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Top 7 Trending Home Styles in California

Top 7 Trending Home Styles in California

Published on 9 Feb, 2026

California’s housing landscape is as diverse as its geography. From coastal towns and wine country to bustling urban centers and quiet suburbs, location and architectural preferences reflect lifestyle, climate, and evolving buyer priorities.

Today’s popular home styles in California balance aesthetics with functionality, sustainability, and long-term livability.

Understanding architectural trends helps you ask smarter questions before buying, whether you’re browsing Northern California homes for sale or exploring homes in Southern California.

Today, we break down the top seven trending home styles in California, explain why they matter, and help you choose a home that fits your lifestyle.

#1 Modern and Contemporary Homes

Modern and contemporary designs remain among the most popular house styles for California buyers seeking clean lines and adaptable interiors. These homes emphasize simplicity, light, and efficiency. Key characteristics include:

  • Open-concept layouts with minimal walls.
  • Large windows for natural light and indoor-outdoor flow.
  • Neutral palettes with high-contrast accents.
Ask builders about window glazing and insulation standards. Large windows are beautiful, but energy performance matters. Modern house styles are ideal for buyers who value flexibility, home offices, and future-forward design.

#2 Craftsman and Bungalow Styles

Craftsman and bungalow homes continue to rank among popular home styles thanks to their timeless charm and livable layouts. These homes resonate strongly in established California neighborhoods. Here are the characteristics that define this style:

  • Low-pitched roofs and wide front porches.
  • Exposed beams, woodwork, and built-in cabinetry.
  • Cozy, efficient floor plans.
While rooted in tradition, many new builds now blend Craftsman aesthetics with modern energy systems and smart-home features.

#3 Mediterranean and Spanish Revival Homes

Mediterranean and Spanish Revival homes embody classic California living. Inspired by coastal Spain and Italy, these designs remain some of the most popular house styles in warmer regions.

Signature elements include:

  • Stucco exteriors and clay tile roofs.
  • Arched doorways and wrought-iron details.
  • Courtyards and shaded outdoor spaces.
  • Naturally cool interiors in hot climates.
  • Strong indoor-outdoor living appeal.
  • Excellent resale value in California markets.

#4 Ranch and Mid-Century Modern Homes

Ranch and mid-century modern homes are enjoying a strong revival, particularly among buyers prioritizing accessibility and simplicity.

Common features include:
  • Single-story layouts
  • Clean horizontal lines
  • Large sliding doors and open living spaces
These modern house styles work well for multigenerational households and buyers planning to age in place. As a buyer, you must ask about slab insulation and roofing upgrades and check zoning allowances for future expansions.

#5 Farmhouse and Cottage Styles

Farmhouse and cottage homes blend comfort, nostalgia, and modern functionality, making them increasingly popular home styles across suburban and semi-rural California.

Defining traits include:
  • Gabled roofs and welcoming porches.
  • Natural wood accents and neutral tones.
  • Functional, family-friendly layouts.
It is best for buyers who want warm and inviting interiors, flexible spaces for family life, and a balance between rustic charm and modern convenience.

#6 Luxury and High-End Custom Homes

Luxury homes represent the cutting edge of architectural innovation. These are often the most popular house styles for buyers seeking exclusivity, customization, and advanced technology.

Luxury design trends include:

  • Smart-home automation
  • Wellness-focused layouts like air filtration and circadian lighting.
  • Premium materials and bespoke finishes.
However, you must ask these questions before buying:
  • What smart systems are integrated vs. optional?
  • How are maintenance and warranties handled?

#7 Eco-Friendly and Sustainable Home Designs

Sustainable design has moved from niche to mainstream, making eco-conscious builds some of the most popular house styles statewide.

Eco-forward features include:
  • Solar-ready roofs and battery storage.
  • Energy-efficient HVAC systems.
  • Low-VOC materials and water-saving fixtures.
Before buying, you must request HERS scores and utility cost projections and ask whether solar ownership or leasing applies. Sustainable homes often qualify for local incentives and long-term energy savings.

How To Choose the Right Style for Your Lifestyle?

Choosing among California’s popular home styles requires more than visual appeal. Buyers should align design with daily needs, future plans, and long-term costs.

Before committing, ask:
  • Does the layout support work-from-home needs?
  • How energy-efficient is the home over time?
  • Will the style age well for resale?
Quick comparison table
Lifestyle Priority Best-Fit Home Style
Remote work Modern/Contemporary
Growing family Farmhouse/Craftsman
Aging in place Ranch/Mid-century
Sustainability Eco-friendly designs
Entertaining Mediterranean/Luxury


Final Thoughts

California’s housing trends reflect how people truly live today. From modern house styles to timeless Craftsman designs, today’s most popular house styles offer something for every lifestyle and region.

As you explore popular home styles, focus on long-term livability, energy performance, and adaptability. The right home supports how you live now and how you’ll live next.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What questions should I ask before buying a new construction home?
Ask about warranties, energy efficiency ratings, future maintenance costs, and builder reputation.

Q2: Are modern homes more expensive to maintain?
Not necessarily. Many modern homes use energy-efficient systems that reduce long-term costs.

Q3: Are modern homes more expensive to maintain?
Not necessarily. Many modern homes use energy-efficient systems that reduce long-term costs.

Q4: Which home style holds value best in California?
Mediterranean, Craftsman, and modern designs consistently perform well across regions.

Q5: Is customization worth it in new builds?
Customization adds upfront cost but can significantly improve livability and resale appeal.

About the Author

Professional headshot of real estate agent in black blazer and red blouse

Natasha Zabaneh

President, Homebuilding

View Bio|

Miss Zabaneh brings over 10 years of infill residential and mixed-use development experience to the City Ventures team. She joined City Ventures in 2009 and is involved in management of all aspects of the sales and marketing process, from neighborhood launches to closeouts. Miss Zabaneh is responsible for the ongoing sales and marketing efforts of an average of 20 active neighborhoods at any given time. She’s also involved with strategic planning, budgeting, forecasting and neighborhood development of new infill communities throughout the state of California. Miss Zabaneh has worked on developments in over 35 cities in 10 different counties across California.

Prior to her work at City Ventures, Miss Zabaneh worked for a smaller, private builder handling the management of all aspects of the escrow process, financing, marketing and selling of new home developments. She also coordinated community development for projects spanning the entire state of California.

Miss Zabaneh graduated from the George L. Argyros School of Business and Economics at Chapman University with an M.B.A in Business Administration, Marketing and the Mihaylo College of Business and Economics at California State University, Fullerton with a B.A in Business Administration, Finance.

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