NeoCon 2026: The Rise of Soft Modernism

Recently, I attended NeoCon in Chicago, the world’s largest trade show for the interior design industry, where more than 50,000 designers gather each year to experience the latest ideas shaping interiors.

Each year, I attend with fellow faculty members and our interior design students from Stevens—The Institute of Business & Arts (Siba).

From my morning Uber ride to the Design Mart, it was obvious that NeoCon was already in full swing. Traffic crawled through downtown as thousands of designers made their way to the show.

Our day began at Fulton Market in the West Loop, and the representatives we spoke to were all discussing comfort, color palettes, and ergonomics. The emphasis throughout the show was unmistakable—comfort, softness, and human-centered design. I noticed almost immediately that the furniture was more curved and generously upholstered than in previous years—it looked comfortable before I even sat down.

Crisp edges and the minimalist designs of recent years had been replaced by thick, rounded upholstery that combined comfort with function. I started referring to the trend as “Soft Modernism.” After years of sleek minimalism and spaces designed to impress, the industry seemed to be embracing interiors that make people feel relaxed and genuinely at home.

Furniture and lighting for outdoor living were once again front and center at NeoCon. The outdoor seating was lighter in appearance, richer in texture, and incredibly comfortable.

It looked more like indoor upholstery and invited one to sit and linger for a while. I especially loved the relaxing cocoon below — there was even a matching miniature one for pets—my dogs would love napping in this.

NeoCon had more of a “hands-on” feel to me this year. I was even able to get a relaxing massage and experience an Eastern sound and relaxation room.

Things were no longer simply for show. Visitors were invited to sit, touch, relax, and experience products firsthand. For example, Bosch did a wonderful job showing off their appliances by preparing brunch for show visitors right in their showroom.

Their chefs prepared scones, quiche, muffins, beignets, cakes, and other pastries while visitors toured. Afterwards, customized coffees and teas were served from their new Coffee World machine as live music played nearby. It was one of the most memorable product demonstrations at NeoCon because we experienced the appliances as we would at home.

What struck me most this year was how different NeoCon felt. Rather than simply displaying beautiful products, manufacturers wanted visitors to slow down, sit, relax, listen, taste, and interact. Good design isn’t just something to admire—it should be something to experience as well.

This is only the beginning.

In my next post, I’ll take you inside several of my favorite NeoCon showrooms to explore the furniture, color palettes, and design details that I believe will influence interiors for years to come.