Anne Hathaway’s California Living Room Is a Lesson in Earthy Textures – She Masters 'Swiss-Chalet' Intimacy
Designed by Pamela Shamshiri, the Ojai-based home uses raw wood, layered neutrals, and tactile fabrics in the most beautiful way
Even while August’s heatwaves are still in full swing, interior design lovers are already looking ahead to cozier months, as rustic, cocooning rooms take center stage for late 2026 – and for good reason. This upcoming decor trend strikes the perfect balance between Alpine charm and homespun comfort, offering the serene feel of a countryside retreat without leaving the city.
Actress Anne Hathaway and her husband, jewelry designer Adam Shulman, were eager to embrace this comforting philosophy for their chalet home's rustic living room.
While summer days currently call for streamlined, airy spaces, the approaching shift toward cooler weather inspires a desire for warm, cosseting, and inviting rooms. A quick look at social media highlights just how popular this 'warm and welcoming' look is shaping up to be as we manifest fall and winter 2026.
Designed by Pamela Shamshiri of Studio Shamshiri, Hathaway's 1906 country house draws inspiration from architect Myron Hunt’s romantic, whimsical vision of a Swiss chalet nestled in Southern California. Crafting a cozy living room inspired by her home is all about creating a functional, welcoming space to gather once chilly evenings return.
Shop the Anne Hathaway-Inspired Edit
Specifically designed for IKEA’s Söderhamn sofa, this skirted cover is anything but conventional. It turns a classic minimalist sofa into something vibrant, designer, and beautiful enough to sit in Anne's home.
Inspired by the sculptural chair in Anne's home, this piece is a work of art. I love how the curved silhouette and velvet upholstery make it feel almost like a functional sculpture rather than just another accent chair.
If you're trying to recreate the look of Anne's pink pillows, this set of two is one of the easiest ways to do it. The soft velvet instantly adds depth and softness to a cabin-style living room, especially against a pink sofa, just like hers.
I love how a vase can completely change the feel of a shelf or mantel (in Anne's case), and this one has that collected look I'm always drawn to. The warm brown glass and organic, hand-blown shape make it feel far more expensive than it is.
For a cabin look without a huge renovation, I always look to smaller wooden accessories. You can style this bowl on a coffee table ( best filled with decorative objects), but it's just as beautiful when brought to the dining table for serving fruit. Its versatility is part of its charm.
This elegant, sophisticated porcelain vase is fit for all seasons, but beautifully bridges the gap between summer and fall (we dare to mention it). It's just like the pair Anne has on the shelves in her living room, so you're taking inspo from one of the greats.
'To achieve the popular 'cabincore' aesthetic, embrace materials that evoke the textures found in the wilderness. Incorporate stone, reclaimed wood, linen and wool to add depth and rustic appeal,' explains Jessica Hanley, founder of Piglet in Bed.
However, you do not need an authentic timber cabin to cultivate a cozy hygge ambiance ahead of the cooler months. Thoughtfully chosen room colors can easily turn a once-cool space into a warm, inviting sanctuary. The secret lies in prepping with nature’s seasonal palette of rich, earthy tones.
Never underestimate the power of decorating with neutrals to bring warmth and understated elegance. As we prepare to transition away from breezy summer palettes, the key to mastering a neutral room is layering tactile textures and tonal shades.
'I love the calmness and coziness that you create when you have a neutral palette in a room,' says interior designer Tamsin Johnson. 'But this choice doesn’t have to mean boring: you can create an interesting and exciting space by layering different tones, such as off-whites and beige, then introducing a range of caramels and even accents of black and dark brown.'
Color is not the only way to prepare for when temperatures eventually drop outside. Incorporating varied textures in interior design adds essential depth and dimension to any snug room.
Best of all, you do not need to commit to an immediate, complete redesign while it is still hot out – a few well-chosen accessories are enough to slowly transform your living room into the ultimate hibernation spot once fall arrives.
'To achieve a warm, light-filled room, swap linens for heavier fabrics in rich, earthy tones. Also, don’t hold back when it comes to layering prints and patterns; it will help create a feeling of depth that only adds to that coziness,' advises Sue Jones, co-founder and creative director of Oka.
At its core, planning a season-ready space while stuck in the August heat is all about anticipation. When you eventually swap light summer linens for weighted fabrics and raw, earthy tones, you give the room an anchor – turning the eventual shift into colder months into a masterclass in effortless warmth.
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