NeoCon

NeoCon World's Trade Fair, June 11-13, Merchandise Mart, Chicago

Edited by Karen D. Singh -- Interior Design, 5/1/2007 12:00:00 AM

Color Your World

Die-hard modernists in need of some candy color can now get their fix from Knoll. The Ross Lovegrove Collection for KnollStudio takes a cue from Florence Knoll's 1940's office furniture, however the familiar clear glass and tubular steel get an update from innovative color finishes. Ross Lovegrove also makes use of other materials: translucent honeycomb panels, back-painted glass, and bamboo. The RT3 table, shown here, is being introduced at NeoCon—along with desks, tables, credenzas, and pedestal storage. 76 Ninth Avenue, 11th Floor, New York, NY 10011; 212-343-4000; knoll.com. circle 338

ICF Group

The slim look prevails in this summer's imports. Gunilla Allard's Cooper family includes a sculptural chair with abase of powder-coated or chromed steel and a seat of molded plywood, padded with polyurethane foam and covered in fabric or leather. Also available are a footstool and a table. 607 Norwich Avenue, Taftville, CT 06380; 800-237-1625; icfsource.com. circle 339

Spinneybeck

These leather pulls are intended for either vertical or horizontal mounting on walls, to display merchandise, or cabinet doors. Oval, wave, butterfly, slider, barbell, and sling shapes come in 14 colors, which range from neutrals to red and green. 425 Crosspoint Parkway, Getzville, NY 14068; 800-482-7777; spinneybeck.com. circle 340

Magnuson Group

Grab their attention the first time with Neon poster holders. Made in Spain by Vilagrasa, the freestanding and suspended versions come either single- or dual-sided; there's also a wall-mounted option. The precision-formed frames are extruded aluminum, the translucent interior panels methacrylate. Both materials are postconsumer recyclable. 1400 Internationale Parkway, Woodridge, IL 60517; 800-342-5725; magnusongroup.com. circle 341

Luxo Corporation

Jukka Setala reconsidered his Air task lamp in designing Air LED. Its trio of 3-watt Lumileds Luxeon K2 bulbs produces more light than a 40-watt halogen bulb, and a proprietary lens broadens the usual LED pinpoint into a wider beam. The lamp base of tubular steel features dual-tempered steel springs. 200 Clearbrook Road, Elmsford, NY 10523; 800-222-5896; luxous.com. circle 342

Schneller

The Veritas brand's ResinArt collection expands with Texture and Content decorative plastic laminates. Water motifs inspired designs by sculptor Ken Leap; Shaw-Jelveh Design contributed botanicals; undulating wave imagery defines a contribution by Kova Textiles. Available in standard and custom colors, including Kaleidoscope and Lancet, the panels contain as much as 25 percent recycled material. 6200 49th Street North, Pinellas Park, FL 33781; 877-411-8008; veritasideas.com. circle 343

Tayco

With Up, a small assortment of environmentally friendly components add up to practically limitless options. This system of panel-style workstations, desks, tables, screens, and enclosures is produced using 100 percent recyclable aluminum, minimal plastic, and water-soluble adhesives. 630 Kipling Avenue, Toronto, Ontario M8Z 5G1, Canada; 800-675-4092; tayco.com. circle 344

Emuamericas

Save space indoors or out by specifying the two Round stacking chairs by Christophe Pillet. With both models, a steel-mesh seat is supported by a powder-coated tubular-steel frame anchored by plastic feet. The side chair's seat is 16 ½ inches high and 24 wide; the lounge goes lower and wider, at 11 ½ high and 36 wide. 104 Broadway, Suite 500, Denver, CO 80203; 800-726-0368; emuamericas.com. circle 345

Brayton International

Retro flair and natural elegance get in the swim with the Bius studio's Pool bench, its photogenic floral-patterned wool-nylon upholstery floating over maple legs. Also consider coordinating stools as well as ganging tables with maple-veneered tops in 22 finishes. 250 Swathmore Avenue, High Point, NC 27263; 800-627-6770; brayton.com. circle 346

