Jennifer Aniston's moody wall material infuses her living room with warmth and intrigue – it's dominating trends in 2025
Dark wood panelling transforms the actress's living room into an inviting and luxurious sanctuary – designers explain why it's popularity is growing
If there is one material that has defined interiors in 2024, it is natural wood. We've seen the versatile and durable staple pop up in homes running the gamut of popular styles from Japandi, to organic modern, to quiet luxury. Though light wood has dominated in the past, in 2025 the look is getting more dramatic.
This shift is best embodied by the dark wood panelling in Jennifer Aniston's living room. The actress's home was created by the esteemed designer Stephen Shadley to create a warm, artistic haven. Behind the piano, an entire wall is done in polished mahogany wood with the grain shining through.
Shadley's living room wall idea is popular among design experts for its cozy sensibility. 'Jennifer Aniston’s living room showcases a beautifully crafted wooden paneled wall that creates a rich, grounding backdrop for the space,' says Westchester-based interior designer Nina Lichtenstein. 'The warm wood panels add both warmth and sophistication, acting as a contrast to the room’s diverse textures and colors. The natural grain of the wood introduces organic movement and a subtle layer of visual interest, which is both calming and timeless. Positioned behind a striking light wood piano, the wood wall exudes an elegant yet approachable feel, bridging the room’s contrasting elements and giving the space a sense of cohesion.'
A post shared by Stephen Shadley (@stephenshadley)
A photo posted by on
Part of what makes dark woods like the one in Aniston's space so striking is their impact on the living room color scheme. Interior designer Nicholas Kaiko tells H&G: 'The wooden panelled wall enhances the space by providing a warm backdrop that contrasts beautifully with the light veneer baby grand piano. The deep grain pattern in the wood adds visual depth and texture, creating an inviting and refined environment, ideal for a music room where acoustics, comfort, and a sense of focus are paramount. The wall’s dark tones also serve as a dramatic counterbalance to the more vibrant elements, such as the piano and artwork, giving these pieces space without feeling overpowering.'
If you are planning to incorporate dark wood wall panelling like this, it's important to consider how the texture will interact with the rest of the space. For instance, there is a definitive flow of materials in Aniston's living room. Lichtenstein remarks: 'The combination of materials and textures—from the stone accent to the white sofa, plush navy blue armchair, and metallic details on the coffee table and piano—creates a layered, multi-dimensional room, while the wooden wall serves as a unifying element. Additionally, the warm glow from the gold floor lamp enhances the natural richness of the wood, creating a cozy yet luxurious atmosphere that’s perfect for both relaxation and entertainment.'
Contrast, both through color and shape are essential for highlighting the beautiful grain in this natural material. 'The furniture, with its rounded, plush forms, softens the room’s sharp lines, adding a touch of luxury and comfort,' says Kaiko. 'The velvet upholstery of the seating provides a tactile richness. The low-profile seating arrangement maintains an intimate atmosphere, essential for a room intended to be both functional and a space for appreciation and relaxation.'
Furthermore, the look is poised to become a popular interior design trend in 2025. Kaiko predicts: 'Regarding trends, I do see this look growing in popularity. The resurgence of mid-century modern and Art Deco styles has renewed interest in wood panelling, especially with rich grains and darker finishes. People are increasingly drawn to spaces that feel intimate, layered, and sophisticated – qualities that wood panelling naturally imparts. The combination of tactile furniture and bold artwork reflects a shift towards interiors that are both visually compelling and deeply comfortable.'
Sign up to the Homes & Gardens newsletter
Design expertise in your inbox – from inspiring decorating ideas and beautiful celebrity homes to practical gardening advice and shopping round-ups.
Shop the Wooden Living Room Edit
Even if you are not redoing your walls, you can incorporate warm wood into your living room with furniture featuring the material.
