Jennifer Garner's unofficial home tour reveals her love for this calming material – interior designers share her fascination

The actress has shared a video featuring multiple rooms in her home, and natural, unpainted materials reign supreme in the cozy abode

Jennifer Garner
(Image credit: Photo by Monica Schipper/WireImage via Getty Images)

Jennifer Garner is no stranger to sharing her home with the internet. Between her Pretend Cooking Show clips on Instagram, and her bathroom Get Ready With Me videos, we have become quite familiar with the 13 Going on 30 and Elektra star's abode. However, we have not gotten a full home tour – until now.

The actor recently shared a video to her Instagram page where she is showing her cat 'places in the house he's never seen before.' That makes both of us, as Garner reveals some corners of her home that were previously unseen.

Garner takes us (and her cat) through her hallway, inside her fridge and microwave, in front of her fish tank, and into her bedroom. The common thread? Plenty of natural materials, from her unpainted, wood walls in the hallway, to her Scandi-style wood kitchen, to her bedroom, which features a beautiful, stone-white fireplace.

Unpainted wood has become increasingly popular in the home, tapping into interior design trends such as organic modern and modern rustic. The appeal lies in the simplicity and natural ambiance that this long-used material creates.

'Their unadulterated finish allows the natural grain and texture of the wood to shine, creating an atmosphere that feels both cozy and sophisticated,' says designer Nina Lichtenstein.

We love how Garner's hallway is open and airy, with wood paneling making the space feel cozy.

Not only is natural wood, like that seen in Garner's home, beautiful and versatile, but it is also highly beneficial for the environment.

'By choosing unpainted cabinets, you are often selecting a more eco-friendly option,' Lichtenstein explains. 'The process of painting cabinets can involve harmful chemicals and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Opting for a natural finish reduces the environmental impact and supports sustainable design practices.'

Lichtenstein recommends utilizing unpainted wood for kitchen cabinetry, as it can provide a unique finish in the kitchen.

'No two pieces of wood are exactly alike,' Lichtenstein says. 'The distinct patterns and grains in unpainted cabinets [for example] add uniqueness to your kitchen, making it truly one-of-a-kind. This individuality brings a personal touch that mass-produced, painted cabinets cannot replicate.'

Wood also contrasts frequently used materials in modern kitchens, such as marble, extremely well. Light woods can bring a fresh feel to a kitchen, while darker woods can make it feel sleek and sophisticated.

light wood kitchen cabinetry with rounded wooden island and mirrored cabinet fronts and green marble counters

(Image credit: Fabrice Juan)

To further enhance a space with natural or unpainted features, Lichtenstein suggests accessorizing with additional natural objects and furnishings.

'Incorporate natural elements like potted herbs, wooden cutting boards, and woven baskets to reinforce the earthy vibe,' she says. 'Open shelving with unpainted wood can display your favorite ceramics and glassware, adding both functionality and charm.'

Shop the Natural Wood Edit

Overall, we recommend utilizing natural materials such as stone, wood, and linen in areas of the home that tend to be spaces for winding down and relaxing, such as the living room, kitchen, and bedroom. Jennifer Garner's home epitomizes why this look works.


Hannah Ziegler
News Editor

Hannah is Homes & Gardens’ News Editor, with a focus on celebrity style and entertainment content. She got her start in media as a digital editorial assistant at ELLE Canada, and has since written about lifestyle and culture for publications such as Nylon and i-D.

Her love of film is rivalled only by one with a great soundtrack, and she hopes to someday decorate a Nancy Meyers-worthy kitchen.