NeoCon & Design Days: Big Ideas, New Technologies, Great Design + Marathon Happy Hours

LightPlay by Ryan Smith of 3form and LightArt

We are veteran NeoCon attendees. We love thrill of the hunt for THE BEST tote bag (Turf Design gets the gold for 2025's most coveted Kelly green canvas crossbody), we love the "comfort first" vibe of everyone in cute flat shoes and sneakers, most importantly we love to see our vendors pushing their brand and manufacturing processes to embrace circular design ethos and environmental practices that are pro-active with utilization of recycled materials, product transparency and product recycling development. From Patcraft's PVC-free Wood and Weald series to Tarkett's ReStart program to Momentum's Silica textiles committed to "making a mark by not leaving one". We always learn something new.

L, Middle: Turf Design, R: Indiana Furniture

Thematically we saw a significant use of bold color; saturated, drenched at Turf Designs acoustic temple to Andreu World's fruit-filled, citrus hues ranging from Meyer lemon to rich tangerine upholstering the trademark curves and styles of Patricia Urquiola designed furniture. Counterpoint to the high definition, we saw plenty of interior palettes implementing beautiful use of pastels, ombres and gentle diffused light to dial down the impact into a more restful, nature inspired tone.

9 to 5

Part of the magic of NeoCon and Design Days is that it is in our own backyard. We can walk to the Mart, peruse and be inspired, then hop in a pedicab and roll over to Fulton Market Design Days. It's an opportunity to connect with our vendors on a rooftop deck with the sun on our faces, cold beverages and snacks galore. We are grateful for the invites, the gorgeous spaces we get to visit and of course, all the tote bags. See you next year!

L: Andreu World, R: Haworth - Merchandise Mart Lobby

Steelcase: Jean Nouvel Coalesse Collection at Design Days