NeoCon 2024: A WELLspring of Inspiration

A&D Market Leader, Jason Lazarz, reflects on the transformative themes of well-being, sustainability, and inclusivity shaping modern design, inspired by his experiences at NeoCon 2024.

With another whirlwind NeoCon in the books, I sat down to reflect on three hectic days of meetings, discussions, and presentations to think about what it all means. If you walked the halls of THE MART or trekked down to Fulton Market, you may have felt that the unofficial theme of the week was well-being.

No matter where you went, showrooms leaned into stories of health and wellness told through product design, special features, and colors and materials.

Specifically in the KI showroom, we featured WiggleRoom pods -- a certified autism resource -- as well as soothing nature-inspired colors such as our new Raw Jasper and Tarragon. Pallas Textiles highlighted the forthcoming In Good Company collection, which incorporates SEAQUAL® YARN into each pattern and the feel-good story of a portion of the proceeds going back to support the SEAQUAL® FOUNDATION.

Bringing the Outside In

Throughout NeoCon and Design Days, there was a shift to muted colors mimicking our natural world. Subdued hues in blues and greens and earthy neutrals tempered the occasional bold splashes of color.

The foundational palette in the KI showroom leveraged new finishes for a soft and sophisticated feel. Walking into the showroom provided an immediate calming effect from the cacophony of NeoCon.

An area of the showroom dedicated to learning spaces did a beautiful job of specifying these colors together. Raw Jasper, an earthy clay, was used to frame a KI Wall WiggleRoom pod inset with a woodgrain PET felt insert. Surrounding products used the same color as an accent to pull the vignette together. Zoetry lounge chairs featured Raw Jasper paint on its base and jewel detail on the privacy screen. Nearby LimeLite stack chairs and Ruckus storage used the pale blue Tarragon. A MyPlace ottoman -- in a new large size! -- upholstered in Pallas Textiles Bend/Stroll pulled the space together with its linework pattern incorporating both colors, representing the more mature color palettes we are seeing specified for education facilities.

Recognizing the Need for Respite

In addition to calming colors, many manufacturers debuted products that created thoughtful areas to rest and recharge, knowing employees and students alike sometimes need space away from the buzz.

KI showed a variety of ways to create "me" spaces. The aforementioned Zoetry lounge chair with screen allows semi-privacy within an open space. A more flexible option included providing Tributaire screens from the award-winning Tributaire Collection, recognized with Best of NeoCon Silver and HiP awards, that could be positioned to designate a private area.

Products from the KI Wall division were used to provide dedicated respite areas. Genius architectural wall with a "thinline" design provided the surround for a digital-free, small gathering space, while WiggleRoom Super Structure outfitted with the new Sonrisa lounge chair and ottoman created a relaxing personal space. The new curved glass element added organic softness.

Well-Spoken Dialogue

I had the privilege of speaking to several media outlets and giving tours to designers. And while showrooms showed how furniture could address and support health and wellness, the dialogues I had told me well-being will continue to permeate design projects.

Interior Design Health and Wellness Roundtable

On day two of NeoCon, I participated in Interior Design's Health and Wellness round table, hosted by Jen Renzi, Interior Design executive director, and Whitney Gray, SVP of Research at the International Well Building Institute. This discussion featured an intimate brain trust of designers concerned with creating healthy workspaces, learning environments, and facilities.

We explored issues that permeate post-pandemic design, including burnout, retention, and resistance to returning to the office. The biggest challenge designers face is identifying what is more important to their clients and balancing the needs of multiple constituents, generations, and workstyles.

A central theme of the discussion was the importance of creating a sense of belonging and fostering community. Markets often feel isolated within their own spheres, but my key takeaway was the profound influence of inclusive design strategies on all spaces we inhabit as they shape our perceptions of a place.

Image courtesy of Interior Design.

Metropolis Deep Green Podcast

Before heading to the airport on the last day of NeoCon, I joined Angela Allen, director of product marketing for KI, and Avi Rajagopal of Metropolis for the Deep Green podcast. We explored the impact of sustainability in the furniture industry on wellness and how designers are reshaping norms for manufacturers.

Our conversation covered materials, supply chains, and circularity, with a particular focus on KI initiatives. What stood out to me was how the high quality of our products contributes to their longevity. Don’t miss this insightful discussion—listen below or tune in on Apple or Spotify!

Metropolis Showroom Tour

In addition to the engaging conversation that took place on the Deep Green podcast, I also had the pleasure of guiding AJ Paron, Executive Vice President and Design Futurist at Metropolis, through the KI and KI Wall showrooms. AJ's keen eye for innovative design and our shared passion for sustainable and inclusive spaces made for an insightful tour. We explored our latest offerings, highlighting how each piece fosters well-being and productivity. Check out the video tour where AJ and I delve deeper into the features and inspirations behind our designs.

Now that I’m back in New York, these themes are alive in the varied projects I’m working on. Creating healthy spaces is no longer a nice-to-have; it’s a requirement. The bar has been raised, and it’s exciting to see the industry as a whole rise to the challenge.

The insights from NeoCon 2024 reaffirm that well-being, sustainability, and inclusivity are at the heart of modern design. As we continue to innovate and integrate these values, we pave the way for healthier, more harmonious environments. The future of design is not just about aesthetics but also about fostering a sense of belonging and wellness in every space we inhabit.

Please reach out to your dedicated KI representative to discuss our solutions shown at NeoCon in more detail.