As the world associates Isabella Rossellini with Hollywood (especially amid the Oscars buzz), we wanted to draw attention to the East Coast – specifically Bellport, Long Island.
The Conclave actress designed a beautiful rural home (named Mama Farm) along with acclaimed architect Pietro Cicognani, and its red exterior color is among its most defining features. While red has a reputation as being notoriously tricky to use, Isabella's porch reminds us never to overlook this color entirely.
With the correct minimalist styling, strategic planting, and the incorporation of other earthy tones, red can be a powerful tool. It's changed our front porch ideas for the better and permits us to use the hue strategically and in moderation.
'[This is] looking out from the porch-like entrance of this renovated nineteenth-century bank barn in Bellport, covered in stained pine and barn-red clapboards,' Pietro says via Instagram.
Isabella balances the red clapboard with well-curated outdoor furniture and earthy wood tones that allow her exterior space to breathe. Despite her decorating with red outside, it feels calm – and you don't need a terrace as spacious as Isabella's to follow her example.
'A back porch should feel like an extension of your home – comfortable, inviting, and effortlessly put together. If I were styling a porch, especially one attached to a red home, I want to remember that balance is key. Red is a bold color all on its own, so to stay in balance it would be best to select furniture and decor that is a little more understated. I would select items in neutral tones like warm wood, navy, black, or soft grays – think earth tone colors,' comments Jodi Peterman, the CEO and owner at Elizabeth Erin Designs.
'Those tones work beautifully against red without competing for attention with the red.'
The first step to minimizing furniture is to think about how you want to use your space. In Isabella's case, she has restricted her pieces to just three chairs and a collection of considered planters. This ensures her porch is primarily functional and accessorized to perfection – allowing the deep wood and red tones to take center stage.
'Function is the key to how the space will flow. Too many pieces can make the space feel cluttered and restrict movement, which takes away from the relaxed vibe a porch should have. Instead of filling every inch, focus on one or two key seating areas – a cozy conversation spot with lounge chairs or a classic dining setup for outdoor meals. Let the space breathe. Ottomans can also be a great addition for extra seating when needed or a place to rest your feet after a long day,' Jodi adds.
This simple yet classic Jalieah chair is low-slung and portable, with a solid acacia-wood frame and woven webbing seat and back. It's intrusive yet practical, perfect for a porch of any color.
Ceramic has long been a tried and true material, but this blue colorway brings a unique twist to a classic. We particularly love its rounded shape with a crackled, mosaic pattern look with a smooth feel that's a perfect addition to every porch.
Finding weather-resistant furniture that you can also store away is a hard task. But these folding patio chairs are not only space-saving and durable but will provide stylish extra seating too.
As mentioned, Isabella's plants are as cleverly placed as her minimalist furniture. The trick to getting this right, however, is just as simple.
'Plants should feel like they were purposely meant to be in that space, not an afterthought. Large potted plants can act as natural dividers, especially if you use a rectangular planter or several tall, narrow ones. This gives a nice separation to the space and creates some privacy,' Jodi says.
'Hanging plants or climbing vines can add a lush backdrop without taking up floor space. The key is layering – mixing heights and textures so the plants and furniture feel like they belong together rather than competing.' When in doubt, keep your furniture minimal and your plant heights varied – your results will almost surely be Isabella Rossellini-approved.
