Luxury home building and design is evolving. At the halfway point of 2025, we took a moment with new construction experts F. Ron Smith and David Berg to discuss the trends (and what’s on its way out) in home building across Los Angeles — from materials and finishes to tech upgrades and wellness-driven features. Let’s see what they have to say.
13209 Dobbins Place, Brentwood
What’s one design or architectural trend you're seeing take off in new construction homes right now?
David Berg: Indoor-outdoor living is huge. Think expansive glass walls, retractable doors, and covered patios that create seamless transitions between inside and out. Organic modernism is also taking off — clean lines mixed with natural materials like wood, stone, and clay. Our recent sale at Dobbins Place in Brentwood is a great example. We’re seeing more flexible layouts with spaces designed to evolve over time, like hybrid offices that double as guest rooms or aging-in-place features. And luxury wet rooms are quickly replacing traditional tubs and showers.
F. Ron Smith: Envision this: natural materials, large windows, indoor gardens, skylights, organic textures, and living walls that mimic the outdoors. That’s the direction we’re heading.
Left: 13164 Boca de Canon Lane, Brentwood, Right: 11916 Saltair Terrace, Brentwood
Which materials or finishes are becoming more popular, or disappearing altogether, in 2025 builds?
David Berg: Warm wood tones like oak and walnut are everywhere, especially in cabinetry and millwork — we've seen this in a lot of this in homes we represent, such as our current listing at Boca De Canon Lane and recent sale at Saltair Terrace. Fixtures in brushed silver and matte black are trending, and natural stone slabs like travertine and soapstone are being used more in kitchens and baths. On the way out? Copper and rose gold finishes, plus glossy white surfaces. It’s all about honed, matte, and textured now.
F. Ron Smith: Here’s what I love seeing more of these days: natural oak and wire-brushed walnut, reclaimed beams and paneling, and metal accents in brushed brass, matte black, and champagne. I’m also seeing more water elements and, in moderation, bold wallpaper or vertical living walls that add a fresh, organic layer to the home. On the flip side, we’re moving away from pure white walls, the overly mass-market farmhouse aesthetic (you know, all that shiplap and those barn doors), and lacquered cabinets.
Left: 13209 Dobbins Place, Brentwood, Right: 13164 Boca de Canon Lane, Brentwood
Are there any tech integrations or energy-efficient upgrades that are now must-haves in the high-end market?
David Berg: Smart home ecosystems that let you control lighting, HVAC, blinds, and security from your phone are expected by buyers at this point. Solar and battery systems are becoming a must. We’re also seeing more demand for whole-home water and air purification — and radiant floor heating in bathrooms is a small luxury that buyers absolutely love.
F. Ron Smith: Touchless and app-controlled everything. Faucets, toilets, garage doors, wine cellars — all can be operated via motion, voice, or app. That’s becoming the norm in wellness-focused, hygiene-conscious homes.
What are buyers asking for most often in new construction homes today — and how does that compare to a year or two ago?
David Berg: Buyers today want walk-in pantries, multifunctional kitchens (including separate butler’s pantries), covered outdoor lounges, mudrooms, and laundry hubs, and wellness spaces like saunas, cold plunges, and massage rooms. Compared to a year or two ago, there’s a noticeable shift away from stark modernism toward softer, more layered luxury. People want homes that feel warm, livable, and timeless — with sustainable finishes and a deeper focus on wellness.
F. Ron Smith: Seamless transitions are big — large glass doors and continuous flooring between indoors and out. Buyers also want homes that are 100% turnkey. No punch-list items, no waiting to settle in. True wellness centers are also trending: cold plunge, hot spa, sauna, space to stretch, lift, ride. It’s a lifestyle investment.
If you were building a new home right now, what’s one feature you wouldn’t skip?
David Berg: A retractable glass wall or pocket door system that opens fully to the outdoor space — the quintessential California Modern feature.
F. Ron Smith: Water elements and saunas for tranquility and energy.
For Sale: 13164 Boca de Canon Lane, Brentwood
