The future of modern home design is here — and it’s redefining the way we live in Southern California’s most sought-after communities.
From Newport Beach to Los Angeles, Dana Point to San Clemente, and from Costa Mesa to Irvine and Corona del Mar, modern luxury homeowners are reimagining their spaces with a focus on beauty, wellness, and personalization.
Whether you’re a local looking to elevate your current home, relocating from across the country, or an international buyer searching for the ideal California lifestyle, these modern design trends will inspire your next move.
1. Curved Silhouettes + Soft Lines
Sharp angles are out. Soft, sculptural lines are in. Think curved sofas, arched doorways, and flowing cabinetry that create warmth, harmony, and effortless style. Across Newport Coast luxury estates and Beverly Hills’ modern homes, these organic shapes make spaces feel inviting and sophisticated.
Featured Home: 710 North Rodeo Drive, Beverly Hills — $17,499,000 | Listed by Hosana Saputra, DRE#01320561 | 714.865.1688
Welcome to the epitome of luxury living in Beverly Hills’ prestigious 90210 — where opulence meets timeless sophistication. This gated Mediterranean estate, stylishly refreshed in 2024, spans approximately 7,400 square feet with six spacious bedrooms and five-and-one-half bathrooms, all set on a generous 16,450 square foot lot. A grand two-story entry with a sweeping staircase and skylight sets the tone for the home’s architectural elegance. The formal living room features Palladian windows, a statement fireplace, and graceful lines that embody soft, sculptural beauty. A richly paneled oak library with walnut floors offers a cozy retreat, while the inviting family room opens directly to the pool area and lush gardens, ideal for seamless indoor-outdoor living.
2. Texture Takes Center Stage
In places like Corona del Mar, Costa Mesa, and Dana Point, texture transforms homes into works of art. Wallpapered ceilings, warm wood paneling, and tactile plaster finishes add depth, character, and visual intrigue. These elements create luxurious, layered interiors that feel both timeless and fresh.
Featured Home: 3067 Trinity Drive, Costa Mesa — $1,495,000 | Listed by Mary Kontra, DRE#01312348 | 714.612.3875
Located in the desirable South Coast Metro area of Costa Mesa, this beautifully maintained home blends natural light and layered textures to create a welcoming, open-air living environment. From vaulted ceilings in the spacious family room to two cozy fireplaces and a wet bar perfect for entertaining, this residence showcases how thoughtful texture and materials elevate everyday spaces. The kitchen features solid oak cabinetry paired with upgraded appliances, while the bathrooms have been nicely updated with modern finishes. Step outside into a private outdoor oasis complete with a pool, spa, firepit, barbecue, and plenty of lounge space — perfect for both quiet moments and lively gatherings. Solar power throughout enhances energy efficiency while central air and heating ensure year-round comfort.
3. Organic Materials Making a Statement
From Laguna Beach’s coastal retreats to San Clemente’s serene enclaves, natural materials bring authenticity to modern interiors. Bouclé fabrics, travertine stone, patina metals, and richly grained wood evoke a sense of calm, craftsmanship, and connection to nature — values that deeply resonate with today’s luxury buyers.
Featured Home: 2008 Baja, Newport Beach — $1,995,000 | Listed by Kevin P. Smith, DRE#01417297 | 949.228.2422
Welcome to 2008 Baja in the highly sought-after Eastbluff neighborhood of Newport Beach — a beautifully updated four bedroom, two-and-one-half bathroom single-family home offering the perfect blend of comfort, style, and coastal living. This turn-key home showcases a bright, open floor plan designed for effortless modern living, with thoughtful use of natural materials and textures throughout to enhance warmth and sophistication. The spacious living room invites cozy evenings and easy entertaining, while the fully upgraded kitchen seamlessly flows into the dining area, creating a stylish, functional heart of the home. The primary suite is conveniently located on the main floor for privacy and ease, offering a luxurious en-suite bath and spacious closet. An additional downstairs bedroom, currently used as a home office, can easily be converted back to a bedroom. Upstairs, two more bedrooms provide ample space for loved ones or guests.
4. Earthy Neutrals with Bold Accents
Neutral palettes dominate Costa Mesa’s modern homes and Newport Beach’s luxury properties. Creams, taupes, and soft whites set the tone, while accents in olive, rust, and deep navy add sophistication and visual contrast. The look? Clean, elegant, and endlessly livable.
Featured Home: 1977 Port Cardiff Place, Newport Beach — $4,998,888 | Listed by Rollins Moreno Group | DRE#01379867, DRE#01503663 | 949.293.0594, 949.280.6357
Presenting a rare opportunity to own below-market comps in the coveted Harbor View neighborhood, known locally as The Port Streets, this custom-built home sits on one of the community’s larger, pool-sized lots and was completed in 2013. Designed around a modern open-concept floor plan, the residence features soaring ceilings, high-end bifold doors, and seamless indoor-outdoor living through a sun-drenched, private backyard filled with lush landscaping and mature fruit trees.
