This review presents the latest innovations and trends in the field of surface functionalization of various nanomaterials. The most recent protocols of smart materials fabrication as well as the main challenges which should be overcome in order to improve their final performance are discussed here. Particular attention has been paid to the properties improvement of polymer, silica, inorganic and hybrid nanomaterials and their potential for application in many fields, from industry, materials science, environmental protection to advanced biomedicine.