Warm Modern Marvels: Inside Today's Most Coveted Luxury Homes

For decades, modernism has been associated with stark white walls, rigid geometry, and cold materials like metal—a vision of living that can feel austere. But today’s luxury homeshoppers are embracing the softer side of modernism. “Warm modernism,” as the style has become known, balances clean lines with liveability: open floor plans, natural materials and a seamless flow between indoor and outdoor spaces. 

For years, warm modernism has been steadily gaining traction in the luxury home space, appealing to those with sophisticated tastes who seek the clean aesthetics of contemporary design without sacrificing comfort, texture, or warmth. According to a recent survey of Coldwell Banker Global Luxury® Property Specialists featured in The Trend Report 2025, that trend shows no signs of slowing.

Nearly 54% of respondents identified warm modernism as the most sought-after design style among their affluent clients. Stephanie Hobbs, design principal at the renowned architecture firm Marmol Radziner, echoes this sentiment, predicting that warm modernism— which "draws from the Case Study tradition"—will continue its reign in 2025.

Photo by Getty Images/Unsplash+

“Warm modernism features a strong emphasis on indoor/outdoor connections, open floor plans, sleek lines, and strong geometric shapes, softened with a natural material palette of warm woods, plaster, and organic elements,” she explains. Alabama-based architect Jeffrey Dungan also confirms that "modern, minimal, and warm" is a winning combination in home design. 

Warm Modernism: A Closer Look

So, what exactly is warm modernism, and why is everyone obsessed with it? Let's break down the key elements that make this style so desirable. 

Design Features: 

Open Floor Plans: These create a sense of fluidity and spaciousness, linking living, dining, and kitchen areas.

Seamless Indoor-Outdoor Transitions: Expansive windows, sliding doors, courtyards, and patios blur the boundaries between interior and exterior.

Abundant Natural Light: Large windows and skylights fill interiors with light.

Materials and Textures:

Natural Materials: Wood, stone, leather, and wool provide warmth and texture.

Warm Wood Tones: These add richness to flooring, cabinetry, and furniture.

Textured Walls: Plaster, concrete, or textured wallpaper create visual depth.

Organic Elements: Plants and natural fibers soften the design.

Neutral Palettes with Color Accents: These form a sophisticated backdrop for vibrant artwork or textiles.

Other Elements:

Minimalist Approach: This ensures a clutter-free environment.

High-Quality Craftsmanship: This is evident in the attention to detail and finishes.

Functionality: Spaces are designed to be both beautiful and livable.

Photo by Steffan Lemmerzahl/ Unsplash

Why Warm Modernism is Taking Over Luxury Home Design

Warm modernism is universally appealing among affluent homebuyers whether they live in Utah, New York or Paris, Luxury Property Specialists tell us. “Buyers want clean and simple design, but they don’t want their homes to feel too stark or cold,” one Luxury Property Specialist said.  As Lynn Griese, a Luxury Property Specialist in Midvale, Utah, observed, "Luxury buyers want properties that exude a sense of modern elegance with integrated indoor and outdoor spaces.” This emphasis on natural materials and a connection to nature is key to the style's appeal. The result is a space that feels both luxurious and livable, offering a tranquil retreat from the outside world while still embracing a contemporary aesthetic. 

Peggy Dowcett, a Luxury Property Specialist in Concord, Mass., has similarly watched the trend unfold in her market as more developers integrate natural wood into previously minimalist spaces, like the all-white kitchen. Whether it’s hardwood floors, accents of wood in cased openings or coffered ceilings, the end result is that it makes the interiors feel “warm and inviting.” 

5 Warm Modernist Homes You Can Buy Right Now

Curious to see real-world expressions of warm modernism? We've curated five exceptional properties from the Coldwell Banker Global Luxury® portfolio that showcase the diverse range of this enduring style. From tropical modernism to mountain modern, these residences exemplify the very best of warm modern design. Even better? They're currently on the market, waiting for a discerning buyer to make them their own.

1. Brentwood, California: A Contemporary Oasis with Organic Details

This newly constructed estate in Brentwood's most coveted enclave seamlessly blends contemporary sophistication with organic warmth. Designed by the award-winning Gispan Design, the 11,270-square-foot residence brings together all of the best elements of warm modernism: Italian-imported finishes, soft woods and natural stones, and a sprawling open floor plan that's perfect for grand entertaining “while remaining deeply personal and inviting,” says listing agent Peter Gabayan. The chef's kitchen offers a “wow” moment while delivering the ultimate in practicality with two distinct culinary spaces. The expansive primary suite offers a spa-inspired bath and a custom-designed dressing room that elevates everyday luxury. A private guest house, saltwater pool, lush lawn, and multiple outdoor entertaining areas complete this exceptional offering.

