Serena Williams accessorizes her entryway with a retro rattan planter – it's an instant way to get a '60s-inspired design fix

The star tennis player introduced warmth and texture with a geometric rattan planter – designers say it evidences the material's eternal appeal

Serena Williams
(Image credit: Dimitrios Kambouris via Getty Images for The Met Museum/Vogue)

Few design trends have the same longevity as rattan, a retro favorite that continues to impress designers and celebrities alike. The latter is the case with tennis star Serena Williams, who shows that you don't need to invest in a large piece of furniture to buy into the look.

Williams shared her appreciation for this furniture staple in a short video on her Instagram filmed in (what appears to be) her entryway. In the backdrop, we caught sight of her stylish rattan planter – and while it may seem like a seemingly small accessory, it has a big impact. In the space leading from her entryway, Williams has placed the planter, holding a lively green fern, for a tropical aesthetic that complements the rustic material. The warmth of the rattan also ties seamlessly with the rustic wooden bench positioned below a statement art piece.

Rattan furnishings are a great way to add some interest to your look, bringing a retro feel whilst adding a natural element to the room. Planters are the perfect way to introduce rattan into your home, as their bohemian look pairs perfectly with the touch of nature brought by an indoor plant.

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Ashlie Adam, the principal interior designer at Park Luxury Design, shared her thoughts on the impact rattan can have on a space, as well as some pointers on how to integrate the material into your home.

She describes rattan as more than just a design choice, saying: ‘It’s a quiet rebellion against the disposable. Serena Williams’ rattan piece doesn’t simply hold a plant; it adds warmth and texture while giving the space – and the people in it – a bit of breathing room. Its woven, imperfect texture brings a sense of honesty that plastic or over-polished materials can’t replicate.’

Adam continues, ‘Rattan has this unique ability to soften a space while letting the elements around it shine, a material with history but without an ego. Serena’s planter captures this perfectly – an understated accessory that commands attention through its placement and purpose.’

When it comes to introducing rattan into your space, she emphasizes the appeal of smaller design pieces, such as this: ‘It's best to start small with accessories when beginning to incorporate rattan into your home. A planter, a mirror frame, a basket. These pieces are unassuming but can still completely transform the atmosphere of your space. It's also important to remember that Rattan doesn’t demand perfection in your styling – it thrives in imperfection.’

As shown by Serena Williams, adding a touch of rattan to your home through any accessory is a great way to refresh and breathe new life into a space – effortlessly creating a bohemian and retro style all at once.


Intern

I joined the Homes and Gardens team as an intern in June 2024. As well as Homes & Gardens, I have also written for Ideal Home, also part of Future Plc. I have a love for discussing popular culture as well as a great appreciation for interior design. I really enjoy combining these interests to explore popular culture’s influence over design trends. Studying English Literature, Philosophy, and Psychology has helped inform my consideration of how art and design both reflect and affect our day-to-day lives. Alongside my interest in interior design, I love fashion, film, and music and spend my time going to concerts, the cinema, or fashion exhibitions.