07/02/2025
Interior and Design
Published in Unique Estates Life Summer 2025
In a world where even luxury products increasingly start to look the same – from sports sedans and five-star hotels to designer handbags – more and more people are seeking the “authenticity of place.” This is the sense of uniqueness and vitality that makes an environment truly meaningful. In 2025, we are witnessing a resurgence of interest in properties with soul – homes that tell a story, provide comfort, and connect with the past.
According to research in psychology and cultural geography, emotional attachment to a place creates a sense of its authenticity. In the context of real estate, this manifests in buyers’ preferences for homes with preserved architectural details, natural materials, and an unpretentious atmosphere.
For decades, sleek contemporary homes with open floor plans and clean lines dominated new construction. Today, however, discerning buyers are increasingly drawn to traditional styles, richly textured interiors, and organic materials. From iconic houses to Victorian villas, properties with style and history are once again in demand.
“Modern style is so pervasive in Los Angeles that we are now seeing a reaction against it,” says Aaron Karman, CEO of Christie’s International Real Estate Southern California. “People are returning to traditional and transitional architecture – it offers more opportunities for individuality and coziness.”
Karman notes that Southern California’s unique topography still requires modern elements, particularly in homes with panoramic views. Yet even there, a warmer, more natural style is preferred, with a shift toward cozy interiors.
In certain regions, architecture aims to reflect the surroundings and the cultural spirit of the place. In Aspen and other mountain resorts in the U.S., for example, there is a growing interest in rustic-style homes – from exposed wooden beams to stone details – that blend harmoniously with the alpine landscape. Inside, however, contemporary luxury remains – modern kitchens, high ceilings, and top-level comfort.
“After the pandemic, homeowners started incorporating the spirit of the place into design,” says Stacey Kelly from Christie’s International Real Estate Aspen | Snowmass. “People realized that the style of Miami or Los Angeles does not reflect the mountains and nature around them.”
In the Southeastern U.S. – for instance, in the Lowcountry region of South Carolina – more buyers are turning away from modern farmhouse aesthetics and embracing 19th-century neoclassical architecture: with columns, verandas, symmetry, and warmth.
In the U.K., popular TV productions like Bridgerton and Downton Abbey have revived interest in Regency and Victorian architecture. “Buyers are seeking not just a home, but an experience that embodies the quintessentially English lifestyle,” explains Shirin Akhtar from Carter Jonas, exclusive partner of Christie’s International Real Estate in the U.K. Older homes often feature elements that are nearly impossible to replicate today – from original fireplaces to handcrafted cornices and exquisite woodwork.
Homes by the legendary architect Frank Lloyd Wright, which once struggled to find buyers, now sell within weeks. Iconic properties such as the Bogk House in Milwaukee and the Winslow House in Illinois are being purchased by collectors and connoisseurs drawn to the history, design, and original furnishings.
“We live in a cultural moment where more people value the experience and depth of spaces, not just luxury as display,” notes Victoria Kraus Schutte, a broker at Christie’s in Illinois. “Social media platforms like Instagram have played a role – they have amplified interest in Wright’s organic architecture among a new generation of enthusiasts.”
Modern luxury property buyers are slowly but steadily moving away from modernist minimalism and embracing architecture inspired by tradition, natural materials, and a connection to place. Today, a home is not just an investment – it is an expression of personal style, values, and a sense of belonging. Authenticity is no longer a luxury – it is a sought-after necessity. Discover it in the extensive international collection of Christie’s International Real Estate properties.
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