As the (inevitable) setting of dinner parties, the dining room (both indoors and outdoors) is responsible for provoking conversation – and the most powerful way to do so is through antiques.
As a celebrity style editor, catching glimpses of one-of-a-kind pieces in homes is consistently one of the most interesting parts of my job – mainly because these pieces are often the most unique (and personal) element of a space. They allow the homeowner to break away from cookie-cutter styles and exhibit pieces that encourage questions about the people and places they care about the most. Diane Keaton's outdoor dining space is the finest example of this.
Curated by Stephen Shadley (one of Hollywood's most celebrated designers), Keaton's room is a trove of eclectic furniture. Nothing looks as though it came as part of a set, which is why it's my favorite dining space to date. The actress chose different-shaped and colored chairs, most of which are beautifully weathered and have an upcycled aesthetic.
While I'm quite sure that Keaton could have had her pick at any dining table set she desires, her decision to decorate with eclectic pieces is indisputably more conversation-provoking.
When I look at the space, I ask myself where she found each chair and if she knows about its history – something that I don't often think when looking at more uniform spaces. It raises questions in a space where questions are supposed to be asked (and if I'm ever lucky enough to dine at Keaton's residence, I'll be sure to raise them).
While there is nothing wrong with following consistency (especially if you crave a sleek or minimalist look), the various shapes and hues in Keaton's room make a case for variety. It's a sign that, sometimes, breaking consistency in favor of more exciting pieces is more than acceptable. So much so, in fact, that even Hollywood's elite aren't immune to this more playful decor technique.
Dining chairs aside, Keaton also decorates with antiques via her statement artwork and terracotta vase, as seen in the middle of the table. We can shop the look below.
Crafted from galvanized steel, this chair comes in a solid hue of your choice to match your current aesthetic and color palette.
This landscape is printed on a high-quality canvas – it's UV and fade-resistant and easy to hang (with hardware included).
Made from traditionally colored clay, the Terracotta Urn is a timeless accessory for any Southern European-inspired dining space.
Personally, I can't bring art like this to a space outside my London apartment, but it hasn't stopped me from feeling inspired in how I decorate the hosting spaces inside my home. With only a painting and a vase, Keaton has generated two more talking points, and both these features are replicable on a smaller scale. Whether we're working with an indoor or outdoor dining space, we should look to decorate with eclectic pieces that speak to our interests – from Western-style paintings (like Keaton's) to those that pay tribute to the places we love the most.
The lesson isn't that we should replicate her furniture entirely, but instead, we should play with the pieces that speak to us – and our dining area is the ultimate canvas.