115 S Rockingham Ave | Los Angeles, CA 90049 | $34,950,000

Listed by Peter Gabayan, Coldwell Banker Realty, Beverly Hills 

2. Bal Harbour, Florida: A Tropical Modern Masterpiece on the Waterfront

Under construction and slated to be delivered in 2025, this modern waterfront retreat designed by a team of starchitects, including Farid Chacn of NMD NOMADAS, artfully merges warm modernism with tropical design in Miami’s Bal Harbour.  The one-of-a-kind 10,034 square-foot contemporary makes the most of its 100 feet of water frontage with seven bedrooms, a rooftop terrace with an outdoor kitchen, a private dock, and luxurious amenities such as a spa, gym, and home theater. Floor-to-ceiling windows throughout showcase breathtaking views. As listing agent Jonathan Mann describes, “indoor spaces blend with outdoor spaces, creating a tropical retreat that emphasizes nature in every corner.”

 56 Bal Bay Dr | Bal Harbour, FL 33154 | $45,000,000

Listed by Jonathan Mann, Coldwell Banker Realty in Miami 

3. Barcelona, Spain: A Modern Gem in a Historic Landmark

Paseo de Gracia, one of Spain's most recognized avenues, is renowned for its collection of iconic modernist buildings in Barcelona. One such architectural gem, once the main floor residence of a distinguished family in the early 20th century, has been reimagined with a warm modernist eye. LUV Studio masterfully transformed the expansive space, showcasing how warm modernism can seamlessly integrate with a historic structure. “The high ceilings of this flat were initially free of decoration, offering us the privilege of recreating classical details in a more modern way, such as textures in wood in the four metres high living room to recall the classical coffered or beamed ceiling,” said the firm. The calm of the decoration is expressed through subdued neutral tones throughout and natural materials, from the black wood and marble of the kitchen to the laquered wood floors. Luxurious amenities abound, including five en suite bedrooms and a stunning living area with views of the iconic avenue.

Barcelona | La Dreta de l'Eixample, CT Spain | $11,414,300 USD 

Listed by Coldwell Banker Espana Office 

4. Malibu, California: A Serene Nature Sanctuary with Brazilian Modern Influences

First unveiled in September 2024 on our site, Deerhead Ranch by Jacobsen Arquitetura continues to garner acclaim for its masterful blend of modern architecture and the natural beauty of Malibu Park. Brazilian architect Paulo Jacobsen, renowned for his modernist concepts of tropical architecture, believes that design should be "in complete harmony with the surroundings in a timeless manner," allowing "architecture [to] disappear in the landscape." This philosophy is exquisitely realized in his latest residential creation, nestled on 2.3 acres amidst the verdant landscape of Malibu Park. The roughly 11,343-square-foot manse exemplifies how architecture and nature can coexist in perfect harmony, boasting ocean views, a natural pond, a 100-foot-long pool, and a cantilevered deck overlooking the lush grounds. The interior is also an homage to the softer side of modernism with earthy stone, warm woods, and expansive living spaces that seamlessly connect to the outdoors.

5878 Deerhead Rd | Malibu, CA 90265 | $45,000,000

Listed by Elizabeth Donovan, Coldwell Banker Realty

5. Aspen, Colorado: A Mountain Modern Retreat with Panoramic Views

The Colorado Rockies have long provided an ideal backdrop for “mountain modernism,” which often incorporates use of glass, indoor/outdoor connection and a fusion of warm organic materials such as local stone, metal and wood. This visionary Aspen retreat by Turkel Design captures the style in near-perfect form. Set on the Roaring Fork River east of downtown, the nearly 3-acre property includes a new home built in 2022, complete with an open layout  and floor-to-ceiling glass panels opening east to west, revealing views of the Continental Divide and the river. The open kitchen, great room and dining room create a true “sunrise-to-sunset experience,” according to listing agent Carrie Wells, while the four bedrooms, including a southeast-facing primary suite overlooking the peaks of Independence Pass, and a loft, create a comfortable-yet-flexible living options for all. There’s even entitlements to build a second 6,500 square-foot home if the next owner wanted to maximize the full potential of this property.

9 & 17 Ullr Way | Aspen, CO 81611 | $41,000,000

Listed by Carrie Wells, Coldwell Banker Mason Morse 

Clearly, warm modernism is more than a fleeting trend—it's here to stay. For further exploration of how this design movement and other style trends are shaping luxury living, turn to our 'Homes that Nurture the Soul' story, beginning on page 34 of The Trend Report 2025.