Bentley Prince Street

Inspired by her 560-mile walk through Europe, Joanne DePalma designed Mystic Journey. The Invista nylon broadloom goes the distance in 12 colorways made of 50 percent recycled content. 14641 East Don Julian Road, City of Industry, CA 91746; 800-423-4709; bentleyprincestreet.com. circle 347

Arcadia

Straight, round, oval, or all of the above? Anything goes with Avesa, Manuel G. Vesa's lineup of modular upholstered pieces and occasional tables. Select legs in silvery metallic, satin-black, chrome, or wood finishes. Tops are offered in birch veneer or colorful laminate. 5692 Fresca Drive, La Palma, CA 90623; 800-585-5957; arcadiacontract.com. circle 348

C&A

New to Suzanne Tick's Colouresce collection, Step Stripe weaves a soft-focus grid. These monolithic, quarter-turned carpet tiles resemble broadloom when installed, thanks to the seamlessness of the tricolor ground and the tightness of the construction. The ER3 backing is composed of 100 percent recycled materials. 311 Smith Industrial Boulevard, Dalton, GA 30721; 800-248-2878; tandus.com. circle 349

Nucraft Furniture Company

View occasional tables take a fresh look at light and dark contrasts, with legs of anodized metal serving as a foil for wood-veneer panels and clear sapphire-glass tops. For coffee tables, select round, oval, square, or rectangular. End tables are round or square, consoles rectangular or demi-lune. 5151 West River Drive, Comstock Park, MI 49321; 877-682-7238; nucraft.com. circle 351

Lees Carpets

The next generation of thermoplastic, fully recyclable backing for broadloom has arrived. The contents of Unibond U2 are least 25 percent recycled, and advanced extrusion technology reduces reliance on petroleum products by 50 percent. 500 Townpark Lane, Kennesaw, GA 30144; 800-523-5647; leescarpets.com. circle 350

Garrett Leather

Color choices for Kenya, a collection of shrunken nubuck leathers with enhanced grain, have grown to 22. All are treated to repel water and reduce staining. 1360 Niagara Street, Buffalo, NY 14213; 800-342-7738; garrettleather.com. circle 352

Unika Vaev

Rural life inspired the Pastoral fabric family of three subdued patterns. A new take on tweed, Fleece is woven in nylon. So are Furrows, which reflects freshly plowed fields, and Windmill, which tilts at its namesake. 607 Norwich Avenue, Taftville, CT 06380; 800-237-1625; unikavaev.com. circle 353

Convia

Maximum electronic versatility is the theory behind the Programmable Infrastructure modular foundation. Plug-and-play connections for power and data allow hookups practically anywhere in a commercial space, via remote control. The standard model works with an open ceiling grid—or customize for use with finished ceilings. 855 East Main Avenue, Zeeland, MI 49464; 800-507-1124; hmconvia.com. circle 354

Keilhauer

The backrest of Morley Knitback, a meeting or task chair, sports a polyester knit in 16 color combinations, with a hint of black monofilament accenting the mesh. 1450 Birchmount Road, Toronto, Ontario M1P 2E3, Canada; 800-724-5665; keilhauer.com. circle 356

Pollack

The ellipses of Rave party on in nine hip colorways, such as Toffee, Meadow, Brownie, Airstream, Cherry Bomb, and Blacklight. Produced as a polyester-wool blend, these wovens are equipped for heavy-duty use, up to 45,000 Wyzenbeek double rubs. 150 Varick Street, New York, NY 10013; 212-627-7766; pollackassociates.com. circle 355

Together at Last

Once a barrier has been built, be it spatial or ideological, it can be a formidable task to dismantle. Teknion takes on those challenges with one office collection that literally tears down walls and another that softens the commercial-residential divide.

The five components of Carl Gustav Magnusson's Marketplace series represent escape from cubicle thinking. With Collaborative, open arrangements are divided only by subtle aluminum edges and the seams of the work surfaces. The Benching family, intended for teamwork areas, has light-enhancing glass screens. For computer-centric environments, Technology desks hide power and data cables in end panels modeled after industrial jerricans. Open Station aims for maximum functionality with minimal structure. The clearest definition of space can be found with Permanent Address, its canopies reminiscent of awnings at outdoor markets.

