Living in Southern California feels like such a blessing each and every sunny day, and those who are fortunate enough to call Southern California home certainly realize how special it is. Some of the latest trends come from this part of the USA, and home trends are no different. Whether you are shopping for a new home or just looking for creative remodeling ideas, be on the lookout for new features in home construction. After all, the purpose of the latest and greatest amenities is to increase your quality of living, as well as raise the resale value of your home.

Here are the top five amenities featured in Southern California new homes:

1. Gourmet Kitchens - No longer just a place to cook, the kitchen is the latest room in any Southern Californian home to undergo an extraordinary change. If you like to cook gourmet meals, then you know how different it is from just whipping out a frying pan and cooking some eggs. You need the proper surroundings. A gourmet kitchen requires more appliances, more utensils, more control, and above all more space. And if you don't cook much you can still look the part and have plenty of space for entertaining. In addition, a gourmet kitchen also goes a long way in increasing the market value of your home. Gourmet kitchens today include some very luxurious amenities like: double sinks & extra prep sinks, recessed lighting, 2 double ovens, 2 dishwashers, and built in refrigerator / freezers with door panels to match cabinets.

Gourmet kitchen décor also includes decorative backsplashes made of Italian tile; and tumbled marble, tile and granite flooring and countertops.

2. Master Sitting Rooms - No Southern California newly built home is complete without a Master sitting room. From sitting, reading, watching television and writing to talking, working and listening to music, your master sitting room should have all the latest amenities and furniture. The room should be designed so that you don't have to leave your bedroom if you don't want to! Contemporary sitting rooms should be large, spacious and comfortable. Master sitting room amenities include broadband Internet access, a large wide screen or flat screen TV with digital cable reception, surround sound and DVD player, and maybe some ambiance with a fireplace.

3. Larger Bathrooms & Coffee/Breakfast Bars In The Master Bath - In the Southern California new home market, the demand for larger, more luxurious bathrooms have increased over the years. When it comes to modern bathroom designs, coffee or breakfast bars in the master bath are in demand. No longer do you have to visit a spa - you can have your own private space right in your bedroom! Picture a large bathroom with a big, comfortable tub and a full-length mirror with a coffee bar on one side and a mini refrigerator on the other. Luxury bathrooms also include larger cabinets, his and hers vanities and Jacuzzis.

4. Larger Backyard Investment - Your home's backyard is as important - if not more so - as the interior. Decorating your backyard does not only mean putting in good lighting and some furniture. It's all about fireplaces, waterfalls and barbecue areas, landscaping and functional decks complete with creative lighting.

5. Custom Painting - There's more to decorating your home than just putting in nice window coverings. Custom painting can add variety to your home. Nicely painted walls can give your home an instant facelift. There are many different painting techniques, such as faux painting. If you really want to go upscale, then Venetian plaster is the latest and greatest home decorating material.

Custom painting infuses your home with your particular style. If you love the way English country homes look, then you can consider painting your home in delicate shades of blue and pristine whites. You can try out faux painting techniques like sponging on a green color so that your sunroom takes on an ecological-paradise look.

These five home features are just a few of the latest trends in new homes of Southern California. Be sure to look out for these and more when buying a new home, or looking for an upgrade to your current home.