The layering of textures have been a common thread seen at recent tradeshows. Texture can trigger all the senses, making design more appealing and attractive. Seen throughout multiple products, the layering of various materials creates a sense of excitement and robust style.”
LORI SALEM, SPHERE TRENDING DESIGN RESEARCH ASSISTANT
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By Emily Siwek, Sphere Trending Trend Futurist, Director of Architectural Design
We just returned from NeoCon, the leading US commercial furnishings fair held annually in Chicago and the change from previous seasons was audible. While the last few years have been somewhat muted, this year we saw the volume starting to creep back up with playful color and pattern, and an emphasis on embracing the noise and volume of life in commercial spaces.
NeoCon debuted a working podcast studio along with the fair this year. The first floor studio was broadcasting studio added a new element to the mix of the event.
Hosts including design personality Amy Devers, recorded live during the show.
Within the products displayed, acoustical wall solutions have become high design, but they were not focusing on completely dampening the noise, rather they were celebrating it, creating strategic design compliments to the increasing complexity of life and design in public spaces. Turf Design also had a sense of fun with their ‘dial a decade’ installation where rotary phones played music from recent eras.
Carpet manufacturers were inspired by audio elements as well. At Mannington a sound bath inspired pixilated patterns titled “the need for sound” and at the Shaw Contract showroom, Mike Ford shared rhythmic patterns inspired by hip hop.
Ready for something to listen to? Check out Mike Ford’s Top 15 Hip Hop tracks as shared by Shaw Contract and stay tuned in with us to see what’s trending – click here to connect with us and follow our Instagram and LinkedIn.
Another blend trend we are seeing is in the comeback of bold prints and colors. Pushing gray away and filling our spaces with things that make us feel alive! We are expressing ourselves and getting creative with color, pattern and texture. You can surround yourself with everything you favor and love most. Intentionally mix it up, throw it together, and explore the fun and joy of making it a true reflection of you. “
LONNIE JOHNSON, SPHERE TRENDING, MARKET ANALYST
To read more about the masterful mix of the Ralph Lauren flagship featured in the above moodboard click here. Stay tuned this month as we explore the topic of intentional movement in our lives. Don’t miss the latest on ‘Mixtape Moments’ – click here to connect with us and follow our Instagram and LinkedIn.
Our theme this month is ‘Mixtape Moments’, a celebration of new blends we’re seeing, hearing, and watching in the trend sphere. To kick it off we have a moodboard of some of our favorite moments in the mix from recent tradeshows.
The mingling of materials have been a common thread seen at recent tradeshows. These materials are playing nice together and creating curiosity that makes you slow down to stop, think, and explore. Seen throughout multiple products, the combination of using natural and synthetic materials has become increasingly popular for 2023.”
-Lori Salem, Sphere Trending Design Research Assistant
Stay tuned this month as we explore the topic of intentional movement in our lives. Don’t miss the latest on ‘Mixtape Moments’ – click here to connect with us and follow our Instagram and LinkedIn.