Meanwhile, John Hellwig's District closes the gap between home and office. The low horizontals of mid-century modernism add comfort and familiarity to workstations. So do finishes such as veneer or paint—metal is used for frames or accents only. Meeting all LEED qualifications for commercial interiors, District is space-conscious, too: Work surfaces overlap; cabinets and shelves stack on credenzas. Windows and solid walls are optional. 350 Fellowship Road, Mount Laurel, NJ 08054; 877-835-6466; teknion.com. circle 357

Aceray

What is an armchair if it has no arms to speak of? It's Edi and Paolo Ciani's dual-personality 366 Swiv. The seat of injection-molded foam, 23 inches deep and 25 wide, can perch on one of two bases: the namesake swivel version in polished aluminum or a four-legged model in matte or polished chrome. 104 Broadway, Suite 200, Denver, CO 80203; 303-733-3404; aceray.com. circle 359

Chemetal

Laminates take a walk on the graphic side with MetalPrints, an array of digitally printed brushed aluminum. Among the five compositions, appearing on 4-by-8-foot sheets, are Oxbow, a rainbow of swirls, and Empire, which mimics damask. 39 O'Neil Street, Easthampton, MA 01027; 800-807-7341; chemetalco.com. circle 358

Architex

Whimsy blooms with Angela Adams for Architex—as a fabric, fashion accessories, and jewelry designer extends her empire into health-care textiles, namely two patterns suitable for cubicle curtains, other drapery, even bedspreads. RX7003 and its companion, RX7004, are 100 percent Trevira CS, each offered in four colorways. 3333 Commercial Avenue, Northbrook, IL 60062; 800-621-0827; architex-ljh.com. circle 360

InterfaceFlor Commercial

Bioscapes carpet imitates the outdoors in tufted, cut-and-loop, and textured-loop constructions. Incorporating Struttura yarn and GlasBac tile backing, the six patterns are available in 24 colors ranging from deep red and lush green to gold and brown. 1503 Orchard Hill Road, LaGrange, GA 30241; 800-336-0225; interfaceflor.com. circle 361

Lamitech

A bright glow emanates from the half dozen options just added to this manufacturer's selection of Solid Colors glossy high-pressure plastic laminates. Choose from yellow, tangelo, red, fuchsia, Caribbean, and neo green. 872 South Milwaukee Avenue, Libertyville, IL 60048; 847-362-1832; lamitech.com.co. circle 362

Davis Furniture Industries

Just in time for beach season, Burkhard Vogtherr's sleek Body chair is strutting its stuff. Trimmed down wherever structurally possible, the cast-aluminum frame comes polished or powder-coated black or silver—matte or glossy. Of the three height variations, the tallest offers a pivoting headrest; the smaller sizes have a handle to help pull the chair out from a desk. P.O. Box 2065, High Point, NC 27261; 336-889-2009; davisfurniture.com. circle 363

Allermuir

It's not work. It's Play, Bruce High's system of freestanding, modular workstations. Splayed legs—height-adjustable or not—support a variety of desktops. A colorful screen doubles as a home to similarly colorful accessories, while a utility port accommodates flat-screen monitors, power sources, and wire management. A mobile cabinet locks up at the end of the business day. 3 Branch Road, Lower Darwen, Lancashire BB3 0PR, U.K.; 44-1254-682421; allermuir.com. circle 364

Niedermaier

The Cicero banquette by Chicago firm Powell/Kleinschmidt exudes a jazzy luxury. At 108 inches wide, the frame comes in several options. 400 North Oakley Boulevard, Chicago, IL 60612; 312-492-9400; niedermaier.com. circle 365

Maharam

Nubby surfaces and lively flecks lend affability to Kvadrat's Perla upholstery. Dense ribbing and coarse basket weaves mix and match in all-wool yarn, and seven colors create a total of 28 combinations. Width is 55 inches. 251 Park Avenue South, New York, NY 10010; 800-645-3943; maharam.com. circle 366

HBF

X marks the spot of the late John Hutton's Bias table, a study in geometry from every viewing angle. Pair the nickel-plated steel base with tops in back-painted glass, maple, cherry, reconstituted veneers, or Corian. Side tables measure 22 inches tall and either 18 or 22 inches square; a 16-inch-tall, 36-inch-square coffee table is also offered. 900 12th Street Drive NW, Hickory, NC 28603; 828-328-2064; hbf.com. circle 367

