The Top 8 Southern California New Home Trends

Southern California is one of the most beautiful places to live in the United States, and owning your own home here is definitely a source of pride. Every home has different sets of features that vary according to each homeowner’s personal tastes. If you are planning on buying a home, you should be aware of some of the latest trends in new home construction. Having the latest features in your home will not only make you and your family more comfortable, but will also increase the resale value of your home in the future.

Below are the 8 most sought-after features in new homes in Southern California:

1.  Gourmet Kitchens – No longer just a place to cook, the kitchen is the latest room in any Southern Californian home to undergo an extraordinary change. If you like to cook gourmet meals, then you know how different it is from just whipping out a frying pan and cooking some eggs. You need the proper surroundings. A gourmet kitchen requires more appliances, more utensils, more control, and above all more space. And if you don’t cook much you can still look the part and have plenty of space for entertaining. In addition, a gourmet kitchen also goes a long way in increasing the market value of your home. Gourmet kitchens today include some very luxurious amenities:

• Double sinks & extra prep sinks
• Recessed lighting
• 2 double ovens
• 2 dishwashers
• Built in refrigerator / freezers with door panels to match cabinets

2.  Larger Bathrooms & Coffee/Breakfast Bars In The Master Bath – In the Southern California new home market, the demand for larger, more luxurious bathrooms have increased over the years. When it comes to modern bathroom designs, coffee or breakfast bars in the master bath are in demand. No longer do you have to visit a spa - you can have your own private space right in your bedroom! Picture a large bathroom with a big, comfortable tub and a full-length mirror with a coffee bar on one side and a mini refrigerator on the other. Luxury bathrooms also include larger cabinets, his and hers vanities and Jacuzzis.

3.  Larger Family Rooms – Your family room is a reflection of your family life. When done right, it can be inviting, classy, comfortable and sophisticated. The demand for larger family rooms has also increased over the last few years and now most Southern Californian homeowners are looking for something large and spacious. By blending natural elements with modern style, you can create your own multifunctional family room. The most functional family rooms are able to accommodate a big flat screen television. For entertaining, or just for ‘family night’ at home, media rooms and home theatres are also very popular.

4.  Master Sitting Rooms – No Southern California newly built home is complete without a Master sitting room. From sitting, reading, watching television and writing to talking, working and listening to music, your master sitting room should have all the latest amenities and furniture. The room should be designed so that you don’t have to leave your bedroom if you don’t want to! Contemporary sitting rooms should be large, spacious and comfortable. Master sitting room amenities include broadband Internet access, a large wide screen or flat screen TV with digital cable reception, surround sound and DVD player, and maybe some ambiance with a fireplace.

5.  Custom Painting – There’s more to decorating your home than just putting in nice window coverings. Custom painting can add variety to your home. Nicely painted walls can give your home an instant facelift. There are many different painting techniques, such as faux painting. If you really want to go upscale, then Venetian plaster is the latest and greatest home decorating material.

Custom painting infuses your home with your particular style. If you love the way English country homes look, then you can consider painting your home in delicate shades of blue and pristine whites. You can try out faux painting techniques like sponging on a green color so that your sunroom takes on an ecological-paradise look.

6.  Germ-free Surfaces – Not all new home trends focus on looks – now more than ever, homeowners are looking for new fabrics and materials which can also protect the health of their families. Protection from harmful microorganisms can be added to kitchen and bathroom surfaces with antiseptic supplies and treatments. And, because of their non-porous nature, countertops that are made of engineered stone products, like Epoxy and Quartz, are also in demand.

7.  Larger Backyard Investment – Your home’s backyard is as important – if not more so - as the interior. Decorating your backyard does not only mean putting in good lighting and some furniture. It’s all about fireplaces, waterfalls and barbecue areas, landscaping and functional decks complete with creative lighting.

8.  Smaller Yards, Bigger Houses – Homeowners are opting for smaller backyards, but putting more time and thought into decorating that space. The inside of the home is now the focus, and people are giving up a bit of backyard space in favor of having a bigger home.