Nicole and Michael Ruccolo are an inspirational duo who blend high-end design, smart home technology, and the art of creating spaces that simplify modern lifestyles. With backgrounds in real estate, design, and construction, the Ruccolos are redefining what luxury homes mean to today’s discerning buyers in Silicon Valley.
We sat down with Nicole to discuss their approach to developing properties that are as functional as they are stunning and their keen sense of what luxury home buyers truly value.
From Passion to Expertise
“We started out doing this for ourselves,” Nicole shares. “We were renovating and designing homes for our investment properties back in 2009. Over time, it turned from a passion project into a business.”
Nicole, now a seasoned Realtor and designer, and Michael, who has a keen eye for design, focus on creating homes tailored to modern living. Their projects, often large-scale renovations, integrate luxury finishes, maximize any property’s potential, and, most importantly, prioritize usability.
“Our sweet spot is designing homes with a 'wow' factor that works with busy lifestyles. We want them to be beautiful but effortless to live in,” Nicole explains.
The Role of Smart Homes in Simplifying Life
For the Ruccolos, a luxury home isn’t complete without incorporating smart home technology. “Living in Silicon Valley, it’s essential,” Nicole says. “People here expect technology that works seamlessly and simplifies their day-to-day lives.”
From app-controlled lighting to advanced climate management systems, the Ruccolos prioritize using tech that is easy to use for all family members. This includes designing systems that work across multigenerational households, which are increasingly common among their buyers.
“Our goal is to make sure that tech enhances the experience without being overwhelming—things like automated sprinklers, smart lighting, and home networks set up for work-from-home professionals and even gamers,” Nicole notes.
They also go the extra mile to ease transitions into tech-savvy homes. “We ensure buyers have access to vendors to help them learn the systems, making the process easy and stress-free.”
Designing for the Way We Live Today
Nicole and Michael’s success lies in their ability to anticipate luxury buyers' needs, often before they even realize they need them.
“We look at things like flow, natural light, and functionality. Is there a suite on the main level for multigenerational living? Do the living spaces feel cohesive yet flexible? Balance is important.”
They also focus on lifestyle-enhancers. For instance, media rooms, spa-like bathrooms, showroom-style garages for car enthusiasts, and functional home offices. “Post-COVID, working from home changed everything,” Nicole says. “Now most buyers need not one, but often two, home office spaces that feel professional yet comfortable.”
Their attention to detail extends into spaces like garages and basements. “We don’t want a basement to feel like you’re ‘going downstairs’; we want it to feel like part of the home,” Nicole explains. “It should be flexible—a media room, a play area, or whatever the homeowner needs.”
Understanding the Luxury Buyer
The Ruccolo team specializes in homes designed for seasoned homeowners. Their audience isn’t first-time buyers but rather those seeking homes to accommodate their lifestyles and families, often including parents or kids.
“People at this price point want convenience for everyone in their home, including older family members who may not be as tech-savvy,” Nicole observes. “We focus on making technology intuitive and easy to use. The idea is to create a haven where every family member feels supported and connected.”
Luxury buyers prioritize smart systems that offer control, security, and convenience—all tailored to their high mobility and social needs.
Key benefits of smart home tech for luxury homeowners:
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Remote Control & Monitoring: For those frequently away—whether for international work trips or family vacations like ski weeks—Brilliant control panels provide peace of mind. Features like remote access, video monitoring and app to room intercom allow owners to manage and control their homes effortlessly from afar.
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Enhanced Safety: The Smart Home Systems include innovative solutions, such as leak detection and interior temperature monitoring. These systems alert homeowners about issues like burst pipes, enabling quick action to prevent costly damage.
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Multi-User Convenience: Luxury homes often house not only the family but also nannies, aging parents, and staff. Brilliant’s integrated smart solution allows seamless management of various aspects of the home, making it safer and more efficient for everyone.
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Streamlined Experiences: To complement their active and social lifestyles—including frequent entertaining—Brilliant simplifies the management of multiple systems through one integrated control (or app) rather than multiple apps.
A Recent Project: A Modern Metamorphosis
One of the Ruccolos’ recent projects highlights their skill in blending old and new. The home, originally a traditional 1970s-style property, was completely transformed.
When they first saw the property the Ruccolo’s thought the renovation wouldn’t be a complete overhaul. But there was so much potential in the home and property, they ultimately decided to do more than planned.
“We raised ceilings, overhauled the walls, and redid everything from plumbing to electrical wiring. It wasn’t a new build, but it might as well have been,” Nicole shares. “The result is a home that feels entirely modern, future foward and the ultimate in entertaining”
The Ruccolo Vision
Nicole and Michael Ruccolo are more than a successful husband and wife team—they’re visionaries of what luxury living can be. Their ability to merge stunning design, cutting-edge technology, and effortless functionality sets them apart.
Whether you’re a luxury home buyer, a real estate investor, or simply someone who loves great design, the Ruccolo’s homes are proof that innovation and beauty can coexist in every square foot.
Check out Nicole and Michael’s projects at http://nicoleruccolo.com