10 California Home Trends Expected To Cool – And 10 Heating Up

Design tastes shift with every season, but some ideas outlast the trends. Across California, homes are shedding excess and rediscovering balance – spaces that feel natural, personal, and built to last.

The focus has turned toward clean craftsmanship, sunlight, and materials that breathe. In this new era, style is measured not by how much a space dazzles, but by how effortlessly it feels like home.

1. Gray-On-Gray Interiors

Monochromatic gray rooms once symbolized sleek sophistication, but they’re starting to feel cold and impersonal. Homeowners are moving away from these shadowy spaces in favor of warmer, more inviting palettes.

The shift reflects a broader desire for comfort and connection rather than stark minimalism. Gray may still appear as an accent, but the days of floor-to-ceiling charcoal are behind us.

2. All-White Kitchens

Pristine white kitchens dominated for years, promising clean lines and timeless appeal. However, many now find them too sterile and difficult to maintain.

Natural wood tones, colored cabinetry, and mixed materials are replacing the all-white look. These alternatives bring warmth and personality without sacrificing style or function.

3. Barn Doors And Shiplap Walls

Sliding barn doors and shiplap became symbols of modern farmhouse charm. Yet their overuse has left many spaces feeling formulaic rather than fresh.

Designers are now choosing smoother wall finishes and more refined door hardware. The goal is authenticity over trend-chasing, letting architecture speak for itself without forced rustic elements.

4. Industrial Loft Aesthetics

Exposed pipes, concrete floors, and metal fixtures once defined urban cool. But the industrial look can feel harsh and uninviting after prolonged exposure.

Softer textures and organic materials are replacing the warehouse vibe. Residents want spaces that feel lived-in and cozy, not like they’re working in a converted factory every day.

5. Maximalist Decor

Pattern clashing and accessory overload had their moment in the spotlight. Now, the visual noise feels overwhelming rather than expressive.

People are craving breathing room and intentional design choices. Edited collections and thoughtful styling are taking precedence over cramming every surface with decorative objects and competing prints.

6. Granite Countertops

Granite countertops were once the gold standard for kitchen upgrades. Their busy patterns and heavy appearance now feel dated compared to newer options.

Quartzite, marble, and even porcelain slabs offer cleaner lines and subtler veining. These materials provide durability while maintaining a more contemporary and refined aesthetic throughout the kitchen.

7. Heavy Window Treatments

Elaborate curtains with multiple layers once added drama to windows. Today, they block precious natural light and collect dust.

Simple linen panels or sleek roller shades are the new preference. These lighter options frame views beautifully while allowing California sunshine to fill rooms and highlight architectural features naturally.

8. Oversized Bathtubs

Massive soaking tubs promised spa-like relaxation at home. In reality, they consume space and water while rarely getting used.

Homeowners are realizing that luxurious showers with rainfall heads and body jets offer more daily value. Compact Japanese soaking tubs provide the occasional soak without dominating the entire bathroom footprint.

9. Formal Dining Rooms

Dedicated dining rooms once signaled sophistication and hosting prowess. But most families use these spaces only a few times yearly.

Open-concept layouts with flexible seating are winning out. Multi-purpose rooms that adapt to everyday life – homework, crafts, casual meals – make more sense than preserving a shrine to occasional entertaining.

10. Overly Themed Farmhouse Style

Mason jar lighting and distressed wood signs flooded homes for years. The aesthetic has become predictable and lacks individual character.

Authentic vintage pieces mixed with modern elements create more interesting spaces. Rather than following a catalog formula, homeowners want interiors that reflect personal stories and genuine style preferences.

11. Warm Earthy Neutrals

Terracotta, camel, and warm beige are replacing cool grays everywhere. These shades create inviting atmospheres that feel grounded and comfortable.

The palette complements California’s natural landscapes beautifully. Whether in coastal homes or desert retreats, these earthy tones bring warmth without overwhelming spaces or clashing with architectural details.

12. Biophilic Design And Indoor Greenery

Bringing nature indoors isn’t just decorative – it improves air quality and mental well-being. Potted trees, herb gardens, and living walls are sprouting everywhere.

California’s climate makes indoor-outdoor connections especially natural. Large windows, plant-filled corners, and natural materials blur boundaries, creating spaces that feel alive and connected to the environment outside.

13. Natural Stone And Limewash Finishes

Textured plaster and limewash walls add depth without pattern. These finishes catch light beautifully, changing subtly throughout the day.

Natural stone – whether travertine, limestone, or sandstone – brings authentic character. Unlike manufactured materials, these surfaces age gracefully, developing patinas that enhance rather than diminish their appeal over time.

14. Textured Walls And Plaster Accents

Smooth drywall feels flat compared to handcrafted plaster finishes. Troweled textures and subtle imperfections add artisan quality to walls.

These surfaces create visual interest without competing with furnishings. The technique works in both modern and traditional homes, adding warmth and sophistication while maintaining a calm, understated backdrop for daily living.

15. Mixed Wood Tones And Organic Materials

Matching every wood element used to be the rule. Now, layering different tones creates richer, more collected spaces.

Oak floors might pair with walnut furniture and teak accessories. This approach feels authentic and relaxed, reflecting how homes naturally evolve over time rather than being purchased from a single catalog.

16. Curved Architecture And Soft Lines

Arched doorways and rounded furniture edges soften spaces in unexpected ways. These gentle curves feel more human-centered than rigid angles.

From curved kitchen islands to arched windows, the trend embraces flow and movement. The effect is calming and sophisticated, creating interiors that feel welcoming rather than austere or overly formal.

17. Outdoor Living Rooms And Kitchens

California weather practically demands outdoor rooms. Fully equipped kitchens, comfortable seating, and weather-resistant furniture extend living space significantly.

These areas aren’t just for summer barbecues anymore. Year-round entertaining and everyday meals happen outside, blurring the line between interior and exterior and maximizing the state’s enviable climate advantages.

18. Energy-Efficient Retrofits

Solar panels, upgraded insulation, and high-performance windows are becoming standard. Rising energy costs and environmental concerns drive these practical improvements.

Many retrofits qualify for rebates and tax incentives. Beyond savings, these upgrades increase home values while reducing carbon footprints – a combination that appeals to both wallets and consciences.

19. Mediterranean-Modern Fusion

Spanish Colonial meets contemporary minimalism in this emerging aesthetic. White plaster walls, terracotta tiles, and arched openings combine with clean-lined furniture.

The style honors California’s architectural heritage while feeling fresh and current. Natural materials, warm tones, and simple forms create spaces that are both timeless and distinctly of-the-moment.

20. Local Artisan Craftsmanship

Mass-produced decor feels generic compared to handmade pieces from local makers. Custom furniture, pottery, and textiles add unique character that can’t be replicated.

Supporting regional artisans creates meaningful connections to place. Each piece tells a story, transforming houses into homes with personality and soul rather than showroom perfection.