I've seen 100s of twists on the modern farmhouse style, but Diane Keaton's is the most inventive – here's why her living space is so individual

The Stephen Shadley-designed room has broken the traditional cookie-cutter aesthetic, and it's made me rethink how this cult-favorite style should look

Diane Keaton
(Image credit: Ruven Afanador)

As a celebrity style editor, exploring homes owned by the world's most notable figures comes as part of the job – as does finding a common theme between their spaces. The modern farmhouse look is perhaps the one I see more than any other – and, with its rustic roots but its ability to impress in a contemporary home, it's easy to understand why. With that said, however, this versatile look can sometimes feel a little bit vanilla, so incorporating individuality is key. This is where Diane Keaton's living room takes center stage.

Designed by Hollywood-favorite designer Stephen Shadley, the room offers the most personal take on the modern farmhouse style to date. Keaton is known for her quirkiness, so this is only fitting, after all.

Unlike the conventional, cookie-cutter ways of following this style, Keaton has created a warmer, cozier space via a plethora of antiques and vintage furniture that exhibit more personality than the modern pieces I tend to see in other farmhouse-style living rooms. Her curated pieces ensure it feels anything but bland, and I can't believe how simple it is to follow suit.

While there is certainly nothing wrong with bringing in contemporary neutral furnishings (as I won't dispute that they can look both chic and sleek), decorating with antiques truly brings the modern farmhouse aesthetic to life. From her statement artwork to the marble bear statues and books on her coffee table, the decor feels as personal as it is lighthearted and fun.

As mentioned, it comes as part of the role to see themes in celebrity houses, but this includes common threads in individual properties – and in Keaton's, the Spanish Revival trend is undeniable throughout. This look is arguably best seen in her kitchen, where quintessential arches meet limewashed walls, but in the living room, this Mediterranean style takes on a new meaning, thanks to the modern farmhouse aesthetic.

Staying true to the classic Southern European theme seen around her property, Keaton experiments with mosaic planters, colorful tiles, and glass chandeliers that differ from the 'industrial' style fixtures I tend to see in modern farmhouse rooms. These pieces not only interrupt the black-and-white color scheme (a staple of the farmhouse look), but they continue to bring Keaton's personality to life in a way that can feel rarer in modern homes.

Another close example I can find is this shot below. It, too, draws from the fundamental modern farmhouse principals (exposed beams, brick, and a black and white base), but it's kept interesting with earthy-toned soft furnishings and a quirky coffee table.

Modern Mediterranean furniture

(Image credit: OKA)

Following Keaton's lead is simple, even if we can't all own a Sullivan Canyon revival. Though my house doesn't follow the modern farmhouse style, she's still reminded me of the power of antiques, even if it's something as seemingly small as a planter or coffee table book (not that I need any more encouragment to pick up any more hardbacks for my over-filled shelves). Modern farmhouse or not, this is our cue to fill our living rooms with unique pieces that call our name. I'd say i's what Keaton would want.


Shop Diane Keaton's new Hudson Grace collection


Megan Slack
Head of Celebrity Style News

Megan is the Head of Celebrity Style News at Homes & Gardens. She first joined Future Plc as a News Writer across their interiors titles, including Livingetc and Real Homes, before becoming H&G's News Editor in April 2022. She now leads the Celebrity/ News team. Before joining Future, Megan worked as a News Explainer at The Telegraph, following her MA in International Journalism at the University of Leeds. During her BA in English Literature and Creative Writing, she gained writing experience in the US while studying in New York. Megan also focused on travel writing during her time living in Paris, where she produced content for a French travel site. She currently lives in London with her antique typewriter and an expansive collection of houseplants.