Every once in a while, a kitchen stops us in our scrolling tracks. This was the case with Diane Keaton's vibrant LA kitchen, where her kitchen island counters demanded my attention.
Created by designer Stephen Shadley, Diane Keaton's colorful kitchen marries Mexican charm with the cool Californian style you expect from a Hollywood icon's home. The mosaic-topped kitchen island is the crowning jewel of her space. It's a place to prepare food and socialise, but functionality aside, it is a unique art piece.
'After we designed a kitchen counter and clad it in a custom brown Malibu tile, Diane decided it should be vintage California tile,' Stephen says. 'We spent months looking for enough material, even scouring eBay and buying old tile tables to disassemble.' The result is a sculptural feature that wouldn't feel displaced in a museum.
Shop the look
Whimsical, hand-painted motifs adorn this Italian-made dinnerware, bringing the charm of the Italian countryside into your kitchen shelves or tablescape. It's a beautiful depiction of the animals and motifs of Mediterranean culture.
A combination of ocean and rainbow hues, this restaurant-grade plate set is perfect for bringing some vibrancy to your kitchen. Each piece is meticulously crafted to ensure it's as functional as they are beautiful, perfect for any gathering.
Nothing brings cheer to a kitchen quite like a statement yellow vase. Fill it with stunning sunflowers to emphasise this color scheme, then pair it alongside some colored plates for the ultimate nod to Diane Keaton's space.
Diane Keaton's use of mosaics is inventive and unique to her space, but that doesn't mean we can't replicate the look in some way. Eric Bramlett is a realtor and owner of Bramlett Real Estate, where he observes design features that are likely to make a lasting impression and sell a house. Statement islands are among the most impactful.
'Tiled kitchen islands, especially mosaic-style designs, have really caught my eye recently. I've seen clients gravitate towards them as they introduce a burst of personality into kitchens that otherwise might feel flat or too traditional. One of the best aspects of using colorful mosaic tiles is how immediately they can transform the feel of the room,' Eric shares.
'Instead of just another functional countertop, your kitchen island becomes an artwork itself. I recently completed a project in Austin where we chose Mediterranean-style mosaic tiles in shades of blue, green, and terracotta. The homeowner loved how it brightened the whole space and became the instant focal point when entering the kitchen.'
As with every bold design, planning such tiles around the other features in your kitchen is vital. To avoid overwhelming your space, you should follow Diane's lead and keep much of your room neutral. This allows your island or counters to make the unrivaled statement they deserve.
'One thing I've found helpful with clients unsure about bold patterns is suggesting tiles that complement existing elements in the kitchen, like pairing mosaic tiles with matching or contrasting backsplash tiles. I advised a client who loved vintage designs to consider terrazzo tiles for their island, which brought a playful yet sophisticated retro touch to their modern kitchen,' Eric says.
'Mosaic-style tiled islands are more than just a trend; they offer a blend of practicality and personal expression. I'd encourage you to explore bold patterns, be practical about upkeep, and most importantly, choose tiles that reflect your own style and personality.'
