Diane Keaton makes vintage furnishings feel modern in her pared-back 'monastic' dining room – designers swear by this decorating technique

When considering ways to bring a modern flair to your living space, vintage furnishings are an unlikely starting point. In Diane Keaton's home, however, the outcome is somehow the opposite.

Designer Stephen Shadley, who worked with Keaton to design her unmistakable monochromatic home, recently remarked on how the actress used antiques in a way we've never seen before. 'Diane was never afraid to pare it down to basics. Vintage furnishings used in a monastic setting somehow feel modern,' Shadley says.

Decorating with antiques can have a different effect in every kind of space, but in the case of a black and white dining room (as in every monochromatic space), they're left to make a statement. The unintrusive canvas means every piece of furniture has a significant impact on the room's overall aesthetic – and in Keaton's case, it's surprisingly contemporary.

Keaton's antiques may bring a modern ambiance to her dining room, but it also keeps her black-and-white palette from feeling too clinical. They offer a hint of Keaton's personality without overwhelming the minimalist space – introducing texture and one-of-a-kind details that her guests will love. It's a technique experts swear by, as Bridget Cooper, a Santa Barbara-based interior designer, explains.

'When working with a black-and-white aesthetic, incorporating vintage pieces is essential to prevent the space from feeling cold or contrived,' Cooper says.

'I like to soften the room by incorporating vintage brass-framed art or vintage fabrics for drapes – perhaps in off-white or black, but with textures like antique lace or velvet. Adding an antique metal element to the hardware or lighting always lends a timeless touch.'

Jennifer Jones, the principal designer at Niche Interiors, mirrors these sentiments. She notes how wooden and metal antiques, in particular, have a distinctly vintage look that feels quietly luxurious, just as Keaton demonstrates.

'Vintage furniture adds character and depth to a home, especially in a room with a limited color palette. Vintage wood and metal pieces develop a beautiful patina from years of aging that cannot be replicated with newer furniture,' Jones says.

'Older pieces tend to have more interesting silhouettes and design details which brings a collected feel to a space.'

The individual nature of antique pieces means it's impossible to recreate Keaton's look exactly, but you can still follow her example with the unique pieces you love. Plus, you can buy into her distinct look with some black-and-white pieces (designed by the actress herself) from Hudson Grace below.