NeoCon 2025: Eleven Trends Shaping the Future of Commercial Interiors

Insights from Rochelle Lozano and Stephanie Barragan, DisplayIt Senior Retail Environment Designers

Bringing the Homestead to the Office

“Since 2020, we’ve seen a clear push to make offices feel more like home,” notes Rochelle Lozano. Furniture and fixtures now prioritize comfort over pure function—think lounge-style seating, soft textiles, and warm finishes. This “merging of the homestead” encourages employees to return to the office by creating environments that feel inviting, familiar, and conducive to informal collaboration.

Lounge-style seating, including a couch with throw pillows, makes office furniture feel more like home.

Curves for Visual Interest

Curved lines emerged as a dominant design language at NeoCon. “Soft, organic forms add a welcome counterpoint to rigid, straight-line architecture,” Rochelle explains. From subtle convex table legs to sweeping curved partitions, these unexpected arcs break visual monotony and lend timeless elegance. The result: focal points that draw the eye and soften otherwise angular spaces.

Curved lines, like the ones found on these chair from Andreu World, were uber present throughout the show.

Tapered Profiles for Dynamic Depth

Another trend Rochelle identified is tapering—narrowing shapes that create a sense of lightness and movement. “Tables with ultra-thin leading edges that widen beneath the surface feel almost weightless,” she says. This forced perspective introduces drama without sacrificing structural integrity, making everyday furniture an exercise in sculptural finesse.

This conference table uses tapered edges to appear as though it's floating above the ground. A secret, built-in drawer adds functionality without compromising on style.

An MCM-inspired conference table from Andreu World that appears to be floating above the ground.

The support structure of this conference table are beautifully disguised underneath.

Chrome in a Modern Context

Chrome has returned, but in updated form. “We saw polished and matte chrome paired with distressed woods to convey high-end warmth rather than cold opulence,” Rochelle observes. Stephanie Barragan adds, “Small chrome accents—cabinet pulls or slim trim—lend a nod to ’90s luxury without overpowering a design.” This strategic use of reflective metal brings subtle glamour and ties interiors back to residential bath and kitchen fixtures.

Chrome accents juxtaposed with distressed wood elevates the design of this park bench.

Acoustic Nooks & Rippled Glass for Privacy

“Creating small, cave-like nooks clad in acoustic paneling was a standout,” says Stephanie. These pods offer respite from open-plan noise without sending employees outside. Complementing this trend, Rochelle spotted rippled glass installations that provide privacy through a veil of texture—ideal for meeting rooms or upscale hospitality environments.

A nook clad in acoustic paneling gives employees a respite from the loud workday.

This workstation pod create the perfect sound-proof barrier for employees in an open concept office.

Rippled glass provides privacy and a sense of mystery in this modular office.

Height-Adjustable Desks That Disappear

Rising desks are no longer bulky machines. “Now they’re seamlessly integrated into clean designs, with controls camouflaged into the surface,” Rochelle notes. These sleek, motorized tables support healthy, active work styles—whether standing for focus or sitting for discussions—and reinforce the broader wellness movement driving modern office design.

Height adjustable desks were everywhere at NeoCon, from ultra-glamorous wood desks, to simple designs like this.

Inclusive, Adaptive Design

Accessibility and sensory-friendly features are finally taking center stage. “We’re seeing furniture designed for neurodiverse users—fidget elements built into desk accessories and flexible seating that accommodates varying comfort needs,” Rochelle explains. As mental-health awareness grows, such thoughtful details ensure spaces work for everyone.

The DisplayIt Design team, along with CEO Kurt Ripkey, sits at a conference table that rises and lowers to accommodate employees with different needs.

Sustainable Woods & Responsible Sourcing

NeoCon emphasized eco-conscious materials. “With endangered species woods off-limits, FSC certification guides us to sustainable alternatives,” Rochelle shares. As wood prices climb and availability shrinks, designers must innovate with responsibly sourced species and reclaimed materials, ensuring long-term supply without harming forests.

Products that mimic wood ensure sustainable sourcing without giving up style.

Color Comes Alive—Beyond Neutrals

Muted palettes still dominate, but bold accents are making a comeback. “After years of beige and taupe, pops of vibrant resin and rich jewel tones enliven interiors while clean silhouettes retain timelessness,” Stephanie observes. The challenge for designers is to introduce color in a way that feels fresh but won’t quickly date.

Pops of vibrant color could be found in almost every booth at NeoCon.

Multifunctional Outdoor Furnishings

NeoCon’s outdoor collections blurred the lines between interior and exterior. Stephanie notes a foldable umbrella-bench combo that pivots to block sun where needed, and convertible bar ledges that double as seating. These versatile pieces enable hospitality and amenity spaces to extend their footprint outdoors without sacrificing style or functionality.

This outdoor bench has an adjustable shade to block the sun where needed.

Streamlined Systems Over Embellishment

Finally, a clear shift toward streamlined, multipurpose systems emerged. Acoustic panels became wall cladding or booth exteriors, light fixtures morphed into sculptural elements, and modular furniture adapted to multiple uses. “Rather than decorative frills, the focus was on how details come together—materiality, joinery, and true functionality,” Stephanie concludes.

This seating area, clad in acoustic paneling also serves as a semi-private meeting space.

At NeoCon 2025, Rochelle and Stephanie saw firsthand how the best designs blend innovation, ergonomics, and branding into cohesive environments. By embracing home-inspired comfort, organic forms, adaptive features, and sustainable materials, DisplayIt is ready to bring these future-proof trends to your next retail, corporate, or hospitality project.

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