Working on the celebrity style desk, catching glimpses of homes belonging to the world's most famous figures, is part of my everyday life. However, some remain a consistent favorite, meaning I return to them time and time again. The list begins with Jennifer Aniston's house in Bel Air.
While the entirety of the home is an architectural masterpiece, Jennifer Aniston's Japanese-inspired garden is arguably the most stunning of all. It includes a terrace that's adjacent to her living room, and while designer Stephen Shadley filled her interiors with eclectic artworks and textures, the exterior (by Marcello Villano) is more minimalist.
On her terrace, Jennifer's decor is notably more pared-back. However, the pieces she has chosen are unlike any I've ever seen before.
Most notably, she has two stone troughs covered in moss, paying homage to the tranquil, Japanese-style aesthetic that's so prominent in the garden below. They add just the right amount of interest to the minimalist terrace while bringing a sense of tranquility that's so associated with her home. They're understated but perfect for her terrace, and surprisingly replicable in any-sized home.
Shop the look
Crafted from natural stone and ethically sourced from a river in the Philippines, this stunning stone vase is the perfect first step in creating a Jennifer Aniston-inspired aesthetic on your terrace. She has topped hers with moss, but you can fill it with succulents, flowers, or small plants to give a natural look to your space.
Alongside her moss-covered stone troughs, Jennifer has a sleek bench, similar to this one from Wayfair. It combines a minimalist silhouette with industrial-inspired materials for a look that’s both rugged and refined. Made from neutral-toned concrete, it’s sealed to withstand the elements and is suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.
Made from 100% natural stone (from Philippine stone), this stunning planter is both minimalist yet interesting enough to make a statement on your terrace. Every planter is one of a kind, as every stone will has a unique coloring and shape. It's also easy to maintain and can be wiped clean quickly.
Inevitably, I am not exclusive in my love for Jennifer's unique container idea. Thom Rutter, a master gardener and content editor here at Homes & Gardens, mirrors my sentiments. He adds that the rustic nature of the stone taps into the Wabi-sabi concept, a fundamental concept in Japanese garden design.
'Jennifer's planters are minimalist but well-curated, perfecting the Wabi-sabi ideology that celebrates beauty in imperfection, impermanence, and the natural aging process,' he says. 'A weathered stone trough covered in moss embodies this philosophy effortlessly. Jennifer's containers appear aged, yet not worn out. They evoke a sense of tranquility and encourage contemplation.'
Jennifer's garden and patio are by no means compact, but if you're looking for small Japanese garden ideas, these planters are the perfect solution. You only need an unused corner or a few inches on your patio to get her look. 'Stone troughs, much like these, are contained, making them perfect for limited spaces,' Thom adds.
'It's proof that we don’t need a large area to create a tranquil, Japanese-inspired mood – just one well-placed trough can do it.' Just take it from Jennifer, who just provided the ultimate blueprint.
