Jennifer Aniston's nature-inspired family room champions a calming material – experts swear by its warm, inviting effects
The actress's family room makes a classic, natural material shine in diverse tones, textures and shapes creating a cozy, welcoming room
Warm and cozy natural wood shines in Jennifer Aniston's family room, bringing a relaxed and welcoming ambiance to her space. The warming, nature-sourced material is completely transformative.
Aniston's calming family room was designed by the inimitable Stephen Shadley, the talented interior designer who also created the stunning homes of Diane Keaton, Ryan Murphy, and Robert Altman, among others. For this space, Shadley incorporated natural wood in variety of textures and shades. From the deep tone of the floors, to the lighter fluting on the bar and the detail on the pool table, the eye is drawn all around the room. The space is brightened by an abundance of houseplants, glass pendant lights, and natural light streaming through the large, enticing windows.
Experts adore Shadley's nature-inspired decor scheme in Aniston's house, especially his use of wood. Kathy Kuo, acclaimed NYC-based interior designer states: 'I love how the rich, warm-toned wood of the vintage pool table anchors this space; the use of wood in the bar and the bar stools feels complementary and like a natural extension of the warmth emanating from the room's central focal point.'
A post shared by Stephen Shadley (@stephenshadley)
A photo posted by on
She continues, 'The mahogany wood flooring planks add a nice dose of visual contrast with the darker color; plus the vertical lines of the floor play off of the vertical line motif created by the fluted wood of the bar. It's great when a space has so many points of visual intrigue without feeling busy or overwhelming.'
Further, the way he styles natural materials is a grounding force in the space. Sydney-based Interior designer Nicholas Kaiko tells Homes & Gardens: 'The extensive use of wood in this room creates an atmosphere that is warm and sophisticated. The dark wood tones imbue the space with a sense of groundedness and solidity, which is balanced by the natural light filtering through the windows and the greenery of the palm. This combination of elements is retreat-like, blending the indoors with a subtle nod to the outdoors.'
He elaborates: 'Specifically, the timber tones work harmoniously with other materials in the room. The polished dark wood floor mirrors the deep tones of the vintage-styled pool table, creating a cohesive visual anchor. The wood paneling on the fluted island introduces texture without overwhelming the space, its finish complementing both the glass and the metal accents in the light fixture above. There is a lovely repetition between the fluting of the island and the row of pendants. This interplay between wood and other materials enhances the room’s organic yet refined aesthetic, making it feel timeless and well-considered.'
Shop The Edit
Vibrant
Brighten your living room with a lush palm plant
Solid Wood
These curved, solid wood barstools bring a modern edge to any living space
Glass
Contrast the solidness of the wood in your space with a touch of delicate glass in the form of a modern pendant light
For those hoping to recreate Shadley's iconic design in Aniston's home, Kaiko recommends a focus on high-quality wood and using texture. He suggests: 'Opt for high-quality, richly toned wood, such as walnut or mahogany, for floors and furniture. If budget allows, vintage or custom-made pieces will add authenticity to the look. For those seeking a more affordable option, engineered wood with a similar finish can achieve a comparable effect. Incorporate fluted designs into cabinetry or a kitchen island. If bespoke joinery is out of reach, consider using fluted panels or wallpaper as a more accessible way to introduce this texture.'
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.
To maintain the luxe feel of Aniston's space, Kaiko advises readers to pay attention to the lighting and accessories. He states: 'Investing in a statement lighting piece can transform a space, even on a smaller budget. Additionally, integrate greenery and natural elements to soften the space and bring in that indoor-outdoor connection. To truly capture the luxury of the original design, focus on quality over quantity. A single, well-chosen vintage piece, such as a pool table or even an accent chair, can elevate the entire room. Complement this with carefully selected accessories, such as glass vases or artisanal ceramics, to add layers of interest.'
With the right materials, living in a home just like Jennifer Aniston's is more achievable than you might think. It takes a little imagination and a lot of wood.
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.
-
How to grow yardlong beans – and get a bumper harvest with our expert guide
Impress your family and friends with stunning, super-sized beans
By Drew Swainston Published
-
7 things people with tidy homes never do – and which habits you should ditch
Banish mess by following in the footsteps of people with tidy homes and avoiding these things
By Punteha van Terheyden Published
-
Jennifer Aniston's garden bathroom is a masterclass in Japanese minimalist design – experts champion this trend for 2025
Japanese minimalism meets nature in this popular design trend championed by Jennifer Aniston
By Jennifer Ebert Published
-
Jennifer Aniston's 'rain chain' is the most desirable way to water your plants – it's easy to recreate her Japanese-inspired technique
A rain chain is an innovative irrigation and plant watering solution that adds both function and style to the actress's Hal Levitt home
By Sophie Edwards Published
-
Jennifer Aniston's Japanese garden pond is one of the most beneficial elements a yard can have – it is so easy to replicate
No matter how big or small, adding a pond to your garden will prove invaluable for wildlife
By Jennifer Ebert Published
-
Jennifer Aniston and Mark Ruffalo have this 'invisible' anti-kitchen cabinet style in common – and experts say it will never be outdated
Sleek 'invisible' kitchens are garnering tremendous praise from interior experts and celebrities alike – here's why they've caught my attention
By Jennifer Ebert Published
-
Jennifer Aniston's former living room features an unexpected pop of color – the results are highly impactful
Jennifer Aniston's old home includes a sophisticated living space, which includes a wood piano, beige carpeting, and some colorful, bold artwork
By Hannah Ziegler Published
-
Jennifer Aniston's 'quiet luxury' bedroom proves this timeless trend is here to stay for 2025 and beyond
Designed to transcend modern trends, Jennifer Aniston's bedroom is a tranquil haven of peace, tranquility and sophistication
By Jennifer Ebert Published
-
Jennifer Aniston's modern family room embraces the 'old Hollywood glamor' trend – experts say it is back for 2024
If you want a luxurious lounge, try taking inspiration from a bygone era with its emphasis on sophistication and elegance
By Jennifer Ebert Published
-
Jennifer Aniston's backyard features an unusual addition that designers say 'everyone wants' in 2024
Showering outdoors is taking on a whole new level of importance
By Jennifer Ebert Published