While scouting for trends at the Dwell on Design show in Los Angeles, there was one prominent element that the majority of manufacturers and designers featured, sustainable design. It was hard to avoid and a pleasure to discover. We do live in a more environmentally conscientious world, but to integrate  eco-friendly materials in modern design and aesthetics is a giant leap in design. Lumos solar, a solar panel manufacturer, introduced their “SolarScape” at the show, a solar energy resource doubling as a beautiful source of shade. The solar panels are custom built to blend with any environment from a bus-stop to backyard deck.

Another innovative sustainable design idea was that of Modfire, a modern outdoor fireplace manufacturer out of Phoenix, Arizona. Modfire utilizes a unique clean burning gel fuel within their stylish and colorful outdoor fireplaces. We loved Modfire’s newest addition the Astrofire, a round, conversation inviting, outdoor fireplace available in natural gas, wood-burning or propane models.

 Native Trails exhibited beautiful eco-friendly handmade bathroom vanities which they proudly build  with sustainable resources including reclaimed wood. The beautiful Bordeaux Wall Mounted Sink claimed the Green Good Design Award of 2013.

Just a few examples of blending modern design, function and eco-friendly materials. This environmentally friendly trend reverberated around the show and will hopefully continue to spread around the country.