Diane Keaton has worked with designer Stephen Shadley for many years, and it’s fair to say that together they’ve perfected the Spanish Revival style. Her California home is a testament to this on-trend aesthetic, featuring handmade ceramics, 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 a glimpse of Keaton’s back porch, which is a remarkably simple but decidedly cozy space.
Despite the whitewashed walls and minimalist decor, this design feels effortlessly cozy and inviting. So what’s the key to creating a warm and inviting porch?
“How inviting does this porch look? Can’t you imagine relaxing on that swing with an ice cold drink on a late summer afternoon?” asks Greg Roth, senior designer at Home Front Build. “What makes this space so enticing – despite its understated architectural structure – is the story it tells through the decor. Any space, be it a country porch or a modern porch, can be made inviting, interesting and special with carefully selected and curated furniture and decor.”
“From a design history perspective, Diane’s veranda perfectly combines the right furniture and textiles,” agrees Christiane LemieuxInterior designer and founder of Lemieux et Cie. “It makes for a very balanced space. Diane’s eye works with any outdoor space by ensuring the furniture seamlessly reflects the architecture and then adding interesting accents with accessories.”
To enhance a traditional, neutral porch in a Diane Keaton-inspired style, consider how you want people to feel when they enter the space, then incorporate that into your interior design.
Greg Roth recommends investing in a cozy, plush upholstered sofa with a textured, naturally woven fabric. “That will draw you in, will invite you to relax and take off your shoes in a way that a firmly upholstered sofa doesn’t. Mid-century modern This may not be the case with a sofa with a wooden frame,” he emphasizes.
Alternatively, “use timeless rocking chairs, armchairs or a hanging swing/lounger with modern materials,” suggests Philip Vanderford, founder of Studio Thomas James. “Layer textures of wood, metal and natural fibres and add a neutral patterned rug to create comfort with soft cushions and throws in a range of neutral tones and textures.” Outdoor furniture is a must.
You can also consider natural materials for your porch, like houseplants and wood accents. Use lanterns and floor lamps to create a warm atmosphere with layered lighting, and definitely don’t forget to set up a practical side table to set drinks or your favorite summer read on.
To create a porch that feels truly warm and inviting, it’s important to personalize the space. “For your own home, you simply can’t go wrong with pieces that speak to you,” concludes Greg Roth. “Choose pieces that have inner meaning for you or that tell your personal story and unique point of view.”
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These black and glass lights add a clean and classic flair to any porch
Add a touch of organic flair to your porch with this beautiful terracotta urn
You don’t have to cover every inch of your porch with Spanish-style textiles and decor to capture the warm and rustic charm of Keaton’s home. You can also take inspiration from the modern Spanish interior design trend and design your space with natural materials and organic shapes to hint at that aesthetic.
