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

Jennifer Aniston
(Image credit: James Devaney/GC Images via GettyImages)

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.

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.’

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.

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.

Megan Slack
Head of Celebrity Style News

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.