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Top 100 Modern Trends of 2016

From Freestanding Tea Houses to Upcycled Office Scraps

— January 30, 2017 — Eco
Some of the most significant 2016 modern trends reveal practices that fuse traditional architecture with modern designs, as well as modern design fusing with eco-friendly practices.

Japanese tea houses have long been exemplars of modern design and minimalism – since long before those styles came into the sudden rush of popularity that they see now. Even so, the traditional designs have been made even more contemporary by people like Mimi Jung, who recreated the architecture in cylindrical form. The private space functions as a sanctuary for those who use it, and fuses the Japanese tea house concept with a reinterpreted modern style.

Although modernity and the safekeeping of the environment tend to be directly opposed to one another, this is slowly becoming a fact that brands are hoping to avoid. In an artistic project funded by Bloomberg, designers were assigned to create pieces out of leftover office scraps – with the end result revealing modern and functional decor pieces. The shift between modernity reducing harmful environmental impacts to it inhibiting that impact is very slow, but is steadily moving towards a more progressive vision.

For more ideas about how to relate to the modern consumer, Trend Hunter's annual innovation conference Future Festival reveals a variety of ways in which brands can harness the power of modernity in different industries.
6.4
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
100
Conceptual Chainless Bikes
Conceptual Chainless Bikes
Ikea's Bicycle Frame is Maintainence-Free with a Drive Belt Mechanism
<
99
Architecture-Inspired Tables
Architecture-Inspired Tables
The Kanban Industrial Side Table Takes Inspiration from Hong Kong
<
98
Minimalist Deconstructed Lamps
Minimalist Deconstructed Lamps
These Abstract Lamps Function as Statement Art Pieces
<
97
Pattern-Projecting Lamps
Pattern-Projecting Lamps
These Incredible Patterned Lamps Leave Gorgeous Designs on Walls
<
96
Meditative Seating Solutions
Meditative Seating Solutions
The Headspace Meditation Pod Encourages People to Practice Meditation
<
95
Crushed Brick Building Facades
Crushed Brick Building Facades
This Concert Hall is Covered in Crushed Brickwork and Concrete
<
94
Folding E-Bicycle Designs
Folding E-Bicycle Designs
The Gi FlyBike Spins the Benefits of Power Assistance and Portability
<
93
Dorm-Inspired Dwellings
Dorm-Inspired Dwellings
The Collective Old Oak London Residence will Provide a Co-Living Option
<
92
Calorie-Cutting Drink Bottles
Calorie-Cutting Drink Bottles
The 'Twin' Glass Carafe Holds Two Separate Beverages Simultaneously
<
91
Tipping Contemporary Tables
Tipping Contemporary Tables
Angled Tables Create the Tromp-l’Oeil Impression of Spinning Disks
<
90
Yoga-Accommodating Chairs
Yoga-Accommodating Chairs
The US Pride Yoga Chaise Chair Enables Exercise and Relaxation
<
89
Compact Multipurpose Stools
Compact Multipurpose Stools
This Folding Stool is Infused with Multi-Functional Features
<
88
Otherworldly Bonsai Sculptures
Otherworldly Bonsai Sculptures
This Bonsai Art Series Imagines Alien-Like Species and Planters
<
87
Inflatable Nightclubs
Inflatable Nightclubs
This Blow-Up Building Was Made for the Federation of Swiss Architects' Party
<
86
Meditative Gradient Clocks
Meditative Gradient Clocks
This Artistic Clock Was Designed to Allow Reflection on the Big Picture
