Major players in the commercial interior design industry will once again converge at Chicago’s annual design fair NeoCon in June 2022. Showcasing the most innovative and interesting products and ideas, the tradeshow will now not only be spread out across the many levels of art deco masterpiece the Mart, but many brands have taken up residence at the nearby and burgeoning Fulton Market district, adding another layer to the massive show. Here is a preview of just a few of the product launches we are looking forward to seeing. 

1

Dau Collection by Stylex

With its well-resolved Dau collection of upholstered seating and sculptural side tables for Stylex, Yonoh Studio delivers a successful solution for creating dynamic lounge environments. Comprised of sofas, benches, pouffes and lounge chairs, all available in multiple sizes, the series makes the most of available space with its ability to fill oddly shaped corners as well as create full-scale arrangements in open-plan schemes. 

Designers Clara del Portillo and Alex Selma also had sustainability top of mind, using recycled steel and aluminum, water-based adhesives and plant-based polyurethane for the cheerfully shaped modules.

All of the pieces can be mixed and matched together or used as standalone pieces in a multitude of office, hospitality and educational settings. The seating comes in three armchair versions and pouffes in six sizes and shapes, while the tables come in three sizes plus coffee table formats. A wide range of upholstery fabrics and tabletop surface materials are offered, as is a palette of diverse VOC-free powder-coat finishes. 

2

Oak Bok Cowork Desk by Ethnicraft

With its decidedly approachable design, the Oak Bok Cowork desk by Ethnicraft‘s Alain Van Havre is intended to bring people together while respecting personal space. The expansive and intentionally wide surface makes a comfortable spot for groups working together or for individuals who want to spread out a little. 

Running the length of its middle is a series of three integrated power outlets that can be popped up when needed and pushed down when not in use, returning them to sit flush with the tabletop.

Made from solid oak with finely crafted details and a natural varnish finish, the desk has a warmth and beauty that is often relegated to residential dining tables. 

3

Carpet Collection by Shaw Contract + West Elm

Flooring specialist Shaw Contract has partnered with sustainable furnishings retailer West Elm to craft a collection of coordinating rugs, broadloom and carpet tiles that marry the warmth of residential interiors with the durability required for contract and commercial settings. 

The seven styles available are made using innovative techniques and a curated combination of yarns (made from 100 per cent recycled nylon), which results in a variety of textures and patterns that have the look and feel of handwoven rugs. 

With warm palettes and subtle mid-century modern patterns, the four standard-sized rugs (with surged or hidden edges) add a beautiful layer to workplace and hospitality settings as well as at home. 

4

Helio Table by David Furniture

Long-time collaborator Jehs + Laub has expanded its successful Helio table for Davis Furniture to include a new shape and different sizes. Originally launched in 2018 in circular formats, the tables garnered immediate praise for their sleek architectural style and modernist perspective.

As with its predecessor, the new version positions an ultra-thin solid-steel surface — this time a rounded rectangle — atop slender tubular steel legs; the rigorous design allows the two elements to support each other without any visible hardware. Offered in three complementary sizes and heights, the tables can be used independently or in nested configurations, providing a high degree of application flexibility. 

Part of Davis Furniture’s Elements line of interior accessories, Helio is suitable for use in the workspace and hospitality settings as well as in private residences and is offered in a broad range of powder-coated colourways that contribute to the occasional table’s crisp aesthetic. 

5

Path Task Chair by Humanscale

Designed in collaboration with Todd Bracher, the Path task chair’s minimal silhouette and near-weightless appearance belie its positive environmental impact.

The latest product to join Humanscale’s certified climate-positive line, the seat is made from almost nine kilograms of recycled content — namely ocean plastic, post-consumer plastic bottles and post-industrial materials. 

Adding to that, all the aluminum components are also made from 100 per cent post-consumer or post-industrial waste and the manufacturing of its three-dimensional knit textile results in zero waste. Advanced seating technology calibrates the user’s weight and posture to seamlessly self-adjust to support the body, without the need for cumbersome manual controls. Path is available in 32 colourways, three textiles and four base finishes.