Diane Sawyer sold her estate on Martha’s Vineyard, Chub chipfor nearly $24 million — but we can’t let it pass without a love letter to our favorite room.
The living space, located within a 20-acre beachfront community, celebrates everything we love about quintessential Martha’s Vineyard style: showcasing soft neutral furnishings, coordinating ornaments, and short windows flanking the Atlantic Ocean. However, Diane’s heavy use of walnut stands out above all else.
We may already know the practical and aesthetic benefits of wood paneling, but the broadcaster has taken this material to even greater levels. Her dramatic use of wood is the most obvious talking point in the living room and supports the classic and traditional aesthetic. However, despite its quintessential style, overuse of wood has never been done this way before.
(Image credit: Bob Gothard/Wallace & Co. Sotheby’s International Realty)
It may seem unlikely that there’s a connection between Diane Sawyer’s living room and the current TikTok trend, but as Rhiannon Jones, interior designer and head of the Piglet in Bed brand, says…, He suggests her space accidentally taps into one of this year’s most popular interior design trends: Cabinecore.
“When we think of a cottage, we think of a rustic-looking log house in the middle of nowhere, surrounded by trees — and that’s where the trend draws its inspiration,” she begins.
“In order to create a cabin aesthetic, you need to focus on inspiration from the great outdoors, especially when it comes to materials and textures. The most important of these is wood, as adding wooden elements to your home decor is the perfect way to start creating a cabin feel in your home.”
(Image credit: Bob Gothard/Wallace & Co. Sotheby’s International Realty)
Of course, it’s not easy to redesign our entire space to feel more like a cabin — but there are some easier ways to draw inspiration from Diane Sawyer’s space.
“You can start small by doing something simple like hanging some reclaimed wood shelves, or you can invest more and make a bold move like adding some panels to your walls,” says Rhiannon.
The broadcaster paired her wood with cream sofas and a checkered rug, but other rustic materials, like polished leather and stone, work beautifully in such a space.
Rhiannon is the Brand Head for Piglet In Bed. With a degree in interior design, it is the go-to brand for all things interior design, be it color matching or the trends of the moment.
(Image credit: Bob Gothard/Wallace & Co. Sotheby’s International Realty)
Despite taking advantage of modern trends, Brad Smith, interior designer from Omni Home Ideas, explains that this material has timeless qualities that won’t go out of style over time.
‘Wood has a natural warmth and texture that lends a cozy and comfortable feel to the space. It adds an organic element to interiors, helping to create a comfortable and welcoming environment.
‘Regardless of trends, wood paneling evokes a sense of classic elegance that appeals to a wide range of aesthetics. They add architectural interest and depth to a room, making them a strong design element.’
Aside from the wood, we’re recreating the look with these pieces below.
Diane Sawyer’s home recently sold for $23.9 million. Mark Jenkins of Wallace & Co. Sotheby’s International Realty maintained the listing. Tom Wallace, principal broker for Wallace and Co. Sotheby’s International Realty, represented the buyer.
