Gwynn Zivic and Rachel Raterman shared this year’s trends after attending NeoCon’s big event held each year at Chicago’s Merchandise Mart.  Bright primary colors, hot pinks and fuchsias are the latest color trends.  Also popular are “retro” or “Mad Men-esque” furnishings and accessories with lots of golds, tweeds and textured “chunky” rugs. (Looks like “shag is back.”) The latest trends in fabrics revealed bold stripes, retro pattterns, and lots of texture.  

Carpet tile designs are becoming more customized.  Tiles with “lock dots” were shown as a method for reducing heavy adhesives which in turn, can help reduce shipping costs.  Plank-style flooring with a mix of colors and ‘wood look” ceramic tiles were displayed. Wall treatments featured strong artists’ influences, along with 3form custom graphics and custom glass panels.  Fold-out lounge chairs, work-benching sysems with iPad monitors and rocking chairs were also a hit. 

Both Rachel and Gwynn waited 45 minutes for the team of Gill and Jill Bumby who, disguised in a wig and stocking cap to maintain anonymity, gave conference attendees “fair and honest appearance appraisals.”  Apparently the Bumby duo is popular at trade shows and a hit in New York. Even Lady Gaga had them do an evaluation.