Estate experts say Jennifer Aniston's wooden house exterior reflects an 'intentional mindset' that buyers love
The material comes with an 'undercurrent of sophistication' that sets her property apart – here's how it can improve our house value
Actress Jennifer Aniston may be synonymous with the silver screen, but she is also a force in the interior design world – or, in this case, the exterior design world.
The Friends star recently shared that interior design would be her top alternative if acting hadn't worked out, which, of course, isn't quite the case. However, her exterior choices are just as stylish as those inside her four walls. And, real estate agents say, they could be economically beneficial, too.
Designed by celebrated LA architect A. Quincy Jones, Jennifer Aniston's Bel Air mansion boasts a sleek wooden façade with a striking modernist aesthetic. And, while we admit it's not easy to change our home's exterior, experts urge us to follow Jen's lead next time we're undergoing an extensive renovation or moving home.
'When discussing the nuances of home value, it's essential to consider more than just price tags and square footage. Wooden façades are not merely a gesture towards contemporary design. In essence, they reflect an intentional mindset,' begins Texas-based real estate professional Bailey Moran.
A photo posted by on
'A home with a wooden facade tells a story of homeowners who appreciate beauty and are mindful of our planet. There's an undercurrent of sophistication that wood provides, setting it apart from the more typical brick or vinyl sidings,' Bailey says.
'Consequently, these homes often stand out as premium offerings in the market, especially if the wood bears marks of quality and care.'
Bailey Moran is a real estate professional and COO of Austin TX Realty, the boutique real estate brokerage in the greater Austin metro area. She has over a decade of experience in the real estate industry and has produced over $100M in sales. Her expertise often appears in Forbes, The Wall Street Journal, Realtor Magazine, and other international publications.
Wood is famously associated with the architect who designed many 'retro' structures like Jennifer's home in California during the 1960s. However, despite its construction around 60 years ago, this property, and all of his designs, continue to impress in the contemporary day – and we owe much of its success to the material.
Sign up to the Homes & Gardens newsletter
Design expertise in your inbox – from inspiring decorating ideas and beautiful celebrity homes to practical gardening advice and shopping round-ups.
'Some might assume wood is a bit out of style, a relic of a bygone era. I'd beg to differ,' Bailey explains.
'I once worked with a visionary architect who transformed reclaimed wood from dilapidated barns into a facade that exuded modernity. Paired with expansive glass panels, the wood introduced an element of warmth. This juxtaposition of old and new created a familiar and innovative ambiance. It's no wonder the property found its owner in just a week, fetching a price higher than anticipated.'
A post shared by Stephen Shadley (@stephenshadley)
A photo posted by on
So, wood is one of the impactful ways to make a home's exterior look expensive, but its benefits don't end there. As the expert explains, it has its energy-efficient qualities, too.
'I've seen homeowners genuinely astounded by their reduced energy bills after moving into a wooden house,' she says. 'It's simple science since wood is a remarkable insulator. In the sweltering heat or chilly winters, a wooden home adapts, ensuring comfort while being economical.'
To explore more of A. Quincy Jones's extraordinary work, we're picking up his book via Amazon below.
Megan is the Head of Celebrity Style News at Homes & Gardens. She first joined Future Plc as a News Writer across their interiors titles, including Livingetc and Real Homes, before becoming H&G's News Editor in April 2022. She now leads the Celebrity/ News team. Before joining Future, Megan worked as a News Explainer at The Telegraph, following her MA in International Journalism at the University of Leeds. During her BA in English Literature and Creative Writing, she gained writing experience in the US while studying in New York. Megan also focused on travel writing during her time living in Paris, where she produced content for a French travel site. She currently lives in London with her antique typewriter and an expansive collection of houseplants.
-
The 7 quick jobs I'm doing to spruce up my guest bathroom before the hosting season
With visitors due to descend over the festive season I decided to give my guest bathroom a makeover – here are the seven things I did to bring it up to scratch
By Natasha Brinsmead Published
-
I ignored this design rule when planning my bathroom layout –and here's why a year on I think it was a big mistake
Interior designers warned me to follow this tried-and-tested layout when designing my bathroom layout
By Charlotte Olby Published
-
Jennifer Aniston is 'obsessed' with this Courteney-Cox-approved home fragrance – here's why actresses love the 'mysterious' scent
If you've ever wondered what Jennifer Aniston's house smells like, you're in luck – Courteney Cox has revealed Aniston's signature scent
By Sophie Edwards Published
-
Jennifer Aniston's soothing family room makes a case for this debated layout – designers say this sociable style is having a resurgence
Broken-plan layouts may have enjoyed a revival over recent years, but Aniston's family room reminds us why open spaces will struggle to fall entirely out of style
By Megan Slack Published
-
Jennifer Aniston uses a cream headboard, neutral sheets, and wooden accents for a restorative sleep environment – psychologists love her philosophy
The actress's design quirks upgraded her bedroom into a sanctuary that, wellness experts say, 'invites relaxation and significantly improves sleep quality'
By Megan Slack Published
-
Jennifer Aniston's Japanese garden masters privacy planting without blocking light – and it is easy to replicate
Choose garden screening and privacy planting to keep a yard private, conceal poor views, and divide the space in style
By Jennifer Ebert Published
-
Jennifer Aniston's living room has made me rethink this outdated ‘70s furniture trend – it's back and better than ever for 2025
This retro furniture trend is once again making waves in the design industry, and I predict it is here to stay...
By Jennifer Ebert Published
-
Jennifer Aniston's bathroom showcases the trend designers are saying is the 'most innovative countertop' feature they've seen so far in 2024
Elevate your bathroom or powder room by setting your countertop aglow
By Jennifer Ebert Published
-
Jennifer Aniston's garden bathroom is a masterclass in Japanese minimalist design – experts champion this trend for 2025
Japanese minimalism meets nature in this popular design trend championed by Jennifer Aniston
By Jennifer Ebert Published
-
Jennifer Aniston's 'rain chain' is the most desirable way to water your plants – it's easy to recreate her Japanese-inspired technique
A rain chain is an innovative irrigation and plant watering solution that adds both function and style to the actress's Hal Levitt home
By Sophie Edwards Published