Diane Keaton: Actress, Producer, Dinnerware Designer

Oscar-winning actress Diane Keaton is taking her talents to a different stage, as she unveils 'K by Keaton', a tabletop collection she created for Bed, Bath, and Beyond.

In an interview with the New York Times, the Annie Hall star discussed her inspiration and her approach to design, which didn't emerge overnight: Keaton's love of architecture helped her to become what the Times describes as a serial house flipper, and she co-wrote a book on Spanish architecture - California Romantica - in 2007.

K by Keaton is a collection of affordably priced stoneware cups, bowls and plates in neutral colors ('inspired by wheat, grass, and bark').

I want something I feel will last and has some weight to it and is very simple. Like, for example, I don't understand why we don't eat more food out of bowls, Keaton said. I could eat all of my meals out of bowls.

What's appealing right now is not to punch it up with a lot of color.

Some of the more whimsical pieces in the tableware collection include directives - a table that has the word EAT printed across it; a bowl with YUM written in its center. The prices start at $5, and will likely appeal to a very wide audience.

As you know, I'm more of an entertainment person, Keaton told the Times. But I have a real passion for design. It means a lot to me to have the opportunity to even try this.

Keaton's first major role was as Kay Adams-Corleone in the original Godfather, and she became America's sweetheart when Woody Allen cast her as the female lead in a string of films througout the 1970s. She won the Academy Award in 1977 for her portrayal of the title character in Annie Hall.

Her films have earned a cumulative gross of over $1.1 billion in North America.

[Source: New York Times]

I'm more of an entertainment person, but I have a real passion for design. It means a lot to me to have the opportunity to even try this.