As a celebrity style editor, I catch glimpses of many homes around Los Angeles, but arguably nowhere captures its spirit like Diane Keaton's estate. A product of designer Stephen Shadley's genius, the monochromatic home is a celebration of the Spanish Colonial Revival aesthetic – featuring mosaics, terracotta urns, and limewashed planters. This includes the most practical space in her home: the kitchen island.
When considering kitchen island ideas, you're likely to consider what this feature can contribute both practically and aesthetically – but in Diane's space, the latter appears to take priority.
The actress has decorated her white marble countertops with three large cactuses (held in distressed terracotta planters) and a statement vase, complete with a mosaic rim to complete the Spanish Revival look.
Shop the look
Perfect for storing cactuses, this terracotta planter is one of the most versatile containers you can choose. It looks perfect in the kitchen while also making the a Spanish Revival statement in your entryway, living space or even on your porch.
This terracotta option would look right at home in a Spanish Revival home like Diane's. It might be slightly too oversized for a regular kitchen island, but you can still get the look by placing it to side of your island or somewhere else in your kitchen.
Add a touch of organic flair to your porch using this gorgeous distressed urn, similar to the one seen in Diane's kitchen. We love how its generous size demands attention in any space, whether its near an island or outside on your porch or terrace.
While I understand that overtaking precious counter space with oversized vases and planters is not possible in many kitchens (including my own, considering I live in a small city apartment), Diane has still changed how I think about styling.
In kitchens, it can make sense to prioritize functionality, but it remains a space with the potential to be decorated to the same heights as the rest of your home. Filling her island countertop with decorative items has reminded me to approach kitchen design in a more personal way. Maybe I can't enjoy cacti as large as hers, but I can still redesign to make space for a snake plant or a vase of flowers, especially over springtime. Plus, designers suggest I am not alone.
'Clients are becoming more adventurous with islands; they want to create an interesting focal point for the room,' comments Dave Young, the founder of HUSK Kitchens.
'We always advise that clients think carefully about how they want to use the island; for some, they want a social hub; for others, more space for storage or a food prep area. Also, we advise considering how the island looks from the back; this is often the side that faces the room and provides an opportunity to add personality with interesting finishes or storage.'
As Dave explains, kitchen islands are a 'mainstay in our kitchens, providing a place to cook, dine and socialize,' but their aesthetic shouldn't be overlooked. You can have the best of both and incorporate an island that complements your interior scheme and adds further character to your room.
With such a dominant focal point, it is worth considering how you want to use the island and how to ensure it remains functional. Diane Keaton's is an example of one that falls on the side of style, but you really can have both.
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