What To Expect at Fall Markets: Design Trends and Showcases

Has the novelty of working from home worn off? Has the deluge of artificial intelligence and digital everything inspired consumers to head for more nostalgic, simpler surroundings? From our vantage point, the answer is yes…and no. This year’s fall markets are showing numerous design trends that seem to showcase all sides of any issue. This is good news, of course, because it means architects and designers will be able to create spaces that appeal to a wide audience (and sometimes, one space that appeals to many).

Join us at NeoCon, Oct. 4-6, inside the Merchandise Mart in Chicago to get an in-person view. The event serves as the world’s leading platform and most important event of the year for the commercial design industry since 1969. We’re so excited to showcase our on-trend commercial furniture designs.

Then next month, we head to BDNY, Nov. 14-15, at the Jacob K. Javits Center in New York City for another chance to join top commercial furniture designers in showcasing pieces to suit fall market trends.

Here are just a few design trends we believe you’ll notice at fall markets this year:

Versatility

The ability to shift the components in an office to adapt to environmental concerns and/or how coworkers will interact and collaborate is still at the forefront of interior design. It applies to exteriors too, as bars and restaurants maintain their expanded serving areas created outdoors during restrictive health protocols.

Indoors, modern offices need to quickly adjust their use of space. Are employees continuing with remote work? Will in-person meetings return? The shifting needs of the professional world and its environment demands flexibility.

Modular furniture is ideal for designs that need to maintain fluid special concepts. Beaufurn modular furniture systems provide several industries with durable and attractive modular units that furnish small and large places, and areas where room space can fluctuate.

Privacy screens may still play a role in helping to create versatility in design as areas may need to be temporarily made more hygienic and insular. The need for privacy and solitude remains paramount in commercial spaces, especially since we’re all adjusting from more than a year in virtual seclusion. Our seating partitions and outdoor umbrella partitions may very well remain relevant through 2022.

Sustainability

Businesses and consumers are more socially conscious, and we know designers are as well. No doubt sustainability is embedded in your entire design strategy. While Beaufurn’s commitment to dynamic design is foremost, a promise of environmental responsibility isn’t far behind. We feel a raised awareness of natural resources and a healthy environment are always in style. Following LEED standards, we use water-based finishes, (FSC) Forest Stewardship Council-certified plywood components, and water-dispersed fast-setting adhesive for upholstery GREENGUARD-certified for Child and Schools for low-emitting interior building materials.

Beaufurn furniture is made in the USA. Domestic manufacturing can be more sustainable because it minimizes overproduction and requires less shipping.  You learn more about how we embrace a sustainable approach to design.

Want to dive more into the topic of design and sustainability? Plan on visiting the Metropolis Sustainability Lab at NeoCon for a toolkit to help designers address climate change.

Sculptural & Minimalist

You can expect to see designs that strip down spaces to eliminate distractions and create a calming aesthetic. Sculptural pieces, like our Jewel sofa and Pouf Points,  add organic, shapely forms in welcoming neutral spaces. Minimalist designs, like our Stand table and Nuta chair in many sizes and colors, provide furnishings with simple lines but layers of purpose.

We think this year’s Best of NeoCon Award epitomizes the appeal of a sculptural and minimalist silhouette perfectly. In striking translucent blue, the sculptural award was conceived by award-winning design firm and NeoCon partner Maiarelli Studio.

Vintage

Businesses will embrace the appeal of nostalgic furnishings as consumers still find comfort in retro styles that harken back to times of less strife.  Yet, vintage style fused with modern lines is especially appealing.

Our Oar Lounge Chair is a classic example of the magic that happens when vintage meets modern. This lounge chair, inspired by the first Adirondack chair of 1903, creates an attitude of nostalgic comfort.

You can expect to see natural materials such as wicker and ceramic combined into interior and exterior designs this fall. The combination provides contrast in texture that adds depth to entertainment spaces or in rooms for general commercial use. Our French Bistro Collection offers classic elegance seen in Parisian cafes from years gone by. Likewise, our natural Marble Table Tops are available in a variety of sizes, colors, and edges and make a lasting impression in any environment.

Playful & Cozy

Now that pandemic restrictions have lessened, people crave to be entertained and to have their spirits uplifted. This fall, expect to see playful designs that go beyond functionality to create a sense of joy.

Playful colors and shapes, like those seen in our collection of Poufs, make spaces come to life and create inviting, uplifting environments.

Cozy fabrics that are also made to last will help create comfortable environments that invite the user to stay, enjoy, feel safe. Beaufurn offers a comprehensive program of graded-in fabrics including wovens, vinyls, and more from the industry’s leading fabric suppliers. We also offer a broad range of commercial-grade seating and textiles specifically for the Hospitality, Senior Living, and Contract categories.

Want to learn more about what to expect at fall markets? Visit our NeoCon landing page and access our NeoCon collection look books. We look forward to seeing you at upcoming designer shows and if you’re not able to make it to them, be sure to give us a call to learn more.