Anne Hathaway's 1970s-style patio furniture is the most playful and elegant I've ever seen – it's a masterclass in integrating trending patterns with intention

The plaid furniture on the actress's patio taps into a current trend that looks to eras past – it's an elevated take on decorating an outdoor space

anne hathaway at the Cannes Film Festival
(Image credit: PATRICIA DE MELO MOREIRA/AFP via Getty Images)

I've always been a maximalist. I love colorful spaces bursting with pattern, texture, and accessories. Though this style is nearly ubiquitous throughout interior designs, I've found it's severely lacking from outdoor spaces.

This is distinctly not the case on Anne Hathaway's patio. The actress's space, designed by the acclaimed Studio Shamshiri, is a masterclass in decorating in the outdoors with pattern and color. Her porch features two matching wicker sofas accented with plaid covers and striped cushions. Their bright, checked slip covers are the perfect contrast to the gray stone of the patio and the surrounding greenery. They bring a cozy, inviting feel to the space. Anne's round wooden coffee table brings together the natural materials and elevated design.

Shamshiri's use of plaid especially stands out to me. Decorating with checks has been on trend since early 2024, and it taps into the larger trends towards retro and nostalgic interiors. In the wake of an extremely accelerated trend cycle, consumers are looking to classic patterns for a sense of comfort and longevity. I really like how the plaid slip covers on Anne's sofas are a modern, elevated take on the look, rather than something very traditional. It makes the entire space feel at once modern and cozy.

Shop the Look

I also find Anne's designer's choice to use the plaid trend in outdoor space extremely striking. The clean lines of the pattern are in direct contrast to the natural forms of nature, creating a visually appealing combination. The color choices of red and blue contribute to this differentiation. I also love how Shamshiri uses the plaid covers against wicker furniture to make the whole look feel grounded or natural.

Whether it's as a permanent fixture like a plaid outdoor sofa, or more temporary accessories like throw blankets and cushions, adding this pattern to your patio furniture is a simple way to upgrade your outdoor decor, and add a maximalist, retro turn.

The Plaid Edit


Anne Hathaway is a constant inspiration to me at Homes & Gardens, and her patio is no exception. When you think outside the box on where to include pattern and color, you can't go wrong.


Sophie Edwards
News Editor

Sophie is a London-based News Editor at Homes & Gardens, where she works on the Celebrity Style team. She is fascinated by the intersection of design and popular culture and is particularly excited when researching trends or interior history. Sophie is an avid pop culture fan. As an H&G editor, she has interviewed the likes of Martha Stewart, Hilary Duff, and the casts of Queer Eye and Selling Sunset. Before joining Future Publishing, Sophie worked as the Head of Content and Communications at Fig Linens and Home, a boutique luxury linens and furniture brand. She has also written features on exciting developments in the design world for Westport Magazine. Sophie has an MSc from the Oxford University Department of Anthropology and a BA in Creative Writing and Sociology from Sarah Lawrence College.

You must confirm your public display name before commenting

Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.