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’re pretty familiar with the 30 overnight And Electra Residence of the star. However, we haven’t gotten a full tour of the house yet – until now.
The actress recently shared a video on her Instagram page in which she shows her cat “places in the house that she’s never seen before.” We’re both happy because Garner reveals some corners of her home that have never been seen before.
Garner takes us (and her cat) through her hallway, into her fridge and microwave, in front of her aquarium, and into her bedroom. The common thread? Lots of natural materials, from her unpainted wood walls in the hallway to her Scandinavian-style wooden kitchen to her bedroom, which features a beautiful stone-white fireplace.
Unpainted wood is becoming 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 ambience that this long-used material creates.
“Their unadulterated surface allows the natural grain and structure of the wood to shine and creates an atmosphere that is both cozy and sophisticated,” says designer Nina Lichtenstein.
We love the openness and airiness of Garner’s hallway and the wood paneling that gives the space a cozy feel.
Natural wood, as seen in Garner’s home, is not only beautiful and versatile, but also extremely environmentally friendly.
“When you choose unpainted cabinets, you are often choosing a more environmentally friendly option,” explains Lichtenstein. “Painting cabinets can produce harmful chemicals and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). By choosing a natural finish, you reduce your environmental impact and support sustainable design practices.”
Lichtenstein recommends using unpainted wood for kitchen cabinets as it can add a unique finish to the kitchen.
“No two pieces of wood are exactly alike,” says Lichtenstein. “The different patterns and grains in unpainted cabinets (for example) add uniqueness to your kitchen and make it truly one-of-a-kind. This individuality adds a personal touch that mass-produced painted cabinets can’t replicate.”
Wood also contrasts very well with materials commonly used in modern kitchens, such as marble. Light woods can give a kitchen a fresh feel, while darker woods can give it a sleek and sophisticated look.
(Photo credit: Fabrice Juan)
To further enhance a room with natural or unpainted elements, Lichtenstein suggests furnishing it with additional natural objects and furniture.
“Incorporate natural elements like herb pots, wooden cutting boards and woven baskets to enhance the earthy vibe,” she says. “Open shelving made of unpainted wood can showcase your favorite ceramics and glassware, adding both functionality and charm.”
Shop the Natural Wood Edit
This natural coffee table is elegant and robust and brings a touch of nature to any living space.
Bouclé sofa with wooden legs
This white bouclé sofa is a classic for a reason and adds a touch of organic material with its wooden legs.
Mid-Century Wooden Bookcase
This minimalist and modern bookcase offers plenty of space for display pieces.
Overall, we recommend using natural materials like stone, wood, and linen in areas of the home that are more for relaxing and unwinding, like the living room, kitchen, and bedroom. Jennifer Garner’s home is a prime example of why this look works.
