The year 2012 was one for eco-friendly design, with many modern trends aimed to improve the health of the planet. Instead of creating with just aesthetics in mind, artists and designers also tried to shed light on issues such as reducing one's carbon footprint. The Evergreen by Freund, for example, is a green wall tapestry that helps residents breathe with ease. It adds to the overall air quality and doesn't even require much upkeep. The design also contributes to air quality outside the home when windows are open.
DIY trends were also a huge hit in 2012, helping consumers see the value in reusing previously discarded materials.
For more analysis into how modern trends can help innovation in business, check out Trend Hunter's Modern Art Trend Report.
Top 100 Modern Art Trends of 2012
98
DIY Glowing Containers
The 'From Panka with Love' Blog Shows How to Make Glow-in-the-Dark Jars
97
Floating Balcony Pools
The Aquaria Grande is Sculptural and Luxurious
96
DIY Inspiration Posters
The Brit & Co. Real Life Pinterest Board Replicates the Online Network
95
DIY Melting Wax Paintings
The Lauren Conrad Crayon Art Project is Ideal for Modern Art Lovers
94
Cantilevered Wooden Cabins
Utriai Residence Holds an Impossible Position Lifted Up from the Lawn
93
Piped Paperback Storage
Industrial Bookshelves Bind Your Library into the Structure of Your Home
92
Minimalist Cubed Havens
The Gomez Residence by Marta Gonzalez Architects Has an Open Concept
91
Romancing Hipster Illustrations
Thomas Pitilli Renders Drawings of Lovey Dovey Pop Scenes
90
Haunting Hippie Portraits
Dirk Kikstra Lenses Social Rebellion for the Ones2Watch
89
Textured Underwater Portraits
Fish Heads by Tim Tadder Captures Submerged Individuals
88
Hell's Angels Portraits
Andrew Shaylor Lenses Badass Bikers Across America
87
Movement-Inducing Wall Stickers
These Halloween Wall Decals are Perfect for Any Party
86
Open-Plan Garage Abodes
Harley in da House Lures Vehicles into the Living Room
85
Reductive Women Portraits (UPDATE)
Heidi Lender Tips Her Hat to the Hard-Working Woman
84
Wing-Widened Campers
The Odorico Pordenone Caravan Expands to Offer Provide Spaciousness
83
Body Art Portrait Books
London Tattoos by Alex Macnaughton Explores Unique UK Ink
82
Crumbled Concrete Lighting
The Minimalist 'Like Paper Lamp' Has Kinks and Crinkles
81
Boxed Interior Abodes
The Melander Architects Design Maximizes Living Space
80
Delicate Skeletal Necklaces
Miyu Decay's Bat Skeleton Necklace is Eerie and Charming
79
Dirt-Wall Abodes
The Caterpillar House by Feldman Architecture is Made from the Ground It Sits On
78
Glowing Sci-Fi Bicycles
The WinCycle 001 Was Designed as Muscle-Powered Tron Transport
77
Social Surrealist Illustrations
Koren Shadmi Renders Technologically Critical Illustrations
76
Creativity-Charged Cafes
BASE camp by Nest One is a Cutting-Edge Workspace
75
Man-Made Waterfall Architecture
The Shore Vista Boat Dock is Serenely Sweeping
74
Surreal Scandinavian Snapshots
These Photos by Billy Bonkers will Make You Look Twice
73
Deluxe Domestic Playground Equipment
Svvving Luxury Swings Bring Fun to Fancy Homes
72
Creepy Comic Illustrations
Murray Somerville Renders Surreal Fantasy Drawings
71
Artistic Environmental Sidewalks
Jody Xiong Creates a Green Crosswalk to Spread Awareness
70
Masked Bunny Sculptures
Artwork by Darla Jackson is Darkly Endearing
69
Volcanic Island-Inspired Abodes
Planning Korea's Cocoon House is Architecturally Sculptural
68
Concealed Compartment Phone Covers
