# NeoCon 2017: Six Commercial Design Trends Shaping the Future of Workspaces
Since 1969, NeoCon has served as the commercial design industry's most comprehensive annual showcase. This year's event revealed six compelling trends that are reshaping how we think about workplace environments. Here's what caught our attention on the showroom floor.
## Raw Materials: Embracing Natural Imperfection
The movement toward authentic materials is gaining serious momentum. Designers are incorporating unfinished wood, exposed concrete, and weathered metals into polished commercial pieces, creating a striking contrast between refined craftsmanship and natural texture.
This approach celebrates the inherent character found in raw materials—the grain patterns in reclaimed wood, the subtle variations in natural stone, the patina on aged metals. The result is furniture that feels genuine and grounded, offering a welcome departure from overly polished corporate aesthetics.
## Pastels: Soft Colors Make a Bold Statement
With Pantone's 2017 Color of the Year being Greenery, it's no surprise that other nature-inspired hues followed suit. This year's textile trends embraced a surprisingly sophisticated palette of soft colors.
Blush pinks, sage greens, and powder blues dominated fabric selections throughout The Mart. These gentle tones work particularly well when paired with metallic accents, creating spaces that feel both calming and energizing—a perfect balance for today's demanding work environments.
## Metallics: The New Neutrals
Bronze, gold, rose gold, and copper finishes appeared everywhere at NeoCon 2017. These warm metallic tones have evolved beyond accent pieces to become integral design elements in their own right.
The versatility of metallics allows them to shift the mood of any space. Used sparingly, they add sophistication. Applied more liberally, they can create a playful, contemporary atmosphere. Some manufacturers are even exploring vintage-inspired patinas that bring a touch of retro charm to modern furniture pieces.
## Residential Influence: Anti-Corporate Comfort
The boundaries between home and office continue to blur, and manufacturers are responding with an impressive array of options. The residential aesthetic in commercial spaces isn't just about comfort—it's about creating environments where people actually want to spend their time.
What's particularly exciting is how these pieces maintain commercial durability standards while achieving that approachable, lived-in look. Employees no longer have to sacrifice style for function, and facility managers don't have to compromise on longevity.
## Quiet Spaces: Privacy in an Open World
As open floor plans remain popular, the demand for privacy solutions has intensified. Smart manufacturers are developing innovative products that create intimate spaces without requiring permanent construction.
Companies like west elm WORKSPACE, Buzzispace, and Framery showcased elegant solutions for phone calls, focused work, and brief mental breaks. These products recognize that collaboration and concentration both have their place in effective workplace design.
## Collaboration: Technology Meets Furniture
Collaborative work isn't slowing down—it's evolving. As technology integration becomes more seamless, furniture needs to adapt to support new ways of connecting and creating together.
From lounge areas equipped with built-in charging stations to conference tables that accommodate multiple devices and connection points, the furniture itself is becoming smarter. This trend extends across sectors, with universities, healthcare facilities, and corporate environments all seeking solutions that make teamwork more natural and effective.
## Looking Ahead
These six trends reflect a broader shift in how we understand workplace design. Today's commercial interiors need to be more human-centered, more flexible, and more responsive to the diverse ways people actually work. The innovations showcased at NeoCon 2017 suggest that the industry is rising to meet these challenges with creativity and practical wisdom.
