Santa Monica’s ocean breezes, alluring lifestyle, and dynamic real estate market create a vibrant environment for innovation in design. In 2025, luxury home trends in this iconic coastal city are all about lifestyle-forward spaces, sophisticated materials, and seamless indoor-outdoor living.
Whether you’re reimagining your home or searching for inspiration for your next investment, you’ll find that the coming year is setting a new standard for beauty, comfort, and function. Read on to explore the design elements defining high-end homes in Santa Monica and learn how you can incorporate them into your space.
Warm Minimalism Is the New Modern
While minimalism remains a core influence in luxury architecture, this year’s take is warmer, softer, and more layered. Clean lines and uncluttered rooms still reign, but they’re balanced with earthy textures, organic shapes, and rich finishes.
Natural materials like clay plaster walls, wide-plank oak flooring, and limestone accent details are replacing the stark whites and greys of past years. Furniture pieces with curved silhouettes, tactile upholstery, and matte finishes give the minimalist aesthetic a more inviting presence. These touches make your space feel grounded, calm, and connected to the environment — a key desire for many Santa Monica homeowners.
If you're updating your interiors, look for tone-on-tone palettes, subtle contrast, and custom millwork to create harmony without sacrificing personality. In 2025, minimalism doesn’t mean sterile. It means intentional, warm, and livable.
Natural materials like clay plaster walls, wide-plank oak flooring, and limestone accent details are replacing the stark whites and greys of past years. Furniture pieces with curved silhouettes, tactile upholstery, and matte finishes give the minimalist aesthetic a more inviting presence. These touches make your space feel grounded, calm, and connected to the environment — a key desire for many Santa Monica homeowners.
If you're updating your interiors, look for tone-on-tone palettes, subtle contrast, and custom millwork to create harmony without sacrificing personality. In 2025, minimalism doesn’t mean sterile. It means intentional, warm, and livable.
Bespoke Kitchens With Statement Appeal
Kitchens in Santa Monica are evolving from purely functional spaces into sculptural focal points. The luxury homeowner of 2025 is designing their kitchen with entertainment, creativity, and form in mind.
Expect to see a rise in bold, architectural islands — often monolithic in shape and crafted from striking stone with dramatic veining. Integrated appliances, hidden storage, and mix-and-match cabinetry materials elevate both function and style. Think brushed walnut base cabinets paired with hand-glazed ceramic uppers or matte lacquer fronts combined with reeded glass.
One standout trend is the use of unique range hoods as statement pieces. Instead of blending in, they become artistic centerpieces wrapped in plaster, metal, or stone. Open shelving with artful lighting is also replacing traditional upper cabinets, offering a more curated and personalized feel.
Expect to see a rise in bold, architectural islands — often monolithic in shape and crafted from striking stone with dramatic veining. Integrated appliances, hidden storage, and mix-and-match cabinetry materials elevate both function and style. Think brushed walnut base cabinets paired with hand-glazed ceramic uppers or matte lacquer fronts combined with reeded glass.
One standout trend is the use of unique range hoods as statement pieces. Instead of blending in, they become artistic centerpieces wrapped in plaster, metal, or stone. Open shelving with artful lighting is also replacing traditional upper cabinets, offering a more curated and personalized feel.
Seamless Indoor-Outdoor Living
The beautiful climate in Santa Monica makes indoor-outdoor living not just possible but essential. In 2025, this connection is more seamless than ever, both visually and structurally.
Frameless sliding glass walls, retractable doors, and continuous flooring from interior to exterior create the illusion of one expansive space. Outdoor living areas now mirror the same attention to design detail as interior rooms, often outfitted with custom furniture, lighting, and even artwork that can withstand the elements.
Pools, spas, and kitchens are still staples, but the new must-haves include shaded conversation decks, infrared saunas, fire features, and landscape designs that double as art installations. Vertical gardens and architectural planters provide privacy while maintaining the modern aesthetic that Santa Monica’s homes are known for.
For those reimagining their backyard or terrace, the goal is fluidity — letting the outdoors become an effortless extension of your lifestyle.
Frameless sliding glass walls, retractable doors, and continuous flooring from interior to exterior create the illusion of one expansive space. Outdoor living areas now mirror the same attention to design detail as interior rooms, often outfitted with custom furniture, lighting, and even artwork that can withstand the elements.
Pools, spas, and kitchens are still staples, but the new must-haves include shaded conversation decks, infrared saunas, fire features, and landscape designs that double as art installations. Vertical gardens and architectural planters provide privacy while maintaining the modern aesthetic that Santa Monica’s homes are known for.
For those reimagining their backyard or terrace, the goal is fluidity — letting the outdoors become an effortless extension of your lifestyle.
Spa-Inspired Primary Suites
Luxury homebuyers are placing more value on wellness and self-care, and in 2025, primary suites are being reimagined as personal retreats. In Santa Monica, this means spaces that feel like your own private spa, right at home.
Expect to see larger footprints dedicated to bedrooms with lounge zones, beverage stations, and even meditation nooks. Custom lighting — such as cove lighting, dimmable sconces, and sculptural pendants — creates mood and ambiance throughout the day. Soundproofing materials and automated blackout shades ensure rest and relaxation are prioritized.
