The Look of Now: Architectural Trends Across San Francisco

652-4th Ave, San Francsico, CA | List Price $3,995,000 | Vanguard Properties

One of my favorite local sources for what’s happening in the market is LuxeSF. The membership is mostly made up of real estate professionals, but our focus extends well beyond the business of selling homes. We talk about why people choose to live here, what keeps them connected to the Bay Area, and how other industries such as design, lending, and hospitality shape the way we live.

Recently, architect Elizabeth Blankenship of Blankenship Architecture shared her perspective on current residential design, and it aligns with what I’m seeing across San Francisco’s most thoughtfully executed homes.

Finishes are shifting. The long run of satin nickel and brushed chrome is finally winding down. Gold, black, and gunmetal are stepping in. In the kitchen, stainless steel is giving way to integrated panels and softer tones. The effect feels deliberate, not decorative.

Modern doesn’t mean cold. Minimalism is maturing. Texture and warmth are back: natural stone with movement, plaster walls, white oak cabinetry, and layered lighting that feels designed for people, not photos.

Sustainability without the label. “Green” isn’t a selling point anymore, it’s an expectation. Solar-ready systems, thermally efficient materials, and smart-home technology are now baseline for well-designed properties.

Respecting the architecture. Many of the best remodels are striking a balance between preservation and performance. Original facades meet open, livable interiors. The craftsmanship remains, but the flow and light have caught up to the present.

Trends evolve, but some elements, like my vintage Omega or an Hermès scarf, never lose relevance because they’re rooted in craftsmanship and restraint. The same applies to architecture.

If you’re planning updates or exploring a purchase, we can look at what’s trending and what’s lasting. Understanding the difference is what creates long-term value.