Jennifer Aniston Rejects the All-White Patio Trend in Favor of This Luxurious Material Grouping That Makes Any Backyard Look Expensive
Designed by Stephen Shadley, Jen's mix of rich rattan and navy cushions creates an effortlessly chic, resort-style oasis
In all their timelessness, all-white patios never stop us in our scrolling. They're classic, but not always as inspiring as those who play with moodier shades. The latter is exemplified by Jennifer Aniston, who, alongside designer Stephen Shadley, designed a Japanese-inspired resort in her Bel Air estate.
Trading sterile white minimalism for an enveloping Zen aesthetic, this garden is a forever-favorite here at Homes & Gardens. However, while we've covered this space at length, we've never focused on her rattan outdoor furniture – and there's no time like the present to celebrate such a statement piece.
Tucked into a secluded alcove beneath a rich wood-paneled ceiling, the piece in question is a deep-seated, low-slung sofa that completely rewrites the rules of patio seating. While the exact brand remains a mystery (as is often the case with Shadley’s highly customized celebrity projects), the design power of the piece lies entirely in its rich rattan materiality.
To get the look, I love this wicker-style sofa from Wayfair. It comes with moody blue cushions, just like Jen's.
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This is a classic for a reason. It features deep, comfortable seating and a rich, multi-toned dark brown all-weather resin wicker frame. The high-performance navy cushions give it that grounded, expensive look, that's almost the same as Jen's.
For an ultra-minimalist layout, this brand offers low-profile black synthetic-rattan bases paired with deep-blue cushions. It leans heavily into the dark, cozy cocooning effect that Shadley prioritized for this Bel Air estate.
If you want to replicate the modern, streamlined, block-like silhouette of Jen's sofa, and also love hosting, this larger alternative is perfect. It has a low-profile look that looks incredibly sleek when tucked against greenery or a wooden backdrop.
Looking closely at Jen's seating set-up, the cream pillows are not flat, stark white canvas, which would look garish against the rustic stone and dark rattan. Instead, they feature a visible weave with subtle shadows and depth. This pick is one of the closet matches on the market.
With these canvas-textured covers in a deep navy hue, you can effortlessly mimic the grounding rectangular anchor that ties Jennifer's entire resort-style seating arrangement together.
In Jen's design formula, the center pillow isn't meant to distract with loud patterns. It functions as a grounding block of rich color that bridges the gap between the sofa's dark base cushion and the bright texture of the cream bookend pillows. This one from Wayfair will achieve the same look.
Jennifer's rattan piece sits beautifully in her Japanese garden, but the versatility of this material has allowed it to impress (in the mainstream) since the '60s. It's beloved by real estate experts for a reason, as Eric Bramlett is a realtor and owner of Bramlett Real Estate, explains.
'When I help a family plan a porch or patio, I often reach for rattan first. The woven surface and soft curves feel friendly the moment you sit down. Even as garden trends come and go, the look of rattan seems fresh because it mimics shapes found in nature. A chair can sit beside sleek glass doors or an old brick wall and feel right at home, which makes rattan a safe choice for every style.'
Jen has dressed her sofa in cushions, which Eric says will complement the material's natural curve. A dark blue pillow, just like this one from Wayfair, is the easiest way to get her look, especially if you want to experiment with a new type of unconventional neutral.
'Comfort comes naturally with rattan because the weave bends a little under your body. Add a few soft cushions, and you have a seat that rivals the sofa in the living room,' Eric explains.
'It looks timeless, resists harsh weather, invites easy care, moves wherever you need it, and treats the earth with respect. Bring a few pieces to your porch or garden, and you will quickly see why this simple material never loses its charm.'
Embracing this classic pairing is the finest shortcut to channeling Jen’s layered, quiet-luxury aesthetic and proving that the most inspiring backyards are those that welcome a bit of moodier warmth.
