Warm and cozy natural wood shines in Jennifer Aniston’s living room, giving her space a relaxed and inviting atmosphere. The warming, naturally-sourced material is completely transformative.
Aniston’s calming family room was designed by the inimitable Stephen Shadley, the talented interior designer who has also designed the stunning homes of Diane Keaton, Ryan Murphy and Robert Altman, among others. For this space, Shadley used natural wood in a variety of textures and shades. From the dark tone of the floors to the lighter ribbing of the bar and the details of the pool table, the eye is drawn throughout the room. The space is brightened by an abundance of houseplants, glass pendant lights and natural light streaming through the large, enticing windows.
Experts love Shadley’s nature-inspired decor in Aniston’s home, especially his use of wood. Kathy Kuo, a renowned New York-based interior designer, says, “I love how the rich, warm-toned wood of the vintage pool table anchors this space; the use of wood in the bar and bar stools feels complementary and like a natural extension of the warmth emanating from the central focal point of the room.”
She continues, “The mahogany floorboards provide a nice visual contrast with the darker color, and the vertical lines of the floor harmonize with the vertical line motif created by the grooved wood of the bar. It’s great when a room offers so many visual points of interest without it being cluttered or overwhelming.”
In addition, the way he designs natural materials gives the space a grounding power. Sydney-based interior designer Nicholas Kaiko tells Houses & Gardens: “The generous use of wood in this space creates a warm and sophisticated atmosphere. The dark wood tones give the space a sense of groundedness and solidity, which is balanced by the natural light coming through the windows and the greenery of the palm tree. This combination of elements feels like a retreat, connecting the indoors with a subtle nod to the outdoors.”
He continues, “The wood tones in particular work harmoniously with other materials in the space. The polished dark wood flooring echoes the deep tones of the vintage-style pool table, creating a cohesive visual anchor. The wood paneling on the fluted island brings texture without overwhelming the space, and its finish complements both the glass and metal accents of the light fixture above. There is a beautiful repetition between the fluting of the island and the row of pendant lights. This interplay between wood and other materials enhances the organic yet sophisticated aesthetic of the space, giving it a timeless and considered feel.”
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Beautify your living room with a lush palm tree
These curved bar stools made of solid wood add a modern touch to any living space.
Contrast the solidity of the wood in your room with a touch of delicate glass in the form of a modern pendant lamp
For those looking to recreate Shadley’s iconic design in Aniston’s home, Kaiko recommends focusing on high-quality wood and texture. He suggests: “Opt for high-quality, rich-toned wood such as walnut or mahogany for floors and cabinetry. If budget allows, vintage or custom woods will add authenticity to the look. For a more affordable option, engineered wood with a similar finish can achieve a similar effect. Incorporate grooved designs into cabinetry or a kitchen island. If bespoke joinery isn’t an option, consider using grooved panels or wallpaper to bring in this texture more easily.”
To maintain the luxurious feel of Aniston’s space, Kaiko advises readers to pay attention to the lighting and accessories. He explains, “Investing in a striking lighting piece can transform a room, even on a smaller budget. Also, incorporate greenery and natural elements to soften the space and create a connection between the indoors and outdoors. To really capture the luxury of the original design, focus on quality over quantity. A single, well-chosen vintage piece, like a pool table or even an accent chair, can elevate the entire space. Complement this with carefully chosen accessories, like glass vases or artisanal ceramics, to add layers of interest.”
With the right materials, living in a home like Jennifer Aniston’s is easier than you might think. It requires a little imagination and a lot of wood.
