9 Office Trends from NeoCon 2014: From Office Flooring Ideas to Form-Fitting Furniture to Fabulous Fabrics and Beyond
While at NeoCon this year, we noted several 2014 trends for office spaces. In general, bright colors and warm natural wood grains were fairly prevalent, as were clean, open spaces with modern lines, softened with throwback accents.
9 Office Flooring Ideas and Trends from NeoCon 2014
Here are the top nine office flooring ideas and trends we saw the most of at the show, and expect to see much more of in the coming season:
1. Collaborative work areas with breakout spaces
Follow Parterre Flooring’s board Collaborative Office Spaces on Pinterest.
The trend in office design is more collaborative spaces in the main areas, with breakout rooms and smaller workstations scattered around, as opposed to old-school offices or cubicle setups. Furniture is inviting and areas spacious. Office flooring options definitely included lots of vinyl tiles and planks, popular for their durability in high-traffic areas, and diversity of design and color options.
2. Adjustable furniture 
KI Display
What stood out the most about furniture trends around the tradeshow was the adjustable nature of chairs and work areas. Arms that did double duty or could be moved, desks with capabilities to convert and hold common workstation items and tables that expanded to accommodate larger or smaller group meetings were scattered throughout the most popular new office setups.
3. Neutral wood grain in furniture design 
We saw TONS of wood grain design in furniture, and it wasn’t just limited to office setups. Even hospital designs carried the natural wood grain look throughout their surfaces, on cabinets and even walls. Natural wood grain looks are generally popular for creating comfort in a space, and warms up an otherwise sterile environment.
4. Wood grain in flooring
Wood grain looks in flooring is not a new trend, but is certainly a classic one that never gets old, and we saw many wood grain-inspired planks in office flooring designs around the NeoCon exhibits. Rich, darker grain designs were prevalent in otherwise stark or bright offices to add contrast, and in setups with lots of strong patterned fabric, we saw more soft, natural wood grain flooring aesthetics.
5. Rustic also contemporary patterns in flooring
The flooring pictured above is real wood stained green for a rustic look that is also contemporary, especially when combined with bright furniture as shown. When done right, the combination of modern with rustic works very well. This rustic look was really popular in vinyl products throughout the show. The flexibility of vinyl tiles and planks are perfect for mixing and matching contrast and accent colors or patterns with rustic styles for a less expected look.
6. Vibrant fabrics persist
BuzziSpace display
It might be the “Mad Men” effect continuing, but the throwback trend to bright, vibrant fabrics is still here, and it’s a trend in office flooring and furniture that is really coming into its own. We saw bold colors in furniture, and bright fabrics even on walls and as accents in various office furniture pieces.
7. Rustic embellishments or accent pieces
Mid-century modern flavor continues with lots of rustic embellishments in the form of throw pillows, or accent pieces such as a throw rug tossed over the office flooring in strategic spots. A more neutral office flooring was popular in office setups with lots of vibrant accents used throughout.
8. Bohemian style makes its way in with Bentley
Adding to the throwback effect creeping into the many collections and office flooring ideas around the tradeshow was Bentley’s new collection, New Bohemian. It doesn’t get more retro than the distressed painted wood look and rainbow-colored fabrics, braided strings and bright instruments that filled their showroom. Check out more photos from this vibrant collection on their Facebook Page.
9. Bold patterns and textures
Whether it was a wood grain office floor, striped seating fabric, or three-dimensional textured walls, textures and patterns were everywhere at NeoCon 2014. Office flooring ideas were rife with rich patterns and bold textures. And the furniture and accents seemed to complement their varied looks and, yes, feels. We don’t see pattern or texture fatigue coming anytime soon.
We were very inspired by our NeoCon visit, and were thrilled to meet many talented flooring and design professionals. We came away with a wealth of new office flooring ideas to share. Thanks to everyone who stopped by our exhibit, and to all our fellow exhibitors for your continued inspiration!