When I first saw Diane Keaton's kitchen, my eyes immediately went somewhere they'd never typically gone before: to her sink. In a break from conventions, the metallic sink area is the most bespoke area of the room – and its planning (and creation) likely took the longest of any feature in Keaton's Spanish Colonial Revival house.
'Diane and I literally carved the sink counter into an exterior wall beneath an outside stair in her Wallace Neff home,' comments Stephen Shadley, the designer responsible for her Californian home. The entirety of Diane Keaton's chef's kitchen pays homage to his genius, but, as he notes, the sink is the most bespoke (and, I'd say, the most sentimental) feature.
As a celebrity style editor, I catch glimpses of impressive kitchens every day, and I will admit the sink area doesn't often leave an impression. Usually, I'm drawn to cabinet colors, statement islands, or backsplashes, as these features frequently influence design trends. However, Stephen brings a rare emphasis to the kitchen sink.
The curved archway framing the sink and counters makes the area feel like an exhibition space in Diane's kitchen.
When you first look at the image, your eyes are drawn to what is set inside the center of the curve, in contrast to the kitchen island, for example. The nook-like space feels somewhat separated from the rest of the room, making it feel individual and unique – yet the metal materials allow for cohesion with the broader space.
The abundance of metal, both around the sink and the rest of the kitchen, is, however, something Diane's space has in common with other celebrity homes. In recent months, I've written about how David and Victoria Beckham and Lenny Kravitz have all introduced metallic finishes in their mixed metal kitchens – and it's only increasing in popularity. According to home experts, this is no surprise.
'Metal kitchens might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you’re planning a remodel, but in my experience, they’re one of the smartest, most practical choices out there. I’ve seen it time and time again – both in residential homes and in commercial spaces here in Austin – metal, especially stainless steel, just works,' comments Eric Bramlett, a realtor and owner of Bramlett Real Estate,
'It holds up, it looks good, and it makes life easier in a way that other materials often don’t.'
If you want to enjoy metal's sleek finish (and unrivaled durability) without a renovation, you can do so with these accessories. I particularly love the cutting board (from Wayfair) as a modern alternative to its traditonal wooden counterpart.
Featuring a L-shaped Folded Edge, this clever design allows the entire cutting board to be firmly fixed to the table, making it less likely to slide and easier for you to operate during every meal prep.
Antique-style designs look right at home in a traditional kitchen, and this cabinet pull has a lighter finish. It comes in a ten-pack with five various size options.
Made of durable and high-quality polished stainless steel with a mirrored finish, this is the ultimate kitchen tool set. They have a thick construction, so they will not break or bend, no matter how often you use them.
'I’ll be honest: metal kitchens aren’t for everyone. Some people prefer a more traditional look, and that’s fine. But for those who want something practical, modern, and built to last, it’s hard to beat,' Eric says. 'I’ve seen it transform homes here in Austin, and every time, the feedback is the same – people love how functional and low-maintenance it is.' In my case, I've seen it contribute to the uniqueness of Diane's home, and I can't argue with her style.