5. Wellness-First Home Design
Wellness is no longer an option — it’s an essential. From home gyms and meditation spaces to spa-inspired bathrooms and biophilic design, wellness features are standard in today’s high-end Orange County properties. Think oversized tubs, rainfall showers, living walls, and natural light designed to elevate your daily life.
Featured Home: 27088 Ironwood Drive, Laguna Hills — $2,060,000 | Listed by Claire Na, DRE#01700911 | 949.717.7100
Welcome to 27088 Ironwood Drive, a home that exemplifies the connection between luxury living and personal well-being. Perched within the desirable Moulton Ranch community and offering breathtaking panoramic views of Southern Orange County, this home is designed to bring beauty, balance, and wellness into everyday life. Upstairs, the primary suite becomes a true wellness sanctuary. Thoughtfully designed with sweeping views, a cozy fireplace, and dual walk-in closets, this private retreat features a spa-like en-suite bath that invites total relaxation. Indulge in the oversized walk-in shower, surrounded by soothing finishes that evoke a serene, spa-worthy experience right at home.
6. Seamless Smart Home Integration
Technology works quietly in the background. Hidden appliances, smart lighting, climate control, and discreet charging stations now define modern luxury. Whether it’s a smart home in Irvine or a tech-savvy estate in Newport Coast, innovation enhances convenience without sacrificing style.
Featured Home: 93 Old Course Drive, Newport Beach — $4,095,000
Welcome to One Ford Road, Newport Beach’s premier guard-gated community offering a lifestyle of refined coastal living. This beautifully remodeled Balboa Plan 4 residence pairs timeless elegance with modern innovation. From the moment you step through the custom leaded-glass Dutch door, the home impresses with rich hardwood flooring, elegant crown molding, and hand-applied Venetian plaster walls. Beyond the formal dining space and powder room, the home reveals a bright, open-concept family room and designer kitchen—a showcase of thoughtful smart design. Outfitted with high-end smart stainless steel appliances, including a six-burner gas range and Dacor smart refrigerator, this kitchen also features stunning quartzite and limestone countertops, custom cabinetry with pullouts, and intuitive storage throughout.
7. Flexible, Adaptable Living Spaces
Gone are rigid floor plans. Today’s luxury homes feature flexible spaces designed to evolve with you. From home offices that convert to guest rooms to modular layouts that adjust with your lifestyle, adaptability is the new definition of luxury in Orange County real estate.
Featured Home: 1336 Galaxy Drive, Newport Beach — $12,000,000 | Listed by Brian Thomas & Jennifer Thomas, DRE#01320898, DRE#01396350 | 949.422.6409, 949.422.6407
Poised above the prestigious bluff of Dover Shores with extraordinary views of Newport’s Back Bay and the Pacific coastline, 1336 Galaxy Drive is a masterwork of architecture and artistry. Originally designed by renowned architect Harold Levitt and recently reimagined into a Mediterranean Modern sanctuary, this nearly 5,000-square-foot estate blends open-plan living with the ultimate in indoor-outdoor design. A dramatic 6’ x 9’ glass entry door opens to a private courtyard, setting the tone for this thoughtfully integrated smart home. Expansive living areas include floor-to-ceiling retractable glass doors, a translucent retractable roof, and custom-cut travertine flooring. The home features four en-suite bedrooms, three opening directly to the pool atrium, and a primary suite with panoramic Back Bay views, a fireplace, luxurious bath, and bespoke walk-in wardrobe. Crafted through five visionary renovations (2010–2025), this is a home defined by breathtaking views, inspired architecture, and sophisticated design.
Why These Trends Matter for Orange County Luxury Buyers
These trends reflect how Orange County homeowners want to live: beautifully, thoughtfully, and with intention. Whether you’re drawn to Newport Beach’s coastal elegance, Laguna Beach’s artistic energy, or Irvine’s modern sophistication, your next home should align with your lifestyle, wellness priorities, and desire for timeless design.
For local, national, and international buyers seeking the finest in high-end properties and luxury estates, Orange County continues to set the standard. These homes aren’t just about aesthetics — they’re about crafting a lifestyle rooted in well-being, flexibility, and connection to nature.
Ready to Find Your Next Home in Orange County?
Your dream home is more than just beautiful interiors — it’s where your best life begins. From coastal estates in Newport Coast to modern homes in Costa Mesa, we specialize in finding properties that reflect your vision for elevated living.
Connect with your local Surterre Properties real estate specialists today at SurterreProperties.com and let’s turn your luxury lifestyle goals into your next incredible address. You can also explore our exclusive listings now.
