Top 12 Must-See Highlights from NeoCon 2026: Discover the Best in Design Days!

By Michael Reed

Our Top 12 Picks from NeoCon 2026 & Design Days

When considering commercial interior design, the name Diplo, the celebrated American DJ, might not be the first that springs to mind. However, at the 57th annual NeoCon event earlier in June, Diplo indeed made a splash. The event was energized by a brand activation and dance celebration hosted by SitOnIt Seating at the House of Blues, where Diplo performed, adding a unique flair to the event’s off-site activities.

This year’s NeoCon was packed with exciting activations, partnerships, and a series of must-attend events and exhibitions. On the 7th floor of The MART’s Exhibit Hall, NeoCon Talks presented by Design Milk engaged attendees with forward-thinking discussions on topics like inclusivity and sustainability. On the 11th floor, the Designer Wellness Lounge by Design Milk offered a serene escape with soothing mood lighting. Meanwhile, an unexpected elevator ride could lead to an impromptu rave, complete with yellow-padded walls courtesy of Turf.

Elsewhere, the Fulton Market’s Design Days showcased even more creative installations, ranging from giant gum-ball machines to innovatively designed furniture using recycled plastic.

Spotlight on NeoCon 2026 and Design Days Highlights

1. Eames Office x Kettal

The **Kettal Workplace**, first introduced at the Triennale Milano during Milan Design Week, reimagines the classic Eames Pavilion System into a fully integrated office environment. This system combines acoustics, lighting, furniture, and architecture, marking Kettal’s 60th anniversary and celebrating the evolution of modern workplaces as well as the enduring influence of Charles and Ray Eames. This modular system is crafted for flexibility and future evolution. NeoCon also featured new collaborations including those with Foster + Partners, and new designs by Barber Osgerby and Verner Panton.

2. HÅG x Recouture

The collaboration between **HÅG, part of Flokk**, and the Norwegian fashion studio Recouture has reinvented the HÅG Capisco chair. This partnership marries ergonomic design with traditional Norwegian åkle tapestry, offering unique, handwoven textile finishes. These chairs, each fitted with restored åkle and complemented by carefully chosen metal finishes, blend iconic design with Norwegian cultural heritage.

3. RBW

**RBW** made a notable impression at NeoCon with their debut Illuminate lighting show. Located in a remote section of the 7th Floor Exhibit Hall, RBW featured three innovative collections: Sequencer, Triple Glazed, and Ample. The Sequencer, a creation of Toronto-based MSDS Studio and a winner at NeoCon, offers a modular, geometric design that casts an atmospheric glow.

4. Softbrick by Stylex

In a vibrant display curated by Carole Baijings, **Stylex’s** showroom was a blend of color and creativity, segmented into functional areas like work lounges and social cafés. The standout was the Softbrick, a new lilac modular seating system that offers comfort with style in a variety of powder-coat colors.

5. Limousine by Darran

**Darran’s** Limousine collection caters to the open-plan office space, providing both seating comfort and privacy. The collection features a unique lift mechanism that converts the seating into high-back chairs, offering a quiet, private zone while maintaining a sleek design aesthetic.

6. Juniper

**Juniper,** a Connecticut-based lighting technology brand, showcased three innovative systems at their first NeoCon appearance. Their offerings included the versatile Multiverse System, the sleek Thin System, and the practical Ground Control solution, catering to diverse lighting and power needs in commercial settings.

7. CF Stinson

**CF Stinson** debuted a new showroom that highlighted their three brands: Stinson, Arc-Com, and Anzea. Each brand launched new textile collections that featured distinct designs and creative themes, from botanical patterns to geometric prints.

8. Tiago Collection by Davis Furniture

**Davis Furniture** continued to impress with their stylish seating solutions. The Tiago collection, designed by German studio KASCHKASCH, includes elegantly crafted wooden chairs and barstools, featuring solid oak and molded plywood.

9. Ringo by Marset

At **Marset’s** booth, the Ringo ceiling light captured attention with its unique, ice-block appearance. Designed by Joan Gaspar, this striking light fixture combines the lightweight feel of transparent polycarbonate with a visually heavy impact.

10. Coalesse’s Co.Lab

At the Fulton Market Design Days, **Coalesse** facilitated the Co.Lab installation, a collaborative pop-up that brought together several brands to explore future design collaborations. This airy setup featured soft lighting and bold seating, inviting engaging discussions and networking.

11. Land/Mark by Bentley Mills

Steps away from The MART, the **Bentley Mills** Chicago showroom buzzed with activity, hosting a special event that celebrated both Design Milk’s 20th anniversary and the launch of the Land/Mark textile collection. This collection draws inspiration from transitional spaces that carry historical significance.

12. Maharam

During the Design Days, **Maharam** displayed a variety of vibrant textiles, showcasing innovations in both indoor and outdoor fabrics. Their display, set against the modular Stick Frame system, offered a new perspective on their colorful, textured collections.

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