## NeoCon 2021: Five Standout Flooring Collections That Caught Our Eye
After a two-year hiatus, the commercial design community finally reunited at NeoCon 2021 this past October. The event's theme, "Design Anew," perfectly captured the industry's fresh perspective on creating spaces that balance performance with wellbeing.
Flooring manufacturers rose to the occasion, unveiling collections that emphasize both visual impact and occupant comfort. From bold geometric patterns to nature-inspired designs, these five collections stood out for their innovative approach to commercial flooring.
### **Rising Signs Collection by Interface**
Interface's Rising Signs collection delivers architectural drama through eight coordinated carpet tiles. The designers drew inspiration from urban infrastructure—fire escapes, suspension bridges, and cityscapes—translating these elements into bold geometric patterns.
What makes this collection versatile is its dual personality. On one side, you'll find striking jewel tones and large-scale geometric shapes that command attention. Flip the design approach, and you'll discover earthy neutrals with softer patterns rooted in sacred geometry, bringing biophilic elements into the space.
The real strength lies in how these eight products work together, offering endless configuration possibilities for zoning different areas within a single project.
### **Deconstructed Form by Patcraft**
Patcraft's Deconstructed Form takes a sophisticated approach to texture and shape. The collection explores how architectural elements can be broken down and reimagined through flooring design.
Each style in the collection serves a different design purpose—from creating subtle backgrounds to establishing bold focal points. The patterns range from luxurious large-scale designs to organic geometric textures, all unified by sleek arcs and intersecting angles that feel both modern and timeless.
### **Dialogue Collection by Shaw Contract**
Shaw Contract's Dialogue collection recognizes that great design starts with understanding how people connect within spaces. These carpet tiles are specifically engineered for areas where conversation and collaboration happen naturally.
The collection shines in touch-down areas, informal seating zones, and welcome spaces where you want to create warmth without sacrificing durability. Beyond aesthetics, Dialogue addresses sustainability concerns with low embodied carbon construction and carbon-neutral manufacturing.
### **Data Tide by Mohawk**
Mohawk's Data Tide represents a fascinating intersection of environmental science and design. The collection uses actual environmental data from greenhouse gas studies to create biophilic patterns that celebrate blue carbon ecosystems.
The design team developed custom data visualization tools to transform scientific information about estuaries—where freshwater meets saltwater—into compelling visual patterns. The result is modular carpet planks that tell the story of how these unique ecosystems capture carbon and support biodiversity.
### **Daytripper Collection by Bentley Mills**
Bentley Mills tapped into our collective love of cultural experiences with the Daytripper Collection. Inspired by the immersive environments of museums and galleries, the collection features four distinct patterns: Expo Hall, Gallery Hop, Pop-Up Shop, and Free Day.
Each pattern varies in depth, shimmer, scale, and proportion, allowing designers to create layered experiences within commercial spaces. Free Day stands out as the most accessible option, offering simple elegance at an approachable price point.
## **The Bigger Picture**
These collections reflect broader trends shaping commercial design today. Biophilic elements are no longer optional extras—they're essential for creating environments that support occupant wellbeing. Similarly, sustainability isn't just about materials anymore; it's about the entire lifecycle of products.
What impressed us most at NeoCon 2021 was how manufacturers are thinking beyond individual products to create systems that give designers real flexibility in storytelling through flooring choices.
