NeoCon 2020 - Part 1

by Valerie Glander

Typically, summer is a busy time for the OEX design team.  Not only is this a busy time of year for construction projects and furniture orders, but Chicago’s NeoCon design fair— in June— is also when we get to review the newest products releases.  Of course, 2020 has thrown us quite the curveball.  The NeoCon event may have been cancelled, but the fresh new product and inspiration has not slowed down.

NeoCon 2020 product launches feature lighter scale furniture and softer color palettes.  Gentle curvature in lounge furniture has been a huge hit and creates a comfortable tension to the high-tech productivity solutions we are seeing in the office.  

A Classy New Hon

Since 1944, The Hon Company has delivered inspired practicality to the workplace.  In 2020, Hon has unveiled new partnerships that have elevated their product line to a whole new level.   The list of new products is so extensive, we’ll focus only on Hon this month.  Tune in next month for more new introductions.  

Perhaps the most exciting addition to the Hon line is a partnership with Unika Vaev to bring Acoustic Solutions for open plan offices.  With screen and tile options, this collection is both eye-catching and highly functional.

The West Hill collection, a design collaboration with the Qdesign team of Tim Buchenberger and Rick Joutras, offers casual lounge seating that represents a bold, new way to achieve relaxed productivity.  West Hill coordinates seamlessly with Hon’s new Scramble occasional tables.

Preside conference tables were refreshed to bring a modernized feel, featuring new top shapes and lighter scale bases.  As teams gravitate toward more distanced collaborative spaces – tables are a key element in workplace design.  The new Birk collection offers five different heights and a variety of sleek, modern shapes.  It pairs particularly well with Hon’s new Ruck bentwood chair.   

We’re all excited to see the new Astir lounge chair.  Designed for acoustic privacy, the Astir chair is shown here with Hon’s new cantilever table and wood-based chair collection (in the background). 

Last, but not least, 2020 would not be complete without showcasing Healthy Workplace Solutions.  As COVID-19 has turned the world on its head, Hon’s product team has quickly developed some of the best market solutions we’ve seen.  Hon’s assortment includes hands-free door pulls, sanitizer stations and a wide variety of screening solutions.