The iLID MK-1 iPhone Wallet Declutters Your Pants Pockets
67
Stunning Shoreline Fortresses
The Beach House Q has Stress-Free Surroundings
66
Inflatable Steel Furniture
Zieta Prozessdesign Creations are Contemporarily Cartoonish
65
Luminescent Life-Replicating Prisms
The 'rAndom International Future Self' Exhibit is Beautiful
64
Sliced-Off Furniture
The CUTLINE Collection Balances Between the Hidden and Visible
63
Fantastically Folded Architecture
The Jameson House Mixes the Old with the New
62
Immersive Brand Projections
Antilop Creates Coca-Cola Future Room for Santralistanbul
61
Secluded EMS Homes
The Ambulance Garage House by Doepel Strijkers is an Orange Haven
60
Portable Crate-Like Cabins
The Whangapoua Sled House is Designed for Adaptable Beachside Living
59
Eccentric Tetris-Style Sofas
To Gather Presses the Piecing of Odd Modules Together
58
Macabre Princess Cartoons (UPDATE)
The Thomas Czarneck Photos Give a Twist to Fairytale Endings
57
Expandable Furniture
Reinier de Jong's REK Coffee Table Grows and Shrinks as Needed
56
Dripping Figurative Paintings (UPDATE)
The Silvia Pelissero Illustrations are Visually Striking
55
Pop-Out Plywood Bands
Les Ouvrieres Wooden Rings Come in Their Original Stenciled Panels
54
Unorthodox Urban Condos
The Kariouk Associates 'Redeveloper Apartment' is Space-Efficient
53
Logogram-Inspired Lodgings
The Ampersand Hotel is Inspired by the Cultural District It Resides in
52
Transparent Digital Timepieces
Tokyoflash Aeon LCD Watch Integrates a Fascinating Futuristic Face
51
Imaginative Recreational Workspaces
The LEGO Denmark Office Has a Slide and Building Stations
50
Structure-Wrapped Interiors
In House Wing, Architecture and Furniture Design are Uniquely United
49
Repurposed Fridge Furnishings
Van der Kooij Endless Collection is Robot-Made from Old Appliances
48
Compressed Contemporary Campers
Heather's Compact Caravan is Efficiently Reduced to Requirements
47
DIY Globe Chandeliers
The Inspireramera Pilates Ball Lamp Tutorial is Cleverly Cute
46
Effortless Prefab Retreats
The Coodo 'My Home' Residences Come Furnished and Poised for Placement
45
Geometric Bicycle Brackets
The Bike Valet Embodies the Art of Efficient Apartment Storage
44
Moon-Inspired Lighting
MONOCOMPLEX's Scene #01 Floor Lamp is Eerily Romantic
43
Domino-Like Furniture
The KERAMOS Cabinet by Coprodotto is Colorfully Cute
42
Minimalist Cycle Storage
The Very Nice Bike Rack Puts Precious Rides on Display in the Home
41
Plywood-Clad Cottages
The Stealth Barn Minimizes Its Material Palette for a Modern Look
40
Burnt Lumber Furniture
Wood Casting by Hilla Shamia Boasts a Metal Base
39
Lifestyle-Challenging Illustrations
The Bartosz Kosowski Collection of Satirical Minimalist Prints
38
Liquid Detergent Artwork
The Skip Installation is White and Pristine
37
Sunny Side Up Furniture
WamHouse's Table Egg is Inspired by a Breakfast Meal
36
Unnerving Mythology Prints
Senor Salme Renders Historic Melding Pop Culture Illustrations
35
Industrial Pipe Furniture
DOSUNO Design's Open Tap Project Uses Repurposed Materials
34
Color-Flooding Street Art
Ryan Dineen Renders Striking Graffiti Portraits and Murals
33
Elegantly Urban Shelves
The sheLLf Bookcase by Ka-Lai Chan is an Intricate Design
32
Modern Mechanized Furniture
The Astrolab Dining Table Extends Via Remote Control
31
Slatted Herbage Storage
The Standard Numero 4 Vegetalise Affords and Orderly Arrangement of Plants
30
Sunken Furniture Surfaces
Rising Table by Robert van Embricqs is Organically Intricate
