Jennifer Aniston’s family room champions a calming material
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.’
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.’
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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.’
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.
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