Turns Out, the Secret to a Cozy, Ambient Kitchen Is in Strategic Lighting – Isabella Rossellini's Farmhouse Space Is the Only Blueprint to Follow
All too often, functionality is prioritized over aesthetics when it comes to kitchen lighting, but Isabella's atmospheric space shows it's possible to combine both
When considering beautiful lighting, you’re likely to reserve the best pieces for areas that demand a warm, welcoming ambiance, whether that’s your entryway or living room. As the most functional room in the home, the kitchen often trades beauty for durability and accessibility, but Isabella Rossellini’s space shows that the two can work in harmony.
Alongside architect Pietro Cicognani, Isabella designed a wooden kitchen that’s anything but sterile. It’s filled with rich, dark wood and decorative crockery and glassware that bring a hint of the actress’s personality into the space. However, the real key to its inviting atmosphere lies in the strategic use of kitchen lighting, otherwise known as task lighting.
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Inspired by Isabella's pendant, this light is perfect for over kitchen islands, counters, or any area in need of a sculptural statement, it pairs effortlessly with E26 incandescent or LED bulbs (not included). Thoughtfully crafted, it’s as much a design centerpiece as it is a practical lighting solution.
Bring industrial edge and Isabella-inspired elegance to your space with this chandelier. Its sculptural metal form and artistic silhouette turn any ceiling into a striking focal point, while meticulous craftsmanship and high-quality finishes ensure lasting beauty in any kitchen.
With its vintage-inspired, umbrella-shaped shade and elegant brass details, this pendant light is the perfect addition to a cozy kitchen or eat-in area. It blends timeless elegance with a subtle industrial flair and is ideally sized to illuminate a small seating space.
For a pendant light that adds texture and sophistication, this pleated stoneware design is a chic choice for any kitchen. The elegant pairing of cream and brass creates a timeless, refined look that elevates your space – it would look so charming in a cottage kitchen.
Featuring a bold black and brass palette, this pendant light showcases a larger ribbed glass shade that adds texture and warmth to any space. Stylish and practical, it delivers a cozy, curated look while remaining easy to clean
Available in black, dark gray, and matte white, this pendant is a slightly larger alternative to the vintage-style I've spotlighted. It still features the scalloped edges and is compatible with dimmer switches for the perfect ambiance.
'Most people don't realise their kitchen lighting is working against them until they try to read a recipe or spot whether their chicken is properly cooked,' says Caitlin King, CEO of Wrap Your Kitchen. 'The difference proper lighting makes is incredible; suddenly cooking becomes enjoyable again instead of a chore you're fumbling through.' To make the most of your kitchen, as Isabella does, Caitlin breaks down her clever task-lighting technique.
'Task lighting does exactly what it says on the tin. It helps you complete specific jobs without straining your eyes or second-guessing whether that chicken breast is cooked through,' she says.
Alongside pendants, Caitlin suggests using under-cabinet LED strips (like these from Amazon) to keep the lighting ambient and functional, but never overbearing. 'They shine light directly onto your countertops where you do most of your prep work, eliminating those annoying shadows that make cooking feel like guesswork,' she says.
'Under-cabinet lighting transforms how you use your kitchen. Suddenly you can see the true colours of your ingredients, read recipe measurements clearly, and spot any mess that needs cleaning up.”'
For areas away from cabinets, pendants like Isabella's are the ultimate blueprint. 'Consider pendant lights over kitchen islands or breakfast bars. They bring light down to where you need it most,' she notes. If there's ever a cue to follow suit, it's now.
