Jennifer Aniston’s Mid-Century Modern Kitchen Is a Masterclass in Retro Cabinetry – Designers Are Championing Its Revival for 2026
The Friends actress has brought a kitchen classic back to life in her Los Angeles home, and we can’t get enough of its sleek, pared-back, minimalist style
With its clean lines, warm wooden tones, and understated elegance, mid-century modern kitchen design is poised for a major revival in late 2025 and 2026 – and Jennifer Aniston’s Los Angeles kitchen is a perfect illustration of the trend.
While this post was originally published some time ago, its design remains highly relevant today. The Friends star, also known for Murder Mystery and Just Go With It, has incorporated light wooden, handleless cabinetry that beautifully balances retro charm with contemporary minimalism. Her mid-century modern kitchen exemplifies how this style can create a space that is at once stylish, functional, and timeless, bringing a refined yet welcoming atmosphere to any home.
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Warm wooden hues, like those in Jennifer Aniston’s luxury kitchen, are one of the easiest ways to bring mid-century modern style into any home. Pairing them with handleless cabinets amplifies the effect, producing a clean, streamlined look that feels authentic to the era while remaining practical for modern living. These elements combine to give a kitchen a sense of understated elegance, proving that mid-century design is far more than just a passing trend.
‘While handleless kitchens have been around for some time, the move over the last year towards minimalism and open-plan living has really propelled mid-century design back into the spotlight,’ explains Sinead Trainor, LochAnna Kitchens.
‘People want open, fluid spaces where they can cook, socialize, work, and even study without feeling restricted or confined to a cluttered room. Continuous, uninterrupted lines help create a smooth transition between areas and an airy, cohesive feel throughout.’
'Mid-century style kitchens are all about ‘sleek, integrated, and pared-back designs,’ says Sinead, which makes their resurgence unsurprising. ‘The uncluttered, handleless approach ensures the focus stays on the cabinetry itself while adding a sense of openness to any room, from grand open-plan kitchens to the smallest spaces. Ultimately, this trend allows homeowners to create a space that reflects their personal style, especially if they appreciate clean, continuous lines.’
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Whether you’re designing a small kitchen or a larger space like Jennifer Aniston’s, mid-century cabinets offer both style and versatility. Their clean lines, warm tones, and understated elegance make them suitable for almost any interior, and experts are clear: Handleless cabinetry isn’t just a trend – it’s here to stay and is set to dominate kitchen design in 2026 and beyond.
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This resurgence goes beyond just cabinetry. Mid-century principles – simplicity, functionality, and the thoughtful use of natural materials – are inspiring current kitchen trends, from open shelving and statement wood finishes to subtle pops of retro color and sculptural lighting. As Jennifer’s kitchen shows, a modern take on mid-century style can feel both effortless and highly considered, proving that classic design really does stand the test of time.
Shop the Mid-century Modern Look
If a full kitchen remodel isn’t on the cards for 2026, you can still introduce the mid-century modern trend with a few carefully chosen accessories and appliances. This retro-inspired style is effortlessly timeless, elegantly classic, and perfectly suited to contemporary homes.
Grey and tan tones swirl through this richly veined marble bowl, showcasing the stone’s natural beauty. Its organic pattern is balanced by a simple, streamlined silhouette and subtle footed base, making it ideal for displaying bowl fillers, air plants, fruit, or snacks. With its clean lines and warm materials, it would sit beautifully in a mid-century modern kitchen like Jennifer Aniston’s.
This round kitchen table showcases modern mid-century style, with a sleek, elegant silhouette that enhances a minimalist kitchen aesthetic. Its timeless design makes it perfect as a breakfast table or casual dining spot, combining functionality with classic mid-century charm for any kitchen space.
This mid-century style wooden bar stool features a sleek rectangular saddle seat and angled legs, combining stability with timeless design. The solid hardwood frame is topped with a tailored vegan leather cushion, which can be removed for versatility and easy cleaning. Perfect for a minimalist kitchen island, it brings mid-century charm and practicality to your cooking space.
This dining chair is an essential accent for any home, balancing style with functionality. Crafted from solid American Ash wood, it features tapered legs and a curved back, creating a modern, on-trend look that complements nearly any room. The woven cord seat provides comfort and support for up to 250 lbs, and best of all, the chair arrives fully assembled for effortless style.
Inspired by mid-century modern design, the Weston pendant pairs clean, sculptural lines with the warmth of natural materials. A turned solid walnut cap softens the blackened steel shade, while the tapered ceiling plate echoes its elegant conical form. Ideal above a reading chair, credenza, or dining table, it brings understated sophistication to any space.
Inspired by vintage silver barware, this stainless steel serving bowl trio brings a sleek, modern edge to the bar or kitchen. Three small bowls are neatly joined by a subtle walnut wood handle, making it easy to pass snacks and condiments with style.

Megan is the Head of Celebrity Style News at Homes & Gardens, where she leads the celebrity/ news team. She has a history in interior design, travel, and news journalism, having lived and worked in New York, Paris, and, currently, London. Megan has bylines in Livingetc, The Telegraph, and IRK Magazine, and has interviewed the likes of Drew Barrymore, Ayesha Curry, Michelle Keegan, and Tan France, among others. She lives in a London apartment with her antique typewriter and an eclectic espresso cup collection, and dreams of a Kelly Wearstler-designed home.