This year, our visit to NeoCon in Chicago left us with much more than a notebook full of observations: above all, it gave us reason to reflect on how spaces are evolving, and what that says about our needs, our values, and our relationship with materials.
Held at The Mart, NeoCon remains one of the leading events in commercial interior design, and the 2026 edition shone a spotlight on innovation, the evolution of workplaces, and sustainability.
As we moved from booth to booth, one thing stood out clearly: carpeting had become more understated. There were plenty of neutral tones, beiges, soft browns, and pale, warm palettes. Fewer cool greys, and more enveloping shades. Flooring seemed designed to let the furniture take centre stage, with burgundy appearing more prominently, along with touches of pale green and blue as accents.
Another strong impression was the clear return to more refined materials, especially wood in its natural tones. There is a noticeable desire for authenticity in materials, for carefully balanced simplicity, and for textures that do not need to do too much to make an impact in a space. These are choices that create calm, nuanced environments with lasting appeal.
On the conference side, one word kept coming up: circularity. And for good reason. The discussions highlighted just how important a role designers can play in the environmental impact of projects, particularly in the selection of furniture and materials. This focus on life cycle, reuse, and product transformation felt more present than ever, a theme that was also clearly reflected in NeoCon 2026’s official programming.
This idea also opens the door to very practical questions: how can the life of a product be extended? Can certain carpets be reused in other contexts, other projects, or even within organizations? These are reflections that go beyond trends and speak directly to the way we design more intelligently.
Coming back from NeoCon 2026, what stands out most is this: softer interiors, more authentic materials, deeper thinking about the impact of our choices, and a design approach increasingly focused on bringing together beauty, meaning, and responsibility. The choice of modular carpet, above all, can also be part of this thinking by offering greater flexibility, making targeted replacement easier, and helping extend the life of a fit-out.
And then, of course, there is Chicago itself. Between two full days, we had the chance to enjoy a few moments in the city: a stop at Cloud Gate, the famous “Bean,” whose mirrored surface reflects the skyline in spectacular fashion, as well as a boat tour on the Chicago River, a unique way to discover the city and its architecture from another perspective. These lighter moments were also part of the experience, a lovely way to make a little more room for inspiration.