29
DNA-Inspired Furniture
The Mutation Series by Maarten De Ceulaer is Excitingly Experimental
28
Dangerously Disheveled Sculptures
London-Based Artist Chris Jones Debuts Haunting Recycled Series
27
Origami-Inspired Seating
The Star Chair by Michael Samoriz is a Crafty Addition to Any Interior
26
Modular Toy-Inspired Shelving
Clark Art Center's Jacob Bookcase is Playfully Practical
25
Colorfully Perforated Furniture
The PEEP Storage Units Allow Natural Light to Seep Through
24
Funambulist Children's Furniture
Flip for Kids Encourages Dynamic Physical Development
23
Multifaceted Industrial Furnishings
The Acciaio Series 2 Explores the Geometries of Surface
22
Transformative Art Installations
The Hong Seon Jang Labyrinth Exhibition Alters Mundane Materials
21
Peculiar Plumbed Tables
The MT 01 Table Comprises a Spindly Frame of Galvanized Pipes
20
Realistic Royal Cartoons (UPDATE)
Jirka Vaatanien Continues to Recreate Disney Princesses
19
Lush Living Tapestries
Evergreen by Freund is a Wall-Mounted Moss Panel that Helps a Home Breathe
18
DIY Upcycled Jean Coasters
The Brit & Co. Cocktail Napkins are Hip and Stylish
17
Arboreal Lattice Ledges
The Esedra Domino Shelf Draws Branchlike Shadows Indoors
16
Minimalist Sci-Fi Athenaeums
The Vennesla Library and Culture House Belongs in the 22nd Century
15
Green-Hued Eatery Interiors
The P.S. Restaurant is Restfully Futuristic
14
Stacked School Structures
The Basque Culinary Center is Simple Outside and Spicy Inside
13
Nature-Shaping Monuments
Andy Goldsworthy Creates Art that Develops a Life of its Own
12
Drawbridge Herbage
Volet Vegetal Creates a Tiny Terrace for Upper Floor Apartments
11
Squeezebox Planter Partitions
The Herb2 System Provides Privacy, Decoration and Fresh Air
10
DIY Butterfly Wreaths
The ‘A Beautiful Mess’ Feather Garland is Easy to Make
9
Sci-Fi Cat Beds
The Feline Tardis Contraption Lets Your Cat Explore Space and Time
8
Slowly Sinking Bookcases
Raw Edges' Hole In The Floor is Full of Whimsy and Character
7
Vibrant Child-Centric Furniture
InKidible Hopes to Expand Kids Perspective of Contemporary Art
6
Artistically Corroded Furniture
Ka-lai Chan's The Ordinary Family Collection is Volatile
5
Heavy Hovering Dwellings
The Casa en Pocafarina Seems Impossibly Suspended in Solid Concrete
4
Side-Stacked Storage Systems
The Bookcase 45x Balances Impossibly from the Cubbies' Corners
3
Chromatic Chasm Architecture
This Istanbul Disaster Prevention Center Has a Vibrant Volcanic Form
2
Unsteady Legged Seating
The Trippin' Series Plays with One's Visual Perception of Stability
1
Dripping Wax Candlesticks
The Elas Candle Holder Changes Form to Fit Different Taper Widths
Related Ideas
DIY Glowing Containers
The 'From Panka with Love' Blog Shows How to Make Glow-in-the-Dark Jars
Race Re-imagined Damsels
Racially Altered Disney Princesses Touch on Feminist Issues
DIY Nail Polish Glassware
Make Colorful Glasses with this Project by Joanna Bean Martin
DIY Spandex Jewelry
The Brit & Co. Chunky Necklace Makes Use of Unconventional Materials
DIY Bread Designs
The 'Kotaku' Hello Kitty Toast is Shaped Out of Foil
Fashion Icon Illustrations
Hayden Williams Depicts Stylish Stars in Impressive Drawing Series
DIY Magnetic Sunglasses
The Brit & Co. Blog Shows How to Make Fashionable Eyewear
Skateboard Houses
Rad Hangouts for Skateboarding Fans by Romina Cortellucci
Lingerie-Clad Disney Princesses
DeviantART User Retipug-Rules Draws Heroines in Undergarments
Cantilevered Wooden Cabins