<
85
Freestanding Tea Houses
Freestanding Tea Houses
Mimi Jung's Private Parlor Is a Space for Comfort and Contemplation
<
84
Long-Exposure Ballet Photography
Long-Exposure Ballet Photography
This Dancing Photography Series Captures Moves with Light Trails
<
83
Wooden Taxidermy Trophies
Wooden Taxidermy Trophies
The Traverse 'POLIGON' Animal Trophies are Geometrically Modern
<
82
Celebrity-Designed Nightclubs
Celebrity-Designed Nightclubs
The Arts Club is a Conceptual Facility Created by Gwyneth Paltrow
<
81
Minimalist Geometric Lamps
Minimalist Geometric Lamps
These Minimalist Lamps Can Give Any Room a Sophisticated Look
<
80
Unfurling Lounge Chair Beds
Unfurling Lounge Chair Beds
The Benny Linen/Cotton Chair Bed is Suitable for Sitting and Sleeping
<
79
Suspended String Paper Holders
Suspended String Paper Holders
The Diabolo Toilet Roll Dispenser Opts for a Minimalistic Aesthetic
<
78
Astronomical Clock Designs
Astronomical Clock Designs
The Cosmos Clock Combines Mood Lighting with an Unusual Time Concept
<
77
Outdoor Cubic Pool Beds
Outdoor Cubic Pool Beds
The Skyline Design Daybed CUBE Provides a Space for Outdoor Relaxation
<
76
Baby-Holding Coffee Tables
Baby-Holding Coffee Tables
The 'Boida' Table Allows Busy Parents to Multitask
<
75
Open-Ended Cooking Utensils
Open-Ended Cooking Utensils
These Abstract Kitchen Tools Encourage Communal Cooking
<
74
Digital Landscape Art Exhibits
Digital Landscape Art Exhibits
Yorgo Alexopoulos Uses Digital Art to Represent the Natural World
<
73
Oceanic Coffee Tables
Oceanic Coffee Tables
The LA Tables 'Lagoon Table' is Inspired by the Landscape of Saint Martin
<
72
Steam-Based Bread Ovens
Steam-Based Bread Ovens
This Portable Oven Uses Steam to Bake Bakery Quality Breads
<
71
Modernized Active Homes
Modernized Active Homes
This Active House Has a Minimal Impact on the Environment
<
70
Vibrant Norwegian Homes
Vibrant Norwegian Homes
This Cozy Cabin Boasts a Vibrant Red Exterior
<
69
Curled Ceiling Lighting
Curled Ceiling Lighting
The Spiral Lamp Collection by Andrii Kovalskyi Features Coiled Designs
<
68
Cubic Loft Spaces
Cubic Loft Spaces
The Cube House Reinterprets Cottage Home Designs
<
67
Spherical Wall-Mounted Desks
Spherical Wall-Mounted Desks
The Pill by EMKO Work Desk Design is Fit for Small Living Spaces
<
66
Stitched Wooden Tables
Stitched Wooden Tables
The Black Patch Match Table Looks Like it Has Been Sewn Together
<
65
Concrete Cliffside Houses
Concrete Cliffside Houses
The 'Aqua Casa' is a Luxury Retreat that Disappears into the Coastline
<
64
Post Office Bakeries
Post Office Bakeries
The Margot Craft Bakery in London is in a Converted Post Office Location
<
63
LED-Embedded Wall Panels
LED-Embedded Wall Panels
The Kovr Hyde Lighting System Discreetly Sneaks Lights into Wood
<
62
Droplet Digital Cameras
Droplet Digital Cameras
This Curved Camera is Functionally and Ergonomically Enhanced
<
61
Modern Portable Fireplaces
Modern Portable Fireplaces
The 'Fireglobe' Portable Fire Pit Offers a Gorgeously Functional Design
<
60
Utility Residence Blocks
Utility Residence Blocks
The Hub Kitchen and Bathroom Unit Can be Used to Create a Livable Space
<
59
Flexible Desk Systems
Flexible Desk Systems
Konstantin Grcic's Hack Desks Offer Easy to Set Up Millennial Workspaces
<
58
Tubular Tree Abodes
Tubular Tree Abodes
Aibek Almassov Designs a House that Wraps Around a Fully Grown Tree
<
57
Undulating Utensil Holders
Undulating Utensil Holders
This Sculptural Pen Organizer is a Pleasing Way to Keep a Desk Tidy
