Isabella Rossellini’s Dark Wood Kitchen Is a Masterpiece
Actress Isabella Rossellini may be synonymous with Hollywood, but she has a second legacy in Bellport, Long Island. Together with architect Pietro Cicognani, the Blue Velvet star created a highly original rural home (named Mama Farm) that ignores conventions, and no space epitomizes this quite like Isabella Rossellini’s dark wooden farmhouse kitchen.
It seems fitting that a home set across 28 acres has a kitchen that celebrates its rustic roots – yet unlike conventional spaces with this favored design style, it prioritizes one feature: rich dark wood.
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Following Isabella’s example does not need to involve expensive panels and cabinets. I love experimenting with neutral accessories, such as this beautiful chopping board from Magnolia’s collection at Target.
Carved Edge Square Wood Board – Hearth & Hand with Magnolia
Showcase both form and function with this elegant serving board. Made from natural wood and featuring gently scalloped edges, it’s ideal for presenting appetizers, charcuterie, or simply adding a stylish touch to your open kitchen shelves.
Dakota Fields Malaysia Salt and Pepper Shakers
When introducing a new texture or material to the kitchen, I always begin with the essentials. Slate and pepper mills offer a simple, budget-friendly way to add an extra wood tone. I’m especially drawn to the distinctive design of this set from Wayfair, which blends practicality with subtle style.
Tondo 5.75″ Small Acacia Wood Serving Bowl
The best kitchen accessories are as beautiful as they are functional. This acacia wood piece, with its rich grain and smooth, sculptural form, works equally well for everyday use, entertaining, or as a striking display on open shelves.
Long gone are the days when pale woods paired with white walls and Scandinavian furniture defined interiors. The design world has been gradually shifting toward darker-toned woods such as oak, walnut, and teak, which are increasingly used for flooring, furniture, wall paneling, and especially kitchens.
Rossellini’s space perfectly illustrates how these rich tones can transform a space into something both tactile and inspiring.
‘Dark wooden kitchens, [particularly those that use wood extensively as seen in Rossellini’s kitchen], feel natural and connected to the earth,’ says Cathy Dean, CEO and founder of Studio Dean. ‘There is no need for artificial colors that break away from an authentic, organic aesthetic.’
Rossellini’s kitchen shows how thoughtful use of darker woods can turn a functional space into a creative retreat. ‘We love bringing nature into our interior designs, and wood is the warmest and most tactile way to achieve this,’ explains Matt Phillips, head of operations at Rotpunkt.
‘The color and grain of the wood are just as important as paint or furniture choice,’ he says. Her kitchen is a clear example of how dark wood can anchor and elevate a design scheme.
Phillips has observed that interior design continues to embrace nature-inspired aesthetics, sustainable materials, and energy-efficient fixtures. Kitchens like Rossellini’s naturally satisfy all three.
‘Modern kitchen planning allows these rich wood tones to create a stronger connection with nature while responding to the desire for dark colors, textures, and statement pieces,’ he notes.
Ultimately, darker kitchens exemplified by Rossellini’s wooden sanctuary convey luxury and sophistication. When combined with quality materials such as walnut and glass, they add depth, dimension, and a sense of richness that goes far beyond functionality. Her kitchen remains an enduring source of inspiration for designers and homeowners alike.
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