Jennifer Aniston’s Zen-Like Outdoor Sanctuary Is a Lesson in Mid-Century Style – It’s the Chicest Way to Garden in 2026
Marcello Villano’s foliage-focused vision for the Bel Air estate offers a masterclass in ‘living sculptures’ and effortless resort-like style
Jennifer Aniston’s Bel Air estate is a sanctuary for design lovers, showcasing a mid-century aesthetic that feels both meticulously curated and timeless. This refined style extends naturally to her home’s exterior, which is just as intentional as the interior.
As we move into the vibrant energy of May 2026, the brilliance of designer Marcello Villano’s work on her garden is especially evident. He created an immaculate, serene environment shaped by global aesthetics.
Shop the Jennifer Aniston-Inspired Edit
This intricate solar lantern adds a warm glow to garden borders and outdoor landscaping after sunset. Its ornate cutout creates beautiful patterns of light and shadow, making it a standout decorative piece for the summer.
Take inspiration from Jennifer’s serene outdoor style by adding the soothing sound of a delicate wind chime to your garden. Crafted from durable cast iron, this timeless piece creates a calming ambiance while blending effortlessly into any outdoor space.
Your garden becomes even more inviting after dark with thoughtfully placed outdoor lighting. The right illumination can make a patio feel like an extension of your home, brighten shadowy corners, and highlight favorite features like trees, plants, or garden sculptures.
Made of high-quality polyresin materials, this waterproof feature will work beautifully in any Japanese garden setting. Add an LED light (or a tea light) to make a statement in any-sized garden after dark.
This high-quality hori hori knife is made in Japan with the finest stainless steel, making easy work of your weeding and gardening tasks this year.
If you don’t have outdoor space or simply want a low-maintenance alternative to landscaping, an indoor zen garden is a beautiful way to bring a sense of calm into your home. Inspired by Japanese design principles, it's an easy way to create a tranquil atmosphere indoors.
'Marcello Villano’s approach to landscape and garden design is truly inspired. A common thread in all of Marcello’s work is his brilliant use of plants as living sculptures,' notes designer and horticulturist Nathan Heinrich.
'His restrained use of botanicals creates gardens that are both modern and timeless. I’ve always been in awe of how his signature style softens the modern architectural details of a structure. His gardens have a resort-like feel to them.'
When developing your own backyard landscaping ideas, you may aim for a space that feels therapeutic, particularly as the late spring sun begins to warm the earth. While most cannot replicate the grand architecture of her estate, we can certainly adopt the same eco-friendly planting principles.
'Regularly blending plant varieties native to the Mediterranean and Asian climates, in a way no one else ever has, Villano produced gardens that feel effortless and serene. One feels as though they’ve just stepped onto the set of an exotic White Lotus location in his whimsical landscapes,' Nathan explains.
Villano’s vision was sustainable long before it became a mainstream necessity. 'Not only did Villano use beautiful plants in his designs, but he also used water-wise plants that are perfectly suited for arid environments. His was a sustainable approach years ahead of the modern garden trend of utilizing plants that require minimal watering.' These species, adapted to long, dry summers and short, rainy winters, are classified as Mediterranean-zone plants. They thrive with little irrigation and are often native to California or Southern Europe, making Jennifer’s garden an ideal blueprint for the 2026 planting season.
For those in similar climates looking to cultivate this look, California’s Water Service suggests hardy options such as Agave, Blue Hibiscus, Rockrose, Mexican Bush Lobelia, and California Lilac. Even if your local environment differs, you can still channel Jennifer’s minimal, resort-like aesthetic by keeping plant varieties cohesive and colors understated. This approach creates a zen-like atmosphere reminiscent of a high-end luxury retreat.
By embracing these sustainable habits and a minimalist eye, you can transform your own backyard into a curated sanctuary that feels like a permanent vacation.
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