The home bar – an entertainer's ultimate dream space – comes in various forms, from a drinks cart in the corner of a living room to a dedicated area that resembles a private members club. The latter is the case in Jennifer Aniston's home, and it's just set the standard for luxury home bars, thanks to one material: wood.
Designed by Stephen Shadley, the room combines dark wooden panels with gold lighting – an expert-approved combination that oozes the sophisticated aesthetic you desire in any bar. 'We literally carved the bar into a wall at Jen's and designed the light fixture using found, industrial glass,' Shadley comments. However, size and scale aside, Aniston's home bar offers design lessons we can replicate in our homes. The key is in combining dark wood and gold accents, as designers explain.
'Dark wood brings a sense of glamour and sophistication to a home bar, adding depth and a sense of luxury. It's a material that evokes a classic, club-like atmosphere, perfect for creating a space that feels both intimate and elegant,' says Martin Waller, founder of global design house Andrew Martin. In small home bars, he recommends incorporating dark wood through cabinetry, shelving, or statement furniture pieces like a bar cart
Waller is not alone in his observations. Helen Pett, the design ambassador at Arteriors, emphasizes how wood's rich tones and depth 'brings a sense of timeless elegance to a home bar' and has the power to turn even a simple corner into a 'statement of sophistication.'
'Whether you choose mahogany, walnut, or deep oak, these woods lend warmth and an inviting allure that’s perfect for intimate gatherings,' she says. After deciding on the wood, it's time to introduce the gold accents.
'Paired with gold light fixtures, the contrast between the dark wood and the shimmering metallics creates a perfect balance between classic and contemporary. Gold lighting, particularly in the form of pendant lights or sconces, bathes the bar area in a soft, warm glow, elevating both the aesthetic and ambiance,' Pett says. In a living room, we can also get the look with gold-framed artwork, such as in the space below.
If you're working with a corner of a room (instead of a whole home bar), Waller recommends styling around a bar cart. This way, we can achieve a similar ambiance, no matter the size.
'It's is a playful addition, reminiscent of the roaring 20s or the bachelor allure of the 50s and 60s. It should serve as a piece of stylized room jewelry rather than just a practical item, evoking a sense of enjoyable excess,' he says.
'Dark wood pairs beautifully with rich textures—think velvet or leather [seating]—and brass or chrome accents, which can further elevate the look. Lighting is key: warm, layered lighting such as pendant lights and wall sconces will accentuate the richness of the wood and create an inviting ambiance.'
Tapping into the look is even easier with these Aniston-inspired buys, handpicked below.
Crafted with a focus on value without compromising on aesthetics, this bar cart is perfect for entertaining while paying homage to a literary legend.
The epitome of elegance, this classic coupe has a slim stem that contrasts the exaggerated, wide cup.