Bolyu Contract

Texture unifies this floor-covering specialist's latest introductions. Spirited Dhurrie Remix is produced in loop-cut Zeftron nylon, which offers the advantages of solution-dyed filament yarn. Naturals and jewel tones add up to 13 colorways. 201 Princeton Boulevard, Adairsville, GA 30103; 800-451-1250; bolyu.com. circle 368

Haworth

Although the aluminum silhouette of Pablo Design's Brazo could easily cause instant infatuations, it's fully loaded with features to transform it into the task lamp you'll love forever. Dials on either end of the shade can control the direction, spread, and brightness of the 18 LEDs, making this light an excellent mate for computer screens. The head rotates 360 degrees horizontally and swings 90 degrees vertically; height adjusts from 14 to 21 inches. 1 Haworth Center, Holland, MI 49423; 616-393-3000; haworth.com. circle 369

Izzydesign

Founder and president Chuck Saylor's Audrey modular cabinets, consoles, and shelving are a great catch for classic styling. PVC-free edge banding distinguishes the units, which range from 28 to 62 inches high and 18 to 36 inches wide. 17237 Van Wagoner Road, Spring Lake, MI 49456; 866-499-9968; izzydesign.com. circle 370

Nienkämper

Standing alone, the six-sided tables of the Six collection look Euro-smart. Grouped, they can create a head-turning configuration in lobbies and reception areas. Tops in a variety of 1-inch-thick wood veneers rest on steel pedestals with a brushed-chrome finish and adjustable levelers. Available in three sizes. 257 Finchdene Square, Toronto, Ontario M1X 1B9, Canada; 800-668-9318; nienkamper.com. circle 371

Watson Furniture Group

Miro desks and modular storage components target private offices with progressive occupants. Rectilinear steel bases support tops with recycled-wood substrates and numerous durable finishes. Because not everyone works behind closed doors, the elements can also float in open-plan settings. 26246 Twelve Trees Lane NW, Poulsbo, WA 98370; 800-426-1202; watsonfurniture.com. circle 372

Innovations in Wallcoverings

An assortment of textured wall coverings, Metalessence gleams with the depth of hand-polished metal. A machine process produces the eight metal-leaf colors. 150 Varick Street, New York, NY 10013; 212-807-6300; innovationsusa.com. circle 373

Treefrog Veneer

Woven Woods consists of composite and natural-wood veneers in 11 finishes, each applied to a flexible backing. Zebrawood Herringbone and Wengé Intricate are among the elaborate patterns. Minimal ones include Black Walnut Square and White Oak Diamond. 39 O'Neil Street, Easthampton, MA 01027; 800-830-5448; treefrogveneer.com. circle 374

Bretford

Striking a comfortable pose between work and relaxation, Plus tablet armchairs are intended for collegiate gathering spaces. With or without arms, the 30 ½-inch-wide seats incorporate holders for laptops and cups. Low-maintenance, high-performance fabrics cover the combustion-modified foam cushioning. Legs are cast aluminum. 11000 Seymour Avenue, Franklin Park, IL 60131; 800-521-9614; bretford.com. circle 375

Groupe Lacasse

If the meeting—or training session—is about to begin, it's time for Quorum Multiconference tables. Anodized-aluminum legs with lockable castors stop these mobile folding models on a dime. Optional utility ports and cord management meet all high-tech requirements. Tabletops are available in wood-grain finishes as well as laminate. 380 Rue Saint-Antoine Ouest, Suite W2090, Montreal, Quebec H2Y 3X7, Canada; 888-522-2773; groupelacasse.com. circle 376

Diamond Teak

An outdoor staple gets groovy with Spirit Song. Robert and Barbara Tiffany construct their abstractly shapely dining groups and seating from teak, virtually indestructible under any climate conditions. High-tensile, marine-grade stainless steel provides structural reinforcement. 220 North Main Street, Sellersville, PA 18960; 877-874-8325; diamondteak.com. circle 377