Spanish design is beloved for its warmth and sense of history, so it's no surprise that timeless style icon Diane Keaton features the look proudly in her home. Her interior designer, Stephen Shadley, shared a photo of her former Beverly Hills house, and we couldn't help but notice the role intricate ironwork plays in elevating the space.
Shadley's Instagram carousel featured Keaton's entryway, starting with a shot of her on her iron stairs on the first slide, and the full entryway design on the second slide with the stairs in the top right. The space is complete with all the trappings of Spanish revival design. From the terracotta floors to the arched doorways, to the inclusion of natural wood furniture and pottery, Keaton's entryway perfectly embodies the style. In both images, the curling black ironwork of the staircase situates the room and provides a beautiful contrast against the beautiful whites of the walls. Whether as part of a staircase or art piece, it's easy to bring this touch into your own home.
If you are looking to upgrade your entryway, experts say Keaton's design is one of the most classic staircase ideas. 'Diane Keaton’s entryway exudes elegance and warmth, largely due to the stunning ironwork on the staircase,' says Nina Lichtenstein, Westchester-based interior designer. 'The intricate, curved design of the iron railing perfectly complements the arched doorways and architectural details that flow throughout the space, creating a sense of cohesion. This graceful ironwork introduces an organic quality, softening the structure of the stairs while adding an artisanal touch that anchors the entryway. The subtle curves of the ironwork align beautifully with the curvature of the furniture and decor, making the entire space feel harmonious.'
It's also an essential element of contemporary California design. Soledad Alzaga, San Francisco-based interior designer, states: 'The ironwork of Diane Keaton’s staircase adds an architectural element that is typical of Spanish Colonial style homes in California. The patterns of the ironwork give a sense of craftsmanship and history, giving the staircase a sense of timeless elegance. The dark metal contrasts with the lighter walls drawing attention to the staircase as a classic and beautiful decorative feature.'
If you hope to create a similar scheme in your home, a focus on integrating curves to introduce flow is a wonderful place to start. For instance, Lichtenstein observes: 'The iron railing mirrors the elegant design of the ceiling light in the distance, enhancing the overall flow of the room and further emphasizing the curves found throughout the space. This connection not only draws attention to the beauty of the staircase but also enhances the room’s verticality, contributing to the feeling of grandeur.'
It's also worth considering the impact an iron staircase like this has on an entryway color idea. 'The black railing, set against wood stairs, ties perfectly into the room’s neutral color palette, reinforcing the understated elegance of the space,' says Lichtenstein. 'This choice creates a dramatic focal point that elevates the entryway and enhances the perception of its scale. The clean white walls serve as a backdrop, allowing the staircase’s details and the accompanying decor—such as carefully placed artwork, lush greenery, and blue and green pots—to take center stage, adding pops of color that energize the entryway.'
Shop The Spanish Style Entryway Edit
Made from a warm, traditionally colored clay, the Terracotta Urn is a timeless accessory for any southern European-inspired living space. It would make the perfect focal point at the center of the space on a console table.
A pop of blue brightens and uplifts any Spanish-style space. Featuring dramatic curves and an elegant finish, this piece is a delicate accessory for any entryway.
A variety of textures is essential to creating a Spanish-style entryway with character and layers. These taper holders perfectly unite the antique and modern sensibilities of this style.
To create your own Spanish-style entryway, consider where you might introduce black ironwork in your home. Lichtenstein concludes: 'This design choice elevates the entryway, making it more than just a transitional space. It introduces a sense of sophistication and artfulness that sets the tone for the home, blending charm and refinement in a way that feels both inviting and timeless. The result is an entryway that embodies Keaton’s signature style—classic, yet full of character and warmth.'
The best designs emerge when no detail is considered too small to completely transform a space.
