A first in NeoCon history placed Herman Miller’s Teneo as Best of Competition. A flexible filing/storage system, Teneo represents a trend toward clean, adaptable designs. Also on the rise: collaborative spaces, live/work collections, smaller footprints, natural finishes, and ecofriendly everything. - Eileen Ragsdale
 

Whistle while you work
Hum is a series of efficient environments able to instantly adapt to individual or teamwork needs. Its four core elements — Personal Workspaces, See Me Screens, Terraces, and Meet Me Spaces — are enhanced by storage, accessory, and material options. Kimball Office, Jasper, Ind. www.kimballoffice.com

[Reader Service: September 2008 #200]

 

Cut and sew
Hella Jongerius has created a third dimension in textiles for her collection, Layers, by merging wool felt with patterned embroidery. The top layer is cut away from the stitching by hand to reveal a solid tonal or contrasting underlayer. Three abstract patterns recall natural landscapes. Maharam, New York City. www.maharam.com

[Reader Service: September 2008 #201]
 

Office chameleon
Barcelona-based Mario Ruiz designed neutral yet exquisite surprises into his case-good line, Linea. Floating plinths, lighter woods repeating proportions, and thin slats for glass shelves are collectively stunning without sacrificing function. HBF Furniture, Hickory, N.C. www.hbf.com

[Reader Service: September 2008 #202]

     

Save me a seat
Synapse, Carl Gustav Magnusson’s wood side chair, ships flat in five pieces that assemble in as many minutes. All parts are replaceable and easily separated for recycling. Solid beech or maple frames are sourced from sustainable forests. Teknion, Mt. Laurel, N.J. www.teknion.com

[Reader Service: September 2008 #203]

That’s a wrap
Method is clearly a different modular lounge system with smart details designed into a few trim components. Seat cushions can be backless, armless, even opposing, but wrap the edge as a sleek finish to natural woods and white surfaces. Davis, Highpoint, N.C. www.davisfurniture.com

[Reader Service: September 2008 #204]

Line dancing
The broad horizontal lines of Gradation broadloom jump forward and back along its 180" linear repeat in high-density tufting. Constantine Commercial, Dalton, Ga. www.constantine-carpet.com

[Reader Service: September 2008 #205]