Painted Accent Walls Are Dead – Isabella Rossellini's '90s Bedroom is A Masterclass in the 'Unexpected Curtain' Trend We're Embracing in 2026 Instead
Rather than a single wall painted in a different color, the '90s show us an alternative approach to integrating a pop – the actress was the blueprint
The end of 2025 was defined by one detail: the unexpected curtain. From curtains as cabinets, to curtains as closet doors, to curtains as room dividers, drapes are having their moment in the sun. Now that 2026 has arrived, we're coveting another curtain placement pioneered in the '90s: curtains as wall tapestry.
Based on a 1992 portrait of Isabella Rossellini, we can see that she was an early adopter of the innovative curtain idea. The archival picture shows the actress seated on her bed with her cat and two dogs nestled into her white bedding. Behind them, an orange paisley curtain brightens the wall, and arches from the ceiling in stylishly elegant folds. Her bed has a swirling iron headboard creating a splash of interest.
Recreate Isabella's Look at Home
Isabella Rossellini keeps her bedroom interesting with a pretty, swirly bedframe. This one has a similar look at a great price.
Curtains are one of the most underrated ways to add a pop of color and style to your interiors, and an orange boho style is especially impactful. Place them behind the bed for an accent wall that will never go off trend.
Ultrasoft bedding is the perfect way to elevate your bedroom from just a room into a palace of relaxation. This best-selling Cozy Earth set is a great option for those who want luxury bedding at an affordable price point.
Though painted accent walls have long been considered a dated and unattractive look, curtains as an accent wall are becoming an increasingly popular trend. For instance, Urban Outfitters Home has noticed that searches for 'wall hanging tapestry' are up 516% this season.
This interior design trend is especially popular in the bedroom, where design is moving towards more cocooning and cozy interiors. This impulse is reflected in the warm, welcoming feel of Isabella Rossellini's home.
Georgia Metcalfe, the creative director and Founder of French Bedroom, explains: 'The demand for pattern in the bedroom is driven by the influence of boutique hotels, where bold design choices and curated aesthetics have redefined bedroom style.'
As Isabella's space demonstrates, the fabric behind the bed helps to create this cozy feeling. If you are not a fan of the unexpected curtain, there are other equally chic options.
Georgia advises: 'Upholstered headboards, in particular, are an elegant way to introduce pattern and colour, creating a striking focal point that brings energy and individuality to the room. A patterned headboard sets the tone for a bedroom rich in colour and character. Style it with an abundance of cushions and throws in different patterns and tones to create a dynamic, visually engaging look, and layer a variety of textures such as velvet and linen to add depth and tactility.'
Pattern in the bedroom integrated through an unexpected curtain is this new update to the accent wall. As Isabella Rossellini's home shows, the '90s-inspired trend is beautiful, cozy and inviting.