Utriai Residence Holds an Impossible Position Lifted Up from the Lawn
Fully Functional Garage Homes
The Michelle De La Vega 'Mini Home' Makes Use of Unusual Space
DIY Nail Tape
The Beauty Department Blog Shows How to Make Colorful Fingers
Somber Streaky Watercolor Portraits
Catherine Hennessey Renders Impressive Melancholy Faces
DIY Lacey Jewelry
The Brit & Co. Braided Necklace is Urban Chic
DIY Customized Flip-Flops
The Brit & Co. Blog Shows How to Dress up Your Shoes
Luxuriously Portable Living Quarters
The Opera Luxury Camper Trailer is Overindulgent
Flash Dance Videos
Trend Hunter’s Kevin Young Discusses the Best Flash Routines
Interactive Advertising
Trend Hunter’s Erin Kirkpatrick Sheds Light on Activist Campaigns
DIY Duct Tape Accessories
The Brit & Co. Scotch Color & Patterns Jewelry is Stylish & Affordable
DIY Flavored Butter Sticks
Elsie Larson Shows You How to Make Delicious Spreads
31 Cinderella Ball Gowns
From Pale Polished Frocks to Curvaceous Courtly Couture
Political Remix
Jennifer Gosnell Discusses Political Rapper Remixes
Portable Crate-Like Cabins
The Whangapoua Sled House is Designed for Adaptable Beachside Living
Unorthodox Urban Condos
The Kariouk Associates 'Redeveloper Apartment' is Space-Efficient
Bodacious Bow Tie Bling
The Freena Shop Makes an Alluring Bow Tie Necklace
Spooky Holiday Door Decorations
The Red Robyn Lane Halloween Wreath Collection is Festive
Disheveled Iconic Halloween Wigs
The Raggedy Ann Wig is Adorable and Hand-Crafted
Effortless Prefab Retreats
The Coodo 'My Home' Residences Come Furnished and Poised for Placement
DIY Laced-Up Pumps
The Brit & Co. Slingbacks Project is a Great Way to Spruce up Old Shoes
Winsome Warehouse Interiors
The Appartmento AL Takes Industrial Chic to the Minimalist Extreme
Abundantly Striped Abodes
The Stripe House by GAAGA Architects Boasts a Lined Design
High-Tech Greenery Offices
The Microsoft Vienna Headquarters by INNOCAD Architektur is Lush
Urban Apartment Gardens
The Auxano Makes Plant Life Possible for City Dwellers Lacking Space
DIY Spiraled Yarn Decorations
The 'Two Shades of Pink' Garland is a Fun Craft Project
DIY Rose Petal Scrubs
The Beauty Department Blog Creates a Homemade Exfoliate
Animal Head Fashion Collages
The Larissa Haily Aguado Mixed Media Pieces are Comical
DIY Camera Filters
The Brit & Co. Blog Shows How to Take Creative Shots
DIY Custom-Made Candy
The Brit & Co. Jolly Rancher Treats are Easy to Make
Stacked Chair Storage
The Latten Shelving Unit Employs One Type of Piece for Another Purpose
Boldly Framed Barns
The Casa Pre de Sura Treats Surrounding Views Like Large Living Pictures
Flat Field-Inspired Abodes
The Harvest Pavilion Takes Architectural Cues from Agricultural Land
Custom Critter Costumes
The Wild Things Dresses are Perfect for Halloween
Metallic-Dusted Captures
The 'Mi-Zo' Editorial in Velvet Magazine Features Avatar-Like Faces
Pixelated Panel Interiors
G Clinic 7F Features Contemporary Partitions for Patient Privacy
Squeezebox Planter Partitions
The Herb2 System Provides Privacy, Decoration and Fresh Air
Gender-Specific Wrist Watches
The Bia Sport is a Lightweight Alternative to Bulky Training Devices
Creepy Crawly Baked Goods
The Spider Cupcake Decorating Kit Makes the Best Halloween Cupcakes
Spooky Pooch Attire
Have Some Halloween Fun with the Headless Horseman Costume
Chromatic Crayon-Inspired Lacquers
Crayola Nail Polish Will Bring Out the Kid in You
DIY Accessory Holders
The Beauty Department Blog Shows How to Organize Headbands
