Diane Keaton has collaborated with designer Stephen Shadley for many years, and it's fair to say that together they've mastered the Spanish Revival style. Her California home showcases this trendy aesthetic, featuring handmade pottery, rustic beams, and traditional lighting that exudes a timeless charm.
No part of Keaton's home escapes this meticulous attention to detail; even her outdoor spaces capture the relaxed and rustic Spanish style. In an Instagram post shared by Shadley, we got to peek at Keaton’s back porch which is a remarkably pared-back, yet decidedly homey, space.
Despite its whitewashed walls and minimal furnishings, something about this design feels effortlessly cozy and welcoming. So, what is the key to creating a warm and welcoming porch?
'How inviting does this porch look? Can’t you just imagine yourself unwinding on that swing with an icy drink on a late summer afternoon?' asks Greg Roth, Senior Designer at Home Front Build. 'What makes this space so alluring – despite its low-key architectural bones – is the story it tells through the furnishings. Any space, whether it be a cottage porch or contemporary porch, can be made to feel inviting, interesting, and special with carefully selected and curated furniture and décor.'
'Diane’s porch perfectly blends the right furniture and textiles from a design history perspective,' agrees Christiane Lemieux, interior design expert and Founder of Lemieux et Cie. 'It does make for a very balanced space. Diane’s eye works for every outdoor space by making the furniture reflect the architecture seamlessly and then adding interest with accessories.'
To elevate a traditional neutral porch in a Diane Keaton-inspired style, consider how you want people who enter the space to feel and then allow this to inform your interior decor.
Greg Roth recommends investing in a cozy, plushly upholstered loveseat in a textural natural woven fabric. 'This will draw you in, will beckon you to relax and kick your shoes off, in a way that a tightly upholstered mid-century modern wood-frame sofa may not,' he points out.
Alternatively, ‘incorporate timeless rocking chairs, armchairs, or a hanging swing/daybed with modern materials,' suggests Philip Vanderford, Founder of Studio Thomas James. 'Layer textures using wood, metal, and natural fibers, and add a neutral-toned pattern rug to ensure comfort with plush cushions and throws in various neutral shades and textures.’ Outdoor furniture is a must.
You may also want to consider introducing natural materials to your porch, such as houseplants and wooden accents. Use lanterns and floor lamps to create a warm ambiance with layered lighting, and whatever you do, don't forget to include a functional side table to rest drinks or your favorite summer read.
Lastly, to design a porch that feels truly warm and inviting, it’s important to personalize the space. ‘For your own home, you simply never can go wrong with pieces that speak to you,’ concludes Greg Roth. ‘Select pieces that have inherent meaning for you or that tell your personal story and unique point of view.’
Shop the Edit
These black and glass light fixtures bring a clean and classic feel to any porch
Add a touch of organic flair to your porch using this gorgeous terracotta urn
You don't have to furnish every inch of your porch with Spanish-style textiles and decor to capture the warm and rustic appeal of Keaton's home. You could also take inspiration from the modern Spanish interior design trend and curate your space with natural materials and organic forms to hint at this aesthetic.
