Actress Isabella Rossellini may be synonymous with Hollywood, but she has a second legacy in Bellport, Long Island. Together with the architect Pietro Cicognani the Blue velvet star has created a wildly original farmhouse (called Mama Farm) that defies convention, and no room embodies this more than Isabella Rossellini's dark, wooden farmhouse kitchen.
It seems fitting that a home on 28 acres has a kitchen that celebrates its rustic roots—but unlike traditional spaces with this preferred design style, it places an emphasis on one feature: rich dark wood.
Shop the selection of wooden kitchens
Following Isabella's example doesn't have to require expensive panels and cabinets. I love experimenting with neutral accessories like this Beautiful cutting board from Magnolia's collection at Target.
Square wooden board with carved edge – hearth and hand with magnolia
Showcase both form and function with this elegant serving board. It is made of natural wood and features gently wavy edges. It's ideal for displaying appetizers and 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 into the kitchen, I always start with the basics. Slate and pepper mills offer an easy and inexpensive way to add an extra touch of color to wood. I particularly like the distinctive design of this set from Wayfair, which combines functionality 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 shape, is equally suitable for everyday use, entertaining, or as an eye-catching display on open shelves.
The days when light wood paired with white walls and Scandinavian furniture characterized the interior are long gone. The design world is gradually shifting towards darker woods such as oak, walnut and teak, which are increasingly being used for flooring, furniture, wall paneling and especially kitchens.
Rossellini's room perfectly illustrates how these rich tones can transform a space into something both tactile and inspiring.
“Kitchens made of dark wood, [particularly those that use wood extensively as seen in Rossellini’s kitchen]“You feel natural and connected to the earth,” says Cathy Dean, CEO and founder of Studio Dean. “Artificial colors that deviate from an authentic, organic aesthetic are not necessary.”
Rossellini's kitchen shows how the thoughtful use of darker woods can transform a functional space into a creative retreat. “We love incorporating nature into our interior design, and wood is the warmest, most tactile way to achieve this,” explains Matt Phillips, operations manager at Rotpunkt.
“The color and grain of the wood are just as important as the choice of paint or furniture,” he says. Your kitchen is a clear example of how dark wood can anchor and enhance a design concept.
Phillips has observed that interior design continues to embrace nature-inspired aesthetics, sustainable materials and energy-efficient furnishings. Kitchens like Rossellini's naturally meet all three criteria.
“Modern kitchen planning allows these rich wood tones to provide a stronger connection to nature while also meeting the desire for dark colors, textures and statement pieces,” he notes.
Ultimately, darker kitchens, like Rossellini's wooden hideaway, convey luxury and sophistication. Combined with high-quality materials such as walnut and glass, they add depth, dimension and a feeling of richness that goes far beyond functionality. Your kitchen remains a constant source of inspiration for designers and homeowners alike.