<
56
Delivery Van Showrooms
Delivery Van Showrooms
The Salone Del Automobile Installation is Housed Inside a Delivery Van
<
55
Sculptural Minimalist Jewelry
Sculptural Minimalist Jewelry
'Minimal Futurism' Embraces Modern Jewelery Design
<
54
Minimalistic Bike Storage
Minimalistic Bike Storage
PARAX Designed a Simplistic Modern Bike Rack to Maximize Space
<
53
Multi-Functional Condo Furniture
Multi-Functional Condo Furniture
The 'CityHome' is Described as an "Apartment in a Box"
<
52
Stylish Swedish Camping Equipment
Stylish Swedish Camping Equipment
The 'Wax-On Tent' is Crafted Using Swedish Pine and Waxed Cotton
<
51
Optical Illusion Wine Racks
Optical Illusion Wine Racks
The Harlequin Illusions 'Pinetti' Wine Bottle Rack Plays with Optics
<
50
All-in-One Furniture Designs
All-in-One Furniture Designs
The 'BLOCK' Bed Furniture Features Sleeping Quarters and Much More
<
49
Modern Garden Retreats
Modern Garden Retreats
This Contemporary Backyard Studio Provides Solitude in an Urban Metropolis
<
48
Inclusive Student Micro Dwellings
Inclusive Student Micro Dwellings
The 'Nano Studio' Micro Apartment Design is 140-Square-Feet
<
47
Hybrid Office Apartments
Hybrid Office Apartments
The Brandburg Home & Studio by Modelina Architecture is Efficient
<
46
Modular Multi-Use Furniture
Modular Multi-Use Furniture
The 'Setup' Modular Furniture Kit Allows for Total Customization
<
45
Multifunctional Attic Apartments
Multifunctional Attic Apartments
This Cozy Micro-Apartment Attic Uses Space Efficiently
<
44
Fastener-Free Porch Swings
Fastener-Free Porch Swings
The 'Arrowhead Porch Swing' Offers a Modern Take on an American Classic
<
43
Lifelike Chain Sculptures
Lifelike Chain Sculptures
Young Deok Seo's Stunning Artwork Speaks to the Human Condition
<
42
Ping Pong Conference Tables
Ping Pong Conference Tables
The Woolsey Ping Pong Adjustable Table is for Business and Pleasure
<
41
Stone Age-Inspired Knives
Stone Age-Inspired Knives
The 'IP Knife' is a Modern Knife Inspired by the Design of the Past
<
40
Revolutionary Furniture Series
Revolutionary Furniture Series
Janne Kyttanen Explored the Possibilities Afforded with 3D Printing
<
39
Flood-Proof River Refuges
Flood-Proof River Refuges
This Floating Pavilion Reacts to the Rise and Fall of the Water Way
<
38
Floating Modern Homes
Floating Modern Homes
This Contemporary Home Was Designed for Lovers of Boating
<
37
Framed Concrete Holiday Homes
Framed Concrete Holiday Homes
This Home Features Board-Marked Concrete Walls and Wood Detailing
<
36
Volcanic Beauty Shop Interiors
Volcanic Beauty Shop Interiors
The New Aesop Shop is Inspired by Japan's Mountainous Landscape
<
35
Laser-Cut Wooden Art
Laser-Cut Wooden Art
These Pieces of Art Were Created By Layering and Cutting Wood
<
34
Deceptive Pre-Fab Homes
Deceptive Pre-Fab Homes
This Tiny Farmhouse Sits on a Near-Invisible Base
<
33
Playful Networking Offices
Playful Networking Offices
Omaha's LinkedIn Headquarters Supports Creativity and Exchange of Ideas
<
32
Modern Modular TVs
Modern Modular TVs
This Deconstructible Screen Guarantees a Longer Life for the Electronic Device
<
31
Low-Maintenance Weekend Homes
Low-Maintenance Weekend Homes
This Home is Made from Pre-Rusted Steel for Low-Maintenance
<
30
Folded Landscape Photography
Folded Landscape Photography
These Manipulated Landscapes Look Like Windows Into Another World
<
29
Pyramid-Shaped Yachts
Pyramid-Shaped Yachts
The HYSWAS Tetrahedron Super Yacht Boasts a Futuristic Design
<
28
