When it comes to the commercial interior design industry, there is no event more important than NeoCon. The 2022 show in Chicago featured over 1 million square feet of exhibition space on the show floors, as well as appearances from over 400 brands.

Our own Tiffany Tarr, business development manager, attended NeoCon 2022 and brought back a wealth of insights. From the bustling show floor to intriguing panel discussions, I sat down with Tiffany to hear more about what she learned regarding what’s next in commercial interior design.

What are some of the major trends or ideas you noticed at NeoCon this year?

TT: There was definitely an emphasis on providing agile design solutions in the current market — I heard terms like “phygital” workplace design and the “hotelification” of offices multiple times.

People also spoke about combining the aesthetics of residential design with the performance quality of commercial/contract designs. There’s a focus on making work environments calmer and allowing them to be more inviting and homelike to workers.

With the rise of work-from-home, this makes sense. It also comes down to simplicity in design being valued now more than ever. Interiors can’t be unwelcoming or overwhelming if you want people to spend time in them.

On the flip side, what are some challenges facing the industry?

TT: I think people continue to feel uncertain right now, so there were plenty of conversations regarding new and arising challenges. For starters, designs must now be adaptable and useful in a marketplace and world where most consumers are unsure how global issues will affect — or continue to affect — their offices and industries. We’ve seen this a lot throughout the pandemic with the work-from-home shift and increased awareness of social issues, as well as environmental impacts and concerns.

As I mentioned earlier, designers are also figuring out designs incorporating benefits that appeal to consumers, because that’s what clients need right now. How can designers make workplaces and commercial areas more appealing? The right design can be a good way to give people a reason to come into the office. At the very least, design is a useful tool to ensure that commercial spaces aren’t repelling or overwhelming to consumers.

The industry has also shifted its focus to not just providing products and attractive design but also pointing out how specific products or lines provide ancillary, lasting benefits to society at large. How do they tout that their products are improving the world, even minimally? Design clients are interested in buying things that make their world not just prettier — but better.