NeoCon and Design Days Preview 2025

The New Sustainability

Across the architecture & design community, i+s has heard a number of sentiments regarding “sustainability,” from positive declarations like enforcing firm-level specification requirements for manufacturer partners, to wariness in terms of what constitutes “greenwashing” versus measurable progress toward more eco-friendly systems and materials.

As a product concept, we don’t think the “S” word has lost all meaning yet! Allow us to elaborate.

With increasing percentages of recycled or recyclable content, advances in circular processes like closed-loop plastics manufacturing, an expanding library of eco-labels and third-party certifications, and a growing list of what’s not included among the materials, interior FFE development continues to steam along. Many manufacturers participating in NeoCon 2025 and Fulton Market Design Days are on a mission to adapt and innovate—not only to improve finished spaces, but also to help mitigate the environmental challenges we face globally.

One to watch: A biodegradable vinyl that blends high performance with environmental responsibility, PFAS-free Hyphyn is an unusual launch as it will be on view at The MART with exclusive variants for Arc-Com (1194), Mayer Fabrics (1173), Momentum Textiles & Wallcovering (323), Pallas Textiles (1181), CF Stinson (10-150), and Wolf Gordon (3-100). Engineered to biodegrade over 90% within 24 months in landfill conditions, Hyphyn features a patented enzyme system embedded in both the PVC face and polyester backing. It still claims to offer superior stain resistance, bleach cleanability, and 250,000 double rub durability to meet commercial demands.

Timeless Resilience

Commercial and institutional spaces can face incredible traffic demands and lots of cleaning. What’s more, the time between renovations can vary widely depending on the purpose of the environment, so a classic look is often prioritized over colors and patterns that define a particular design era.

Flooring, surfaces, and textiles must be hardy, but that doesn’t mean designers have to sacrifice visual interest or cohesion with the project narrative in favor of high performance and long-lasting appeal.

Geometric patterned or densely textured textiles anchored with a mix of neutral tones and muted paintbox colors can help upholstered seating stand out—while it stands the test of time. Color blocking remains a winning strategy for flooring that defines transitions between spaces or assists with wayfinding. Flooring or surface materials themselves that can be arranged to create pleasing patterns and shapes are offered in a variety of looks from stone to wood grain with low-sheen finishes that wear exceedingly well.

A modern interpretation of parquet flooring, boldly expressive fabrics, colorcoordinating vinyl planks, and enduring porcelain tile blend the advances of contemporary materials with crisp, classic appeal in satisfying fashion.

Making strides: Reclamation and recycling programs that address the reality of end-of-product-life are on the rise, such as Shaw Contract’s re[TURN], available for Patcraft EcoWorx, ReWorx, and Plant RP resilient products as well as Shaw-made resilient flooring.

AHF’s Crossville pioneered a tile recycling program for scrap and previously installed tile that helps to conserve raw materials. Meanwhile, Mayer Fabrics participates in a zero-landfill initiative to divert and repurpose fabric samples for artisans, students, and community programs.

Adaptable Furniture

Modular! Flexible! Versatile! Dynamic! All of these adjectives lead us to the concept of a workplace without limits. Choice of seating arrangements and flexible placement is no longer a luxury when you have a variety of shapes and sizes to serve any footprint.

Featuring careful attention to ergonomics, design for moveability, companion work surfaces, and durable, sustainable construction, modular furniture offerings deliver on all that the hybrid environment trend promises. Shrinking office footprints? No problem. Modular furniture has your back.

The new office statement pieces are no longer “one note” but rather highly adaptable furnishings that create a cohesive flow throughout commercial spaces.

Productive postures: According to Gensler’s Global Workplace Survey 2025, “flexible co-creation spaces emerge as the preferred choice for in-person work activities—except in the government and nonprofit sectors, where traditional conference rooms with chairs are ranked as the top choice for supporting their in-person work needs. This shift underscores the growing demand for comfortable, adaptable environments in the workplace.”

Spacemakers

During our editorial brainstorming, we batted this label around for a while and decided we liked its double meaning. Not only do many of the latest interior launches maximize the space available by providing roomy storage or a footprint that is easily accommodated, they also “make the space” by adding visual impact, organization, and seamless functionality.

Designers can add a bit of organic elegance to an open seating area with an organic shaped table or credenza, make employee storage lockers a functional focal point, or improve collaboration rooms both large and small with a slim and sleek dry erase surface that is easy to install and maintain. The key is to think outside the box. How do you optimize the workplace in a way that exudes style and impresses occupants with the attention to their needs?

Hear us out: We know; no one expects to get intrigued by a whiteboard. But think about all the times you participated in group concept sessions, planning meetings, and—for some of us—the dreaded SWOT analysis. How many times was the board scrubbed in frustration due to past stream-of-consciousness markings that still showed? We’d wager with a 50-year performance warranty, the new surface from Ghent will make office wishlists.

Micro Spaces

We’re all familiar with wave of open office plans that featured cubicle half-walls and were thought to inspire teamwork and impromptu sharing of ideas. But the blunt truth is that type of environment isn’t going to work for every employee, every task, every day. Acoustic management, varying sight lines, accessibility, reconfigurability, privacy, and even transitional cues that identify how spaces should be used all make a difference.

Employee input and surveying will reveal what works and what doesn’t. So what to do if an existing floorplan needs modifications for improved zoning and sensory or privacy accommodations, short of a full renovation? Create different zones, or micro spaces, that maximize the office footprint with easily incorporated solutions that fit the flow and accommodate multiple office activities or behaviors.

Consider the new generation of acoustic ceiling treatments that provide sound control as well as an architectural element that distinguishes common areas, conference rooms, lobbies, and multifunctional spaces.

A uniquely detailed divider can be used to partition unused areas into smaller, 1:1 spaces or create transitions between active and more relaxing layouts.

Then of course there are a variety of open or enclosed booths and pods for offering small groups or solo occupants a spot to focus away from busier locations. Cleverly designed modular pods are becoming more popular due to their minimal footprint and easy incorporation into different environments, without additional mounting structures or wallspace anchoring. They still provide a comfortable escape for head-down concentration.

Mainly, plan for the evolution of the existing space, and implement furnishings and finishes that reflect and support the many ways in which employees prefer to work.

Positive influence: Gensler’s survey findings indicate that employees who said their workplace offers a great experience are more likely to believe that “the overall design of their workplace inspires new thinking, reflects their company’s brand, and makes them feel valued.”

Vibrant Visuals and Quiet Moments

Engaging patterns, rich color, sophisticated details, and unique sources of inspiration bring the last theme to life.

An extensive mix of color, texture, and graphic woven textile selections provides an exuberant focal point that commands attention in any space, and adds an artistic flair to even simple silhouettes.

In a similar way, new acoustical surfaces draw on the practice of sound visualization to deliver distinctive patterns that bring another eye-catching dimension to interior spaces.

Landing somewhere on the spectrum between invigorating and visually serene, new carpet tile offerings demonstrate the pleasing combination of high contrast and angular patterns with neutrals that never go out of style.

Still, there is always a time and a place for minimalism, and how much better when it combines multiple purposes—like adjustable illumination and sound absorption—into one sleek fixture. And elegant metal accents elevate outdoor dining and lounge furniture for an upscale experience.

Final thoughts: Biophilia, sustainability, and design that supports every work mode continue to propel the newest creations that we’ll see at The Mart and Fulton Market. Those priorities haven’t gone away. But they are showing up in the new wave of interior products in fresh and engaging ways.