If you care about thoughtful design, few places make it easier to live your style than Costa Mesa. Here, you can browse top showrooms, catch a world‑class exhibition, and find a home that fits your aesthetic without paying Newport or Laguna premiums. In this guide, you’ll see why the city’s design ecosystem matters, what home types pair well with it, and how to plan a scouting day that mixes inspiration with practical next steps. Let’s dive in.
Why Costa Mesa clicks for design lovers
Costa Mesa puts design within easy reach. The heart is SOCO & The OC Mix, a concentrated district of furniture, lighting, tile, appliance, and outdoor living showrooms that lets you source finishes and fixtures in one stop. You can preview the tenant mix on the SOCO directory.
Culture amplifies the look-and-feel of daily life. The Segerstrom Center for the Arts and the Orange County Museum of Art add year‑round programming, architecture, and public sculpture that shape local taste and spark ideas at home. Explore the institutions via the Segerstrom Center overview and OCMA’s background.
Creative pockets round out the picture. The LAB and The CAMP anchor the SoBeCa area with indie retail, wellness, and rotating concepts that encourage discovery and a hands‑on approach to style. Get a sense of that scene from this local round‑up of places to shop in Costa Mesa.
Where style starts: SOCO and beyond
One‑stop showrooms at SOCO
SOCO’s lineup includes national and international names in furniture, lighting, tile, appliances, and outdoor furnishings. Brands like Design Within Reach, Room & Board, Roche Bobois, PIRCH, Rejuvenation, Fireclay Tile, Ann Sacks, Stark, and Brown Jordan make it efficient to compare options side by side.
Events that turn browsing into plans
Regular activations convert inspiration into action. From farmers markets to design talks, DIY workshops, and pop‑ups, SOCO programs experiences that help you test materials, talk to experts, and move projects forward. See upcoming highlights on the SOCO events page.
Trade access made easier
Alongside public flagships, you’ll find multi‑line and specialist suppliers that support higher‑spec renovations. For example, DRC Costa Mesa serves the trade and may offer appointment access, which can shorten sourcing cycles when you are planning custom millwork, tile packages, or lighting schedules.
Home types that fit your taste
Mid‑century and bungalow residences
Across Eastside and pockets like Mesa Woods, you’ll see mid‑century and bungalow homes that are often renewed with contemporary kitchens, larger openings, and indoor‑outdoor extensions. These floor plans welcome natural light and pair well with clean cabinetry, sculptural lighting, and warm, natural materials.
Single‑level ranch homes
Many Eastside blocks feature single‑story ranches and updated ranch conversions. Buyers appreciate the single‑level living, private yards, and the ability to open living areas to patios and gardens.
Condos and townhomes near the action
South Coast Metro and areas near major corridors offer newer condos and townhomes, sometimes with loft‑influenced layouts. These homes put you close to SOCO and the luxury retail district at South Coast Plaza.
Coastal‑adjacent luxury
On the east and south edges of the city, you’ll find higher‑end renovations that mirror nearby coastal aesthetics. This location lets you capture contemporary coastal design while keeping a more accessible price point than the closest shoreline enclaves.
Features design buyers prioritize
- Open floor plans that connect living, dining, and kitchen zones.
- Large pocketing or bi‑fold doors for indoor‑outdoor flow.
- Custom millwork, built‑ins, and disciplined storage solutions.
- Statement tile and lighting that function like art.
- Spa‑style baths with elevated natural materials.
You can see and test many of these products locally, which speeds up selections and reduces back‑and‑forth during renovations.
Neighborhood pointers for a scouting day
SoBeCa: The LAB and The CAMP
Plan a walkable circuit through these creative villages for indie makers, rotating retailers, and food concepts. The experience encourages experimentation and helps you identify finishes and furnishings that feel authentic to your lifestyle.
Eastside and the 17th Street corridor
This area blends renovated mid‑century and ranch homes with a lively mix of local restaurants and shops. For a neighborhood overview, explore this Eastside Costa Mesa guide.
South Coast Metro and cultural core
Here you’ll find denser, higher‑end condo options near major showrooms and the arts district. It is a practical base for design‑first buyers who want short hops between galleries, retail, and home.
Budget context compared to the coast
Costa Mesa offers design access and coastal proximity at a lower entry point than its most exclusive neighbors. As of late 2025 and January 2026, mainstream data providers report a typical home value around 1.35 million for Costa Mesa and a median sale price near 1.597 million. By comparison, typical home values are roughly 3.47 million in Newport Beach and 2.83 million in Laguna Beach over the same period. Methodologies vary between a modeled home‑value index and closed‑sale medians, so use these as directional context and ask for an updated snapshot before you act.
Proximity is another advantage. Central Costa Mesa sits just inland from Newport Beach, roughly 2 to 5 miles from the shore depending on your starting point, which is a short drive in light traffic. For reference on distances, see this Costa Mesa to Newport Beach measurement.
A weekend plan to test‑drive the design life
- Morning: Walk SOCO’s showrooms with a short list of priorities. Bring photos of your current home or the properties you are targeting.
- Lunch: Refuel at The OC Mix and compare notes. If you have time, check out Chuck Jones Center programming for a creative break.
- Afternoon: Visit OCMA or the Segerstrom Center campus to reset your eye and gather art and lighting ideas.
- Day two: Explore SoBeCa’s LAB and CAMP for indie makers, then tour target neighborhoods to see how your design choices could live at home.
Renovation roadmap for design‑first buyers
- Arrive at showrooms prepared. Bring photos, rough dimensions, and a product list so staff can help you match tile, faucets, and lighting to your space.
- Confirm access requirements. Some multi‑line or trade‑only showrooms, like DRC, may require trade credentials or an appointment. Policies vary.
- Check permitting early. Use the City’s online resources to review permit requirements before planning exterior or structural work. Start with the City of Costa Mesa website.
- Expect scope variables. In older homes, items like lead‑based paint, asbestos, or electrical upgrades can affect budgets and timelines. Build in contingencies and consult trusted local contractors.
How Golding Realty supports your vision
Design matters when you buy or sell. At Golding Realty, you receive principal‑led, design‑aware representation with clear market guidance, curated property selection, and negotiation grounded in data. For sellers, our staging guidance and premium presentation elevate perceived quality. For buyers, we streamline the search, focus on neighborhoods that match your aesthetic and budget, and connect you with reputable local resources.
If you are comparing Costa Mesa to nearby coastal markets, we can provide an updated pricing brief and tour options that reflect your goals. When you are ready to take the next step, connect with Golding Realty Inc. to Schedule a Private Consultation.
FAQs
Are SOCO showrooms open to the public?
- Many are open to the public, while some multi‑line or trade showrooms require credentials or appointments; check each showroom’s policy before visiting.
How close is Costa Mesa to the beach?
- Central Costa Mesa is roughly 2 to 5 miles from Newport Beach, which is a short drive in light traffic, though travel times vary with conditions.
How does Costa Mesa’s style compare to Laguna or Newport?
- Laguna and Newport skew coastal‑luxury at higher price points, while Costa Mesa concentrates design retail, suppliers, and creative experiences that appeal to buyers who value sourcing and community.
What home styles will I likely find in Costa Mesa?
- You will commonly see mid‑century and bungalow homes, single‑story ranch residences, and newer condos or townhomes near South Coast Metro, plus higher‑end remodels on the city’s east and south edges.
Do I need permits for major updates in Costa Mesa?
- Yes, exterior, structural, and many interior projects require permits; review city resources early and speak with qualified contractors to scope requirements and timelines.
