[neocon roundup]

A quick look at some of the top trends and new products at Neocon 2016!


Paint it Pastel

Following suite to Pantone's colors of the year, rose quartz and serenity, many manufacturers were showcasing muted pastels. Skyline Design teamed with Dutch designers Scholton and Baijings to create the new Glass Gradients collection, winning the best of Neocon Silver award.


Show off the Surface

The form and function of the corporate office is shifting away from monotonous, contrived and rigid - toward beautiful, authentic, and flexible. More and more we hear the term uncorporate office being used to describe this new vision of the workplace. Watson has been approaching furniture design this way from the beginning.  Some of the design-rich alternatives to conventional office finishes they are offering include exposed MDF natural edge, clear coat steel, felt, and craft surfaces.

(That's right!  I'm your Watson rep for Eastern WA, Northern ID, and Western MT!)


Incorporate Resimercial Style

Resimercial (the combination of residential and commercial) is an industry trend that brings the home to work. Resimercial designs combine the intricacies of residential design within a commercial setting. Some leaders in this trend include European inspired Davisand Area International; and new to the trend are Krug and H Contract.  Neocon introduced some excellent products that embody this trend.

Davis' Ginkgo and Sketch families have expanded even further this year to include mid back lounges, conference-style lounge pieces and arm chairs.

H Contract's latest collection, Canvas, features a modern design inspired by sleek architectural shapes along with the same attention to detail you’ve come to expect from H Contract.  Canvas is defined by the beveled profile of the solid hardwood on the arms and tables.

Krug introduced a new wood frame chair (yet to be named!) that will fit into both healthcare and corporate settings with the lines of a mid-century home piece.


Choose Your Work Modes

Just as students learn through multiple modes, people work in many modes throughout the day.  Offering options for a variety of settings can help employees be successful and stay engaged.  Offices are now incorporating work cafes, media lounges, privacy booths, and team landing tables - all while staying connected by keeping power close by! 

Krug has expanded multiple lines to accommodate these new work styles.  Zola Privacy can create private booths or work in cafes.  Combined with Artemis Media Hub, a work lounge is created.

Martin Brattrud's Assembli combines many work modes in one unique modular product.   Offering both visual and acoustical privacy as well as a comfortable hang-out space, it provides a seating system that fulfills the needs of people meeting and collaborating in groups as well as people working independently.

Watson's Bahn is a power, voice, and data delivery solution designed for organizations that value modularity and simplicity in open plan environments.


Mix and Match Materials

Prioritizing beautiful form and practical functionality; Techniq tables by Davis incorporate polished metal, Fenix soft laminate or veneer top, and a pressed felt wire trough and modesty panel.

Valet occasional tables by Davis offer a new innovative solution.  A study in geometric shapes, Valet is constructed from sleek metal bases and unique tray-like tops in veneer or melamine. Making an architectural statement, Valet tables are simple yet striking additions to any environment.

Peter Pepper's new desk, Nik structure is a powder-coat steel frame with a laminate wood grain top.  The natural finish stands out against the smooth steel.


Make a Statement

From more effective wayfinding to magnified brand identity, Takeform's Amplify takes your space to an entirely new order of magnitude. One that will create an unforgettable impression of who you are. Because Amplify helps you build a world where your brand lives and breathes – in a big way.

[health & care] Healthcare Furnishings

Healthcare facilities need a little extra care when specifying furnishings!

Hospitals and clinics have a very broad clientele, not only their immediate patients, but also their friends and families.  Many situations require family to hunker down and stay a while.  For the products I represent, Krug is the gold standard in healthcare.  However, not all projects are created equal.  Ask the question if any of these features are required in the space:

Seat Height - an increased seat height will be easier for most body types and ages to get in and out of.  Generally, a height of 17" - 19" is a good bet.  Lower than that, and some folks may have a harder time.  If you decide a lower seat height is appropriate, be sure to include arms that can be used to assist the person when getting in and out of the chair.

Clean Outs - This is a space at the back of the seat that allows dirt, debris and liquid to fall to the floor for easy clean up and maintenance.  Many are designed into the seat, keeping aesthetics in mind.  This feature does not have to detract from your design.

Removable Covers & Replacement Components - Some manufacturers offer replacement seat and back covers for a more thorough cleaning.  The manufacturer may also offer major components to be field replaced.  Hospital waiting areas can receive a lot of ware and this feature can be a very cost effective solution if damage occurs.

Finish Durability - The Krug Enduraguard finish, a proprietary catalyzed varnish formulation, has been repeatedly shown, through independent laboratory testing, to be the industry leader in durability and abrasion resistance. The Krug finish looks better longer than competitors, and is uniquely suited to the demands of healthcare environments.

Anti Microbial - Many Krug wood surfaces come with a uniquely-formulated anti-microbial finish that inhibits the growth of molds and mildews. Surfaces coated in this finish will have reduced fungal growth, and spores from germs, microbes and bacteria will not multiply on the wood.  Facilities managers love this.  With the new healthcare laws in place, facilities do not receive payment if their patients get sick while under the facility's care.  Every clean surface matters.