ApeLabs is a German-based lighting company. But rather than focusing on design, they focus on concept. Their flagship product, Mobilight, is an ambient light system, fully customizable to your desired atmosphere, modular and remote-controlled. These battery-operated lights can be installed nearly anywhere, as they are a completely wireless system. Perfect for a minimalist room that needs some mood light, you can choose to use the diffuser lens for a softer glow, or the focus lens to send a beam of light towards the ceiling, wall or floor. The versatility of these lights means that you can change the mood of the room with a single click of the remote control.

The design ethos of Urban Nature Designs melds modern form with the beauty of nature. Focusing on creating landscapes that are slick, urban and retain a large part of the natural world, this team works with clients to bring their lush, green imaginations to life. One of the features found in all of Urban Nature Designs’ landscaping creations is sophistication – they strive to heighten the outdoor atmosphere of homes and businesses to a level comparable to the most upscale entryway or living room, while maintaining an exotic, nature-oriented look. This is no easy task, but Urban Nature Designs manages to pull it off with elegance, style and eco-friendly modern appeal.

Modern style has a way of incorporating what was great from past styles, and updating it to give it a brand new look. That ethos is what permeates the recent trend of adding some retro-mod fabrics to your home. This look can be achieved by using fabrics that have earthy tones, speckled with vibrant accents like pink and orange, and feature patterns that simply scream retro, like the image above.  Amy Butler does a wonderful job of updating the retro look in her Midwest Modern 2 series of fabrics, and you can check out her website for inspiration for, or to order, fresh, retro-mod fabrics for your home.

Creating space, your way. That’s the motto of the members of the ultra-modern XanCreative interior design team. They are dedicated to working with clients to pull ideas out of their heads and make them a reality. Their clients are described as “anyone who wants to make a statement with their space”, and XanCreative is there to take that statement and give it a real punch. Using a unique collaboration process that gives their clients full control of the vision, this design team works tirelessly to bring life and color into blank space – with spectacular results.

If you’re looking for a fun and flirty way to spice up your walls, look no further than Rachel Horrocks Design. This firm is dedicated to offering accents that are young, hip but sophisticated at the same time – wall decor that plays around with form and substance. The lead designer, Rachel, is interested in “…play and interactivity…” and this is seen in all of her interior design. From felt flowers to Basic Baroque, these wall appliqués appeal to a wide range of consumers. Anyone who wants to bring a dull wall to life, add a splash of fun, or just lead the eye around the room would do well to check out the innovative wall art designed by Rachel Horrocks.

Curious about the latest color trends to hit the interior design world this year?  The Style Estate blog has a great piece about what colors are hot now. In particular, you should be looking for neutral mains with metallic accents or bright and bold statements to spice things up. You can choose any colors that you’re partial to, such as earthy greens and browns or vibrant reds and yellows, and they will look stunning when set against a cream, beige or taupe backdrop. The trend towards metallics also means that you can use gold or silver pieces to bring out the modern in your home.

Creativity has landed on the two young designers that make up + OYO. The pair have let loose their creative impulses in the form of uniquely shaped vanities, lamps made from unconventional items and mirrors that are inspired by the industrial world. They have created Woolly Lamps out of folksy sweater designs, circuit-shaped mirrors from plexiglass, and modern Asian-inspired bathtubs and lamps that are truly cutting-edge in their perspective. The products that they design are all linked by a daring, innovative use of materials and shapes to create an eye-catching piece that will enhance your modern home in ways that only the duo at + OYO could imagine.

Creating contemporary interiors that have a timeless quality is the main focus of design firm Brukoff Design. The founder is intent upon designing spaces for his clients that are consistent with the ethos of modern design, but that will remain in style rather than being a trendy space for only a few short years. The team imagines movement through space, the distribution of light, and, above all, the client’s needs and desires when creating their interiors. Based in California, this firms has experience with new construction, lofts, family homes, architecturally unique buildings and more up and down the West Coast.

Sustainability is one of the buzz words of the coming year, and it’s no wonder that it has entered the interior design realm. Doing your part for the earth doesn’t mean that you have to sacrifice style, and a whole slew of trends and firms have sprouted out of the earth-movement. You can now go green inside your home, from using only non-clearcut wood, to renewable resources, to earthy designs are growing in popularity. Using organics in the home means that you can be inspired by the patterns and tones found in nature, while at the same time only purchasing products that are eco-friendly. So on two fronts, you can do your part while you’re creating innovative modern design in your own home.

By using the knowledge they gleaned at Nottingham Trent furniture design, & Then Design founders Samuel Wright and Jamie Bowler have put together a design firm that is focused on modern form and useful functionality. The Nami couches are one of the highlights of their collection, showcasing the ocean wave inspiration that permeates the form and the modular functionality that ties each piece together. Their colorful, chunky furniture is designed with both private and commercial ventures in mind, and would really give a kick to any interior that could use a little power. Simple and bold, the products at & Then Designs are enough to make any room feel unique.

Modern interiors can fall victim to bland colors and boring design if an attentive eye is not given to every detail. One of the latest trends to hit the interior design world is metallic accents – the perfect way to spice up a room that needs a jolt of color. Golds, silvers and bronzes are all tones that work well in small doses amidst the more intense blacks, browns and whites that modern design is known for. It may be difficult to find ways to incorporate metallics, but if you have any tables that are standing dormant, a bare floor that could use a rug, or a sofa that needs an accent pillow, try using metallics before you grab the tried-tested-and-true (but sometimes boring) staples of modern design like black and white.

One of the hallmarks of modern interior design is the straight line. This is found in nearly all elements of modern design, from couch arms to bed headboards, from windows to bathtubs. It goes against the grain of the traditional look, which prefers ornate, curved and more flowery lines. Straight lines are found in modern and minimalist design, and they add to the simple, non-cluttered, and spacious look that modern design leans towards. By using straight lines in your home, you can play up any bold colors, bright patterns and accent pieces like rugs or mirrors that you display.