As summer winds down, we’re reflecting on our trip to NeoCon this past June in Chicago—the premier event for commercial interior design. This annual event showcases the latest in design, from innovative products to emerging trends. Three of our team members attended this year’s event, and they’ve returned energized, inspired, and ready to implement new ideas at MA Design. Here’s what they learned and what you can expect to see influencing our projects in the months ahead.

A Cozy Future: Lounge Furniture & Curves

“One of the most exciting themes at NeoCon to me was the shift toward more residential-feeling furniture in commercial spaces,” Kim Frencho, MA Design’s in-house Furniture Planning Specialist noted. Lounge furniture, specifically, is getting an upgrade. Think stacked coffee tables, plush seating, and a focus on comfort that blurs the lines between home and office. As people continue to redefine the workplace post-pandemic, creating environments that feel relaxed and welcoming has never been more important. Expect to see these trends integrated into our workspace projects, where clients want employees to feel at home, not just at work.

Curves and arches also took center stage. We saw them not just in furniture but in architectural elements too. The clean, rigid lines of traditional office environments are softening—rounded edges on furniture and the introduction of archways bring a sense of flow and warmth into spaces. For MA Design, this aligns with our focus on creating inviting, people-first environments.

Sustainability’s New Standard

Sustainability is no longer a buzzword; it’s a requirement. At NeoCon, every manufacturer had a sustainability story to tell. “Recycled materials and deconstructed products were everywhere,” our team reported, from knit textiles made of extruded plastic to flooring produced from recycled fibers. One manufacturer, OFS, stood out with its commitment to plant a tree for every tree cut down.

These sustainability efforts aren’t just about using recycled materials—they’re about creating a full-circle, responsible production process. “We’re already discussing how we can further integrate these sustainable materials into our projects, ensuring that every design decision helps reduce our environmental footprint. Our clients will appreciate not only the design but also the story behind the products we specify” Jenna Saul, MA Interior Designer, said.

A Palette of Earth Tones

If there’s one color trend that dominated the NeoCon scene, it was earth tones. Neutral tones are making a comeback, but with a twist. Soft whites, creamy browns, and rich, natural hues were everywhere. These tones, combined with plush textures, bring warmth to commercial spaces that have traditionally felt cold and sterile.

The trend of grounding colors and materials brings a sense of calm to workplaces, healthcare facilities, and other commercial environments. Our team has already started envisioning how we can blend these natural tones with our clients’ branding, creating spaces that feel both connected to the earth and energizing for the people who use them.

The Power of Experience: Designing for the Senses

One of the most thought-provoking presentations at NeoCon was on the “Future of Experience.” The key takeaway? Design isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about the experience—how a space makes you feel, interact, and engage with the environment around you. “We were challenged to think about the power of place and how it can influence behavior, attitudes, and even beliefs,” MA Sr. Interior Designer, Christa Christian said.

For MA Design, this means putting ourselves in the shoes of the users and designing spaces that consider every sense—sight, sound, touch, and even smell. We’re exploring how we can use this idea of immersive design to craft environments that go beyond function and create memorable, meaningful experiences for everyone who steps inside.

One example of this from the presentation was The Surrey Hotel in the upper east side of Manhattan where Lauren Rottet, founding principal and president of Rottet Studio envisioned the space through the lens of what Coco Chanel herself might have wanted. This idea of storytelling through design was a powerful reminder of how the environments we create can reflect not only the brand but also the story that needs to be told. We’re excited to bring more of this storytelling approach to our work at MA Design, finding unique ways to weave narrative into every project.

Looking Forward

NeoCon wasn’t just a look into what’s next for commercial design—it was an invitation to rethink how we approach our work. From embracing sustainable materials to designing for experience, there’s a renewed focus on creating spaces that are as thoughtful as they are functional. As we look ahead to the projects we have in the pipeline, our team is ready to take what we’ve learned and apply it in ways that enhance the environments we design.

Stay tuned as we continue to explore these trends in our work. Whether it’s introducing soft, residential-style lounge furniture or finding new ways to tell our clients’ stories through design, the future of commercial interiors is bright—and we’re excited to be a part of it.

Our three attendees:

Christa Christian, Sr. Interior Designer

Christa has found a calling within interior design of spaces for higher education institutions, animal care

facilities and community buildings. She is motivated by the opportunity to design for inclusivity and to support mental wellness. With years of specialty experience in the market, she is equipped to navigate common challenges and find unique ways to converge dynamic factors.

Jenna Saul – Interior Designer

Jenna is a passionate and detail-oriented designer, driven by her goal to create spaces that elevate lives and inspire connection. Known for her adaptability and collaborative spirit, she thrives on crafting memorable environments that are inviting, comfortable, and foster community. With a deep love for translating clients’ visions into thoughtful designs, Jenna focuses on making every space functional, beautiful, and impactful.

Kim Frencho – Furniture Planning Specialist

Kim’s positive attitude and creative eye have made her a great fit as an Interior Designer and Furniture Planning Specialist at MA Design. With over 20 years experience, she’s extremely knowledgeable in furniture specifications and is dedicated to making her client’s vision a reality. Her sharp attention to detail and belief in getting things done right the first time constantly shine with each project in which she’s involved.