I've seen 100s of twists on the modern farmhouse style, but Diane Keaton's is the most inventive – here's why her living space is so individual
The Stephen Shadley-designed room has broken the traditional cookie-cutter aesthetic, and it's made me rethink how this cult-favorite style should look


As a celebrity style editor, exploring homes owned by the world's most notable figures comes as part of the job – as does finding a common theme between their spaces. The modern farmhouse look is perhaps the one I see more than any other – and, with its rustic roots but its ability to impress in a contemporary home, it's easy to understand why. With that said, however, this versatile look can sometimes feel a little bit vanilla, so incorporating individuality is key. This is where Diane Keaton's living room takes center stage.
Designed by Hollywood-favorite designer Stephen Shadley, the room offers the most personal take on the modern farmhouse style to date. Keaton is known for her quirkiness, so this is only fitting, after all.
Unlike the conventional, cookie-cutter ways of following this style, Keaton has created a warmer, cozier space via a plethora of antiques and vintage furniture that exhibit more personality than the modern pieces I tend to see in other farmhouse-style living rooms. Her curated pieces ensure it feels anything but bland, and I can't believe how simple it is to follow suit.
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While there is certainly nothing wrong with bringing in contemporary neutral furnishings (as I won't dispute that they can look both chic and sleek), decorating with antiques truly brings the modern farmhouse aesthetic to life. From her statement artwork to the marble bear statues and books on her coffee table, the decor feels as personal as it is lighthearted and fun.
As mentioned, it comes as part of the role to see themes in celebrity houses, but this includes common threads in individual properties – and in Keaton's, the Spanish Revival trend is undeniable throughout. This look is arguably best seen in her kitchen, where quintessential arches meet limewashed walls, but in the living room, this Mediterranean style takes on a new meaning, thanks to the modern farmhouse aesthetic.
Staying true to the classic Southern European theme seen around her property, Keaton experiments with mosaic planters, colorful tiles, and glass chandeliers that differ from the 'industrial' style fixtures I tend to see in modern farmhouse rooms. These pieces not only interrupt the black-and-white color scheme (a staple of the farmhouse look), but they continue to bring Keaton's personality to life in a way that can feel rarer in modern homes.
Another close example I can find is this shot below. It, too, draws from the fundamental modern farmhouse principals (exposed beams, brick, and a black and white base), but it's kept interesting with earthy-toned soft furnishings and a quirky coffee table.
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Following Keaton's lead is simple, even if we can't all own a Sullivan Canyon revival. Though my house doesn't follow the modern farmhouse style, she's still reminded me of the power of antiques, even if it's something as seemingly small as a planter or coffee table book (not that I need any more encouragment to pick up any more hardbacks for my over-filled shelves). Modern farmhouse or not, this is our cue to fill our living rooms with unique pieces that call our name. I'd say i's what Keaton would want.
Shop Diane Keaton's new Hudson Grace collection

Megan is the Head of Celebrity Style News at Homes & Gardens, where she leads the celebrity/ news team. She has a history in interior design, travel, and news journalism, having lived and worked in New York, Paris, and, currently, London. Megan has bylines in Livingetc, The Telegraph, and IRK Magazine, and has interviewed the likes of Drew Barrymore, Ayesha Curry, Michelle Keegan, and Tan France, among others. She lives in a London apartment with her antique typewriter and an eclectic espresso cup collection, and dreams of a Kelly Wearstler-designed home.
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