Deceptively Lightweight Concrete Furniture
Deceptively Lightweight Concrete Furniture
This Hocker Heinrich Concrete Stool is a Lighter Option
<
27
Sleek Vinyl Record Displays
Sleek Vinyl Record Displays
The 'Record Display I' by Kai Takeshima Upscales Forgotten Furniture
<
26
Rustic Tiny Homes
Rustic Tiny Homes
This Home Combines a Rustic Aesthetic with a More Modern One
<
25
Technology-Upcycling Projects
Technology-Upcycling Projects
This Company Released New Designs for Its Annual Recycling Project
<
24
Miniature Transforming Apartment Spaces
Miniature Transforming Apartment Spaces
This Living Space by Architect Elodie Gaschard is Cozy
<
23
Modern Portable Log Fires
Modern Portable Log Fires
This Portable Log Fire Can Be Used on the Beach or in a Fireplace
<
22
Sculptural Wooden Chopping Knives
Sculptural Wooden Chopping Knives
The 'Handaxe' Wooden Knife is Safe and Effective at Cutting
<
21
Bioluminescence Night Lights
Bioluminescence Night Lights
The 'LUME' Lighting Solution Provides Natural Illumination
<
20
Four-in-One Cutting Boards
Four-in-One Cutting Boards
The 'Bambleu' Cutting Board Makes Kitchen Preparation More Efficient
<
19
Unfinished Marble Sinks
Unfinished Marble Sinks
Henry Timi's 'Corpo' Bathroom Collection Focuses on Rocky Terrain
<
18
Multilevel Kindergarten Classrooms
Multilevel Kindergarten Classrooms
This Classroom Features Play Spaces That Span Different Levels
<
17
Complex Transforming Tables
Complex Transforming Tables
This Modern Table Design from Boulon Blanc Adapts to Varying Needs
<
16
Photo-Finished Cube Furniture
Photo-Finished Cube Furniture
This Coated Foam Furniture Boasts Real-Life Images on its Designs
<
15
Pop-Up Shipping Container Malls
Pop-Up Shipping Container Malls
The Common Ground Mall is Made Up of Multiple Shipping Containers
<
14
Luminous LED Business Cards
Luminous LED Business Cards
These Eye-Catching Business Cards are Illuminated with Etched Light
<
13
Levitating Cloud Speaker Lights
Levitating Cloud Speaker Lights
'Making Weather' Plays Music and Creates a Natural Light Show
<
12
Worldly Headdress Photography
Worldly Headdress Photography
The 'Etno' Series Shows Each Woman Adorned in a Beautiful Headdress
<
11
Urban Balcony Decor Shops
Urban Balcony Decor Shops
De Balkonie is a Home Decor Store Dedicated to Balcony Decoration
<
10
Modern Golf Retreats
Modern Golf Retreats
This Concrete Block Home Sits on a Buenos Aires Golf Course
<
9
Comfy Privacy Work Chairs
Comfy Privacy Work Chairs
The V1 Lounge Chair by ODESD2 Isolates the Sitter from Disruptions
<
8
Small Space Couch Designs
Small Space Couch Designs
The 'Addax' Sofa Design by Matthew Pope is Made for Small Living Units
<
7
Ultramodern Salon Designs
Ultramodern Salon Designs
Numero Uno is a Stunning Minimalist Beauty Salon in Kazakhstan
<
6
High-End Prefab Homes
High-End Prefab Homes
The Diago Home by J Mayer H Enhances Home Architecture Design Expectations
<
5
Metal-Clad Restaurant Interiors
Metal-Clad Restaurant Interiors
This Finnish Restaurant is Lined with Corrugated Metal Wall Panels
<
4
Simple Luxury Furniture
Simple Luxury Furniture
These Basic Furniture Pieces Do Not Look as Expensive as They Are
<
3
Melting Mercury Tables
Melting Mercury Tables
Rado Kirov Uses Stainless Steel to Create Modern Tables that Mimic Movement
<
2
Wall-Mounted Standing Desks
Wall-Mounted Standing Desks
This Compact Standing Desk Boasts a Minimalist Design
<
1
Eco Prefab Homes
Eco Prefab Homes
This Wood House by ArchiBlox Features a Green Roof and Sustainable Wood
<