for the creative innovations that will emerge as we bring NeoCon’s 2025 trends to life!