Space-Shifting Sushi Bars
Sushicafé Avenida in Lisbon is Far from Traditional
DIY Repurposed Playing Cards
The Brit & Co. Blog Shows How to Make a Sentimental Gift
Playful Portuguese Interiors
The Remodeled 227 Flat by OODA Merges Acrobatics and Architecture
Rectangular Boxed Beach Homes
The House in Las Arenas by Javier Artadi is Unconventional
DIY Customized Pillow Designs
The Brit & Co. Colored Cushion Project is Easy to Do
Timber Sliver Extensions
The Slat House is Wedged Up Against a Semi as a Contextual Threshold
Golfing Clown Photoshoots
The Exit Magazine Spring/Summer 2012 Mueller Photoshoot is on the Green
Common Curiosity Campaigns
The Arizona Science Center Advertisements Ask Everyday Questions
DIY Spiked Watermelon Pops
The Brit & Co. Blog Shows How to Make a Refreshingly Cool Treat
Curved Crustacean Cabins
Organic Scapes' Living Aleutian Home is Entirely Nature-Inspired
Giant Pencil Crayon Installations
Reverse City by Pascale Marthine Tayou Depicts a Colorful World
Extreme Athletic Photography
These Tim Tadder Sports Captures are Highly Detailed
Contemporary Foldable Farmhouses
The Cultural Centre Léonce-Georges Fuses Modernity and Tradi
Life-Size Board Games
The Street Artist Bored 'Monopoly' Plays on the Streets of Chicago
24 DIY Brit & Co. Projects
From Canned Food Pizza to Spiked Pudding Pops
Geometry-Infused Workspaces
The Mochen Office in Beijing Has Just the Right Amount of Detail
Submerged Face Self-Portraits
Laurence Demaison Artistically Experiments with Images of Herself
DIY Wine Bottle Pumpkins
Recycle Your Alcoholic Beverages to Make Ghostly Halloween Decorations
Bali-Inspired Hilltop Abodes
The West Edge House by No Coffee Architects has a Panoramic View
Crystalized Sun Rooms
The Robert M. Gurney 'Nevis Pool and Garden Pavilion' is Stunning
Capsular Desert Campers
The Walamai Outback Explorer is Built Tough for an Extreme Environment
Pulp Sheet Furniture
Hettler.Tullmann's Paper Planet Collection is Deceptive and Eco-Friendly
Cutout Cube Superstructures
The S.Deer Headquarters in Nanjing by Prechteck is Boxy
Sturdy Concrete Watches
Dzmitry Samal Creates A Series Of Strong Timepieces
Curvaceously Shaped Structures
The People’s Meeting Dome Sparks Design Discussions
Futuristic Barn Abodes
The House M by AE5 Partners is a Fresh Take on a Classic Concept
Adaptable Container Abodes
James Green's Eco-Pak House is Modular & Sustainable
Gourmet Cucumber Shooters
The Brit & Co. Blog Shows How to Make a Refreshing Spiked Treat
Wondrous Whirling Watches
Kisai Uzumaki Analog Watch by Tokyoflash Japan is stylish and sturdy
River-Ensconced Hideaways
The Kaweah Falls Retreat Home Incorporates Living Over a Lake
DIY Ombre Sweets
The Wedding Chicks Colored Sugar Recipe is Alluring and Tempting
UFO-Inspired House
Roberto Sanchez Rivera Built His Own Livable 'Spaceship'
Futuristic Film Bicycles
The Inertia Bike Looks Inspired by the Lightcycle in 'TRON: Legacy'
Sleek Space-Age Dwellings
The Cocoon Suites at Andronikos Hotel are Future-Friendly
Garbanzo Bean Desserts
The Brit & Co. Chickpea Cookies are Healthy & Delicious
DIY Soda Bottle Creatures
The ‘Spoonful’ Polar Bear Project is a Great Way to Re-Purpo
Squiggly Line Time Tellers
Kisai Online is a Watch Read with a Secret Code
Zombie Fairy Tale Characters
Witit Karpkraikaew 'Zombified Disney Princesses' Haunts Your Dreams
Cute Stealthy Timepieces
Ninja Time Watch Rethinks Traditional Time-Telling
Sliding Corkscrew Sidewalks
The Roberto Ercilla Mechanical Ramps are a Concrete Convenience
