NeoCon 2010 Visit

I just returned home from my ASID training in Chicago and from the subsequent two day adventure to NeoCon. I love visiting Chicago, meeting new people, seeing new and beautiful things; and then it's always good to return home.

I really enjoyed the training seminars from ASID National. Our seminar given by Jody Turner from Culture of Future on Generation G and on the new trends has given me much food for thought. Some of her material I push back on but...then that fits my Baby Boomer mentality.

Some of the information about Generation G makes me cringe (and I'm obviously not techno shy) - and then, man does it make me feel like a dinosaur. It also makes me want to know more to overcome my limiting thoughts.

She talked about being ahead of trends in her life and I could relate to that. Long, long before there was a Starbucks on every corner, I told my ex-husband we should open a coffee shop. Sometimes I just know stuff.

I hope to share more about what I learned at training in the future. Thanks to ASID National for the opportunity to learn new skills and to participate in growing our profession.

Now for a few fun things from NeoCon.

Herman Miller Eames Sofa in white leather. Very classy and comfy.

Great lamp in the Steelcase showroom.

Steelcase Mediascape Lounge. This office furniture offering is part sectional, part desk, and part entertainment center. My initial reaction was to want one for home - something to lounge around and work/watch tv/peruse the Internet - all with a large screen and all with plenty of space to accommodate multiple people working together.

My next thought was that this would be phenomenal for a college campus. Great for students to hang out, work collaboratively, and spend time together. Really, it's comfortable, roomy, and provides great sound isolation and acoustics.

Large monitor on the Steelcase Mediascape Lounge.

Table with multiple connections on the MediaScape Lounge

Me, relaxing a moment and trying out the Denizen Personal Table from Steelcase.
Perfect height for a laptop.

Great vignette in the Milliken Showroom. Love this look.

As always - Boyd Lighting is wonderful, clean, modern and classic.

I have been eyeing the yummy leather floors from Edelman Leather for years. You know how it is - know a product is beautiful and just waiting for the right space to come along where you can finally incorporate this beloved item. I am still waiting for that perfect study, lobby, or office to appear.

My Rep, Elle, (she's wonderful) was in the showroom when Steve and I stopped by. She showed us the new blue and white leathers grouped together in a wonderful display. Apparently blue and white are all the rage. :) I love blue and white!!!

Pony hide covered mirror frame. Don't you think my timber frame home client, Lawry, should have this in his home? It is terrific. Note the cowlick on the top of the frame.

I caught Steve in the mirror reflection. I'm a little mischievous sometimes. ;)

Woodland has begun offering lighting and all the fixtures are OUTSTANDING!!! They also have a striking rug line along with new painted wood artisan finishes. We spend quite awhile in the Woodland showroom taking in all the beautiful new things.

Another selling point for me is that the Woodland line (except for the rugs) is manufactured here in the US - always one of the first questions.

The Janus et Cie showroom had loads of great new furniture to see. We were especially taken with the bamboo chair pictured above.

Can I take these Foo Dogs home????

I see Feng Shui at work everywhere I go.

One of the things about Chicago that impressed me was the use of flowers and green space everywhere. There were planters with flowers overflowing on almost every street corner. The city is clean.

This brings me to one of the tidbits that I took away from an ASID training seminar this weekend - Guerrilla Gardening. Stay tuned as I learn more about this movement that started in the UK. It's gardening without boundaries and it's global and ... it makes the world a better place, one small garden at a time. I'm in - anyone care to join me????

Thanks for following my blog and I hope that you have enjoyed this quick peek at some of my finds from this year's NeoCon. More to follow....