Extra Storage
This accessibly priced side table is perfect for adding a touch of warm wood and storage to your living room
Mid-Century Modern
This dark elm chair is so stylish and effortless bringing intentionally designed flair into any room
To create a similar effect in your own home, we recommend decorating with art on top of a dark wood wall. Kaiko suggests: 'The artwork introduces a bold splash of colour that offsets the room’s predominantly neutral and warm tones. This creates a focal point that adds vibrancy to the space. Although I don’t recognise the specific artwork, the abstract style and vivid colour palette lend an energy and modern flair, contrasting the otherwise classic, mid-century-inspired interior. This choice could subtly inspire creativity, enhancing the room’s purpose as a space for music and creativity.'
If you are looking for the next dramatic, moody, cozy interior design, dark wood is a wonderful place to start.
Sophie is a London-based News Editor at Homes & Gardens, where she works on the Celebrity Style team. She is fascinated by the intersection of design and popular culture and is particularly excited when researching trends or interior history. Sophie is an avid pop culture fan. As an H&G editor, she has interviewed the likes of Martha Stewart, Hilary Duff, and the casts of Queer Eye and Selling Sunset. Before joining Future Publishing, Sophie worked as the Head of Content and Communications at Fig Linens and Home, a boutique luxury linens and furniture brand. She has also written features on exciting developments in the design world for Westport Magazine. Sophie has an MSc from the Oxford University Department of Anthropology and a BA in Creative Writing and Sociology from Sarah Lawrence College.
-
Gabrielle Union's sleek outdoor furniture adds a surprising touch of whimsy to her patio – designers say it's the secret to an elevated outdoor retreat
The actress's monochromatic swinging seat creates the ultimate focal point in her backyard – it introduces a playful energy that looks good all year round
By Hannah Ziegler Published
-
Best Shark pet vacuum cleaners in 2024 – powerful cleaning that will absolutely keep up with your pets
As a home tech pro and vacuum tester, these are THE three Shark pet vacuums that beat all others in their range
By Dan Fauzi Published
-
Jennifer Aniston's chic minimalist Christmas tree has been decorated with an unexpected 'ornament' – but it is fun, playful and so easy to replicate
Make your Christmas tree fun, characterful, and uniquely personal to you and your family this holiday season
By Jennifer Ebert Last updated
-
Jennifer Aniston's cozy, inviting bed is a masterclass in lived-in luxury – I'm a high-end bedding expert, and here's the secret to her stunning bedroom styling
The actress's linen, velvet, and patterned textural bedding showcases a symmetrical and calming take on bed styling - it's so relaxed yet elevated
By Sophie Edwards Published
-
Jennifer Aniston's modern living room proves that the 'Internet's most divisive color trend' will never quite go away – you just have to know how to get it right
Forget what you thought you knew about gray. This sultry shade goes with every color and can be used to add depth and sophistication to any room
By Jennifer Ebert Published
-
Jennifer Aniston's Japanese-inspired backyard is primed for privacy – experts say these are the best plants to recreate her technique
The actress utilizes plants as boundaries in her backyard, proving that greenery and shrubs can be as functional as they are beautiful
By Hannah Ziegler Published
-
Jennifer Aniston's mid-century modern living room has made me rethink this '50s trend – and you can actually achieve the look on a limited budget
The '50s are back again and looking fresher, cooler and more sophisticated than ever
By Jennifer Ebert Published
-
Jennifer Aniston is 'obsessed' with this Courteney-Cox-approved home fragrance – here's why actresses love the 'mysterious' scent
If you've ever wondered what Jennifer Aniston's house smells like, you're in luck – Courteney Cox has revealed Aniston's signature scent
By Sophie Edwards Published
-
Jennifer Aniston's soothing family room makes a case for this debated layout – designers say this sociable style is having a resurgence
Broken-plan layouts may have enjoyed a revival over recent years, but Aniston's family room reminds us why open spaces will struggle to fall entirely out of style
By Megan Slack Published
-
Jennifer Aniston uses a cream headboard, neutral sheets, and wooden accents for a restorative sleep environment – psychologists love her philosophy
The actress's design quirks upgraded her bedroom into a sanctuary that, wellness experts say, 'invites relaxation and significantly improves sleep quality'
By Megan Slack Published