I've been seeing industrial kitchens everywhere recently, but as soon as I caught wind of the rising trend, it instantly took me back to the forever iconic kitchen belonging to legendary actor Diane Keaton.
Featuring a stainless steel kitchen island, countertops, and cabinets, Diane's ultra-sleek space takes its inspiration from the classic chef's kitchen. Looking back on the room years later, it's clear everything has aged gracefully, but it's the unique kitchen cabinets that have truly left their mark.
From shaker-style to glass-fronted, I'm more than familiar with all the classic cabinet styles, but Diane's are refreshingly different; they give the space a contemporary coolness that contrasts beautifully with the rustic architecture. It's no wonder the brutalist-inspired style is on the rise, with kitchens like Diane's to set the benchmark.
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From the stainless steel kitchen island to the midcentury style bar stools, Diane's kitchen is the epitome of the industrial style interior trend. Here's how to recreate the effortlessly cool look without the need for a complete kitchen overhaul.
This stainless steel utensil holder will transform mundane cooking essentials. With its intricate hammered design and fluted rim, it's a timeless choice that'll elevate any surface it's placed on.
No chef's kitchen is complete without some industrial bar stools. While vintage styles can be expensive, these metal frame counter stools feel just as chic and high-end as Diane's.
You'll notice Diane's kitchen features a pair of retro pendant lights that add to the slick feel of the space. The Menton light looks so similar, and at less than $250, it proves recreating the modern look needn't be costly.
While it's common to see kitchen islands made from hard-wearing, industrial materials, what makes the space unique is the unexpected use of stainless steel on the cabinets. In a Spanish colonial-style home, it's perhaps the last material you'd expect to see.
Designed by the renowned Stephen Shadley, it makes perfect sense that the space has stood its ground – even decades later. Described as a 'tiny kitchen' by Stephen, its design is impressively nifty; the entire kitchen unit slots into a beautifully curved niche. From the slick stainless steel kitchen countertops to the seamlessly built-in sink, it's the perfect balance of practical and stylish – qualities that are both crucial to any kitchen's design.
Anabella Mainetti, CEO of Mainefactured, says, 'Stainless steel has become one of my favorite materials. It’s not only durable and hygienic, but it reflects light in a way that makes even the smallest kitchens feel more open. There’s also a quiet confidence to it; it doesn’t pretend to be something else. It’s strong, timeless, and honest.'
What stands out to me most about Diane's kitchen isn't just its effortlessly contemporary vibe; it's its surprisingly homely feel. Despite featuring stainless steel (a notoriously stark material), the metal actually gives the space a lived-in character and uniqueness. Not only will this kitchen last through many more years of wear and tear, but it will also stand as a reminder of the surprising character and elegance of the industrial aesthetic.
Anabella touches on the unexpected kitchen material, saying, 'I think that’s why the industrial kitchen trend is rising again: people are drawn to authenticity. In a world full of disposable finishes, materials like steel, concrete, and reclaimed wood feel real. They age well, they tell stories, and they remind us that good design can be both functional and soulful.'
What I love most about Diane's kitchen is its unexpectedness. Despite the building's history, here sits an ultra-modern cooking space that exudes everything contemporary design is all about. The stainless steel kitchen cabinets and surfaces are a surprising yet perfect contrast to the rustic architecture.
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