Bathrooms are going beyond luxury finishes to offer full spa-inspired experiences. Steam showers with aromatherapy, soaking tubs positioned for ocean or garden views, and integrated technology for music, lighting, and temperature control all contribute to a high-end wellness environment. Natural stone, handcrafted tiles, and built-in bench seating give the space a sense of serenity and permanence.
Expect to see larger footprints dedicated to bedrooms with lounge zones, beverage stations, and even meditation nooks. Custom lighting — such as cove lighting, dimmable sconces, and sculptural pendants — creates mood and ambiance throughout the day. Soundproofing materials and automated blackout shades ensure rest and relaxation are prioritized.
Bathrooms are going beyond luxury finishes to offer full spa-inspired experiences. Steam showers with aromatherapy, soaking tubs positioned for ocean or garden views, and integrated technology for music, lighting, and temperature control all contribute to a high-end wellness environment. Natural stone, handcrafted tiles, and built-in bench seating give the space a sense of serenity and permanence.
Smart Design That Blends In
Technology continues to evolve, and in 2025, it’s being integrated into the home more elegantly than ever before. Rather than highlighting gadgets, designers are making them disappear into the architecture.
You’ll see lighting, temperature, and shading systems that respond to your habits and routines, controlled through subtle interfaces or even voice and motion. Invisible speakers, flush-mounted touch panels, and sensor-activated faucets are now considered standard in Santa Monica’s high-end homes.
In kitchens and bathrooms, smart faucets and appliance connectivity offer convenience without sacrificing aesthetics. In living spaces, acoustic paneling hidden in design elements enhances sound quality, while lighting systems adjust to mimic natural light cycles.
The beauty of today’s smart homes lies in their discretion. In 2025, the most luxurious tech is the one you barely notice; it simply works in the background, enhancing your lifestyle.
You’ll see lighting, temperature, and shading systems that respond to your habits and routines, controlled through subtle interfaces or even voice and motion. Invisible speakers, flush-mounted touch panels, and sensor-activated faucets are now considered standard in Santa Monica’s high-end homes.
In kitchens and bathrooms, smart faucets and appliance connectivity offer convenience without sacrificing aesthetics. In living spaces, acoustic paneling hidden in design elements enhances sound quality, while lighting systems adjust to mimic natural light cycles.
The beauty of today’s smart homes lies in their discretion. In 2025, the most luxurious tech is the one you barely notice; it simply works in the background, enhancing your lifestyle.
Bold, Artistic Statements
Luxury design in 2025 doesn’t shy away from personality. One of the most exciting trends is the increased use of bold art, custom installations, and expressive decor that tells a story. From oversized abstract paintings to sculptural lighting fixtures, Santa Monica homes are leaning into creative expression. Murals, wall treatments, and statement ceilings are reappearing, reflecting the individuality of the homeowner.
Furniture and lighting are increasingly being treated as art, with custom-made pieces commissioned by local talent or sourced from international galleries. You might find a marble dining table carved by hand or pendant lighting that looks like a floating sculpture.
Incorporating these elements doesn’t require a total renovation. Start with one artistic focal point per room — whether it’s a work of art, a showstopping piece of furniture, or a unique material application — and build your design around that.
Furniture and lighting are increasingly being treated as art, with custom-made pieces commissioned by local talent or sourced from international galleries. You might find a marble dining table carved by hand or pendant lighting that looks like a floating sculpture.
Incorporating these elements doesn’t require a total renovation. Start with one artistic focal point per room — whether it’s a work of art, a showstopping piece of furniture, or a unique material application — and build your design around that.
Luxe Textiles and Layered Comfort
While modern homes in Santa Monica often lean toward minimalism, 2025 is seeing a rise in layered softness, especially through textiles and upholstery. The goal is to create depth and comfort without overwhelming the space. Bouclé, velvet, linen, and mohair are being layered across sofas, chairs, drapery, and even wall panels. Floor-to-ceiling curtains, oversized throw pillows, and plush area rugs add dimension while softening acoustics and bright natural light.
In bedrooms and living spaces, look for rich upholstery paired with tailored silhouettes. Upholstered walls and headboards in unexpected tones — from deep rust to olive green to soft indigo — give rooms a sense of luxury and character. You don’t have to go overboard to make an impact. A few thoughtful layers can transform a room from simply stylish to genuinely inviting.
In bedrooms and living spaces, look for rich upholstery paired with tailored silhouettes. Upholstered walls and headboards in unexpected tones — from deep rust to olive green to soft indigo — give rooms a sense of luxury and character. You don’t have to go overboard to make an impact. A few thoughtful layers can transform a room from simply stylish to genuinely inviting.
The 2025 Aesthetic
What sets Santa Monica apart in the luxury design space is its effortless blend of elegance and ease. The trends of 2025 showcase this duality — homes are refined but relaxed and sophisticated yet approachable. Every space, detail, and material tells a story of thoughtful living.
Whether you’re reimagining your home or simply planning a refresh, leaning into these design principles can help you create a space that’s timeless, modern, and uniquely yours. When you’re ready to explore the Santa Monica real estate landscape and find the right home, connect with Team Sorrentino of Rodeo Realty.
Whether you’re reimagining your home or simply planning a refresh, leaning into these design principles can help you create a space that’s timeless, modern, and uniquely yours. When you’re ready to explore the Santa Monica real estate landscape and find the right home, connect with Team Sorrentino of Rodeo Realty.