Crammed House Installations
Bridging Home by Do-Ho Suh Brings Different Cultures Together
Crayon Tip Artwork
Christian Faur Portraits Use Wax Crayons in an Unconventional Way
Modern Farmhouse Reconstructions
Casa Rizza by Matteo Inches is a Sleek and Rustic Home
DIY Spiked Berry Edibles
The Brit & Co. Raspberry Pudding Bites are Made for the Mature Palate
Multifaceted Residential Rooflines
The Hironaka House is Crowned Like an Enormous Cut Stone
Fading Colored Furniture
The DIY Ombre Dresser is an Inexpensive and Fun Project
Twisted Jenga Apartments
The Writhing Tower is a Sky Condominium Designed by LYCS Architects
Spooky Gamer-Inspired Ornaments
Celebrate the Holidays with Some Halloween Yard Decorations
Marshmallow Liquored Beverages
The Brit & Co. 'Smoretini' is a Delicious & Boozey Take on S'mores
Ethereal Cube Spas
The Hotel Castell dels Hams Pool is the Epitome of Exclusivity
DIY Wooden Picture Holders
The 'Miniature Rhino' Spools Project is a Great Way to Display Photos
Cardboard-Constructed Shelter Homes
The Leo Burnett Raising The Roof Campaign: The Street House
Sea Creature Bike Racks
Parking Squid by Susan Robb is Artistic and Functional
Abstract Abode Architecture
'Deconstructing The Houses' Features Twisted Homes
Serrated Greenery Facades
The Firma Casa is Designed with Sustainability in Mind
Sweeping Desert Dwellings
The Brown Residence is Defined by No Boundaries with Broad Fenestration
Retro Game Chalk Renderings (UPDATE)
Leon Keer Adorns a Sidewalk with a 3D Pac-Man Piece
Clumpy Concrete Art
'As Yet Untitled' by Anish Kapoor Creates Unsettling Sculptures
Extreme Stunts
Trend Hunter Emily Evans Talks Daredevils and Documentaries
Hilly Eco-Friendly Houses
The E+ Green Home by Unsangdong Architects is Organic and Geometric
Four-Faced Storage Systems
The Hool Shelf Stows Stuff in Hidden Cubbies on All Sides
Serene Sailing Art
The Jacob Hashimoto 'Armada' Installation is Haunting and Calming
Canned Food Pizza
The Brit & Co. Blog Shows How to Make an Easy Pie Recipe
Writing Utensil Jewelry
The Wooden Colored Pencils Necklace by Geekery Jewelry
Landscape-Inspired Interiors
The Hybrid Office Features Topographic Furnishings
Irrigating Urban Sidewalks
Clean Street Keeps Hidden City Soil Hydrated for Roadside Plants
Inside-Out Abodes
The Fertile House by MU Architects Brings the Outdoors to the Interior
Fairy Tale-Inspired Cosmetics
Sephora’s Disney Princess Line Is Set to Be Released This Octo
Superhero Nail Decals
These Wonder Woman and Batgirl Nail Stickers Will Show Off Your Geeky Side
DIY Bark Candle Holders
The 'Two Shades of Pink' Twig Votive is an Affordable Gift Idea
Polygonal Pair Decor
This Michael Knap 'Table and Rug' is Arctic-Inspired
Suspended Slum Structures
The Favela Cloud Provides Ultra-Modern Living for Brazil's Poorest
Angular Citrus Interiors
The La Courneuve School Makes for a Fun Learning Environment
Quirky Inner-City Installations
The Charles Long 'Pet Sounds' Series Livens up Madison Square Park
Sun-Responsive Roofs
The Casa em Movimento Moves East to West For Optimal Energy Harnessing
Board Game Table Settings
The Brit & Co. Scrabble Tile Place Set is Affordable and Easy to Make
Dashing Polka Dot Pictorials
This Vagelis Valeontis Photoshoot is Minimalist and Crisp
Steamwhistle Brewery Tour: Trend Hunter Fun Day
Sidewalk Sound Sampling
Kitsune's Sound Graffiti Campaign Features Music-Listening Stations
Avian Diva Ads
The 'Eurovision Songbirds' Promotion is Clever and Punchy