Jennifer Aniston’s garden bathroom is a Japanese minimalist masterpiece – experts predict it as a top 2026 design trend

Jennifer Aniston’s famed tranquil bathroom is not merely a beautiful space – it is an architectural blueprint for the 2026 wellness design trend, spearheading a movement that merges pure luxury with the profound Japanese philosophy of Shinrin-Yoku, or ‘forest bathing.’

This outdoor bathroom idea, as shared on the actress's Instagram, transforms the act of bathing into a sensory, therapeutic ritual, leveraging the proven health benefits – from lowering stress hormones to boosting the parasympathetic nervous system – by creating a space where one’s senses can actively ‘take in the forest atmosphere.’ It is certainly something to consider when designing a bathroom with a garden view.

The entire design is built upon blurring the lines between the interior and the exterior, achieving a seamless integration that is known in Japanese aesthetics as Shakkei, or ‘Borrowed Scenery.’

The most dramatic technique is the use of retractable, sliding glass doors that allow the entire marble-clad bathroom to open directly onto the surrounding greenery, effectively making the garden an emotional extension of the room. This architectural sleight-of-hand ensures that the bather is immersed in the natural environment without ever sacrificing the comfort or privacy of their home.

This celebration of nature is carried through the choice of every single material, adhering to Wabi-Sabi, a philosophy that finds beauty in imperfection, authenticity, and the elegance of age. The room rejects cold perfection, favoring natural, tactile textures. This is immediately evident in the massive, polished marble tub and surrounding floors. While a timeless material, the choice of marble with intense veining honors the raw beauty of the stone's random, unique marks.

Victoria Holly, Principal and Founder of Victoria Holly Interiors, notes that designers are seeking stones with character: ‘We’re seeing a growing interest in marbles with intricate veining and dynamic patterns such as Calacatta Viola or Calacatta Poanazzo. These romantic stones infuse a sense of drama and artistry into spaces, elevating the overall aesthetic.’ The use of large-format natural stone tiles and textured plaster walls (like Tadelakt) further enhances this tactile, hand-crafted feel, while reducing grout lines for a clean, minimalist bathroom flow.

The material palette reinforces this philosophy of authenticity. Wood elements, such as teak or bamboo accents, are chosen for their natural moisture resistance and their ability to develop a beautiful patina over time, echoing the Wabi-Sabi acceptance of the natural cycle of aging. Fixtures are similarly chosen for their honest character: high-shine chrome is often replaced by brushed copper, oil-rubbed bronze, or aged brass, metals that absorb light and convey a sense of history and quiet luxury.

Finally, the surrounding garden is a study in Zen minimalism and tranquility. It avoids the chaos of bright, busy color, focusing instead on foliage over flowers – a deliberate celebration of green in all its varying shades. Enduring elements like mossy stones, raked gravel, and architectural planting (such as acers) are used to anchor the space in raw, natural purity.

This commitment to non-striving, distilled serenity in the exterior guarantees that the interior remains a truly restorative sanctuary, making this sophisticated blend of high-end design and profound wellness an enduring standard for luxury bathrooms in 2026 and beyond.

Shop essential Japanese garden features

If you’re looking to bring the serenity and balance of a Japanese garden into your home, these carefully hand-picked items make it easy to create a space that feels both zen and harmonious.

From elegant decor pieces to functional garden accessories, each selection is designed to inspire calm, foster mindfulness, and transform any indoor or outdoor area into a tranquil retreat reminiscent of a traditional Japanese home.