Isabella Rossellini uses unorthodox accessories in her guest room for an air of intrigue – the mysterious bedroom styling leaves me wanting more

The actress's New York B&B features a guest bedroom decorated with helmets, showing us just how far unique accessories can go

Isabella Rossellini
(Image credit: KC Armstrong/Deadline via Getty Images)

Why does Isabella Rossellini decorate with helmets? I have no idea, but one look at her unusually decorated room makes me want to know more.

In addition to being an Oscar-nominated actress and model, Isabella Rossellini is the proud founder of a bed and breakfast. The stunning B&B, Mama Haven, is located in Brookhaven, New York. Similar to Isabella's career as a performer, the property's decor is eclectic and intriguing, with unexpected accessories around every corner. Our latest fixation is one of the statement guest bedrooms, which features a vertical shelving unit that includes helmets as decorative objects. According to the caption, they are vintage racing helmet from Isabella's father, Roberto Rossellini.

While these accessories are certainly unusual, they add just the right amount of dimension and quirkiness to the room. Even better, it draws your attention in, making a visitor want to stay and get to know the room better. The original bedroom idea, has us reconsidering what kinds of items can be used to accent a space.

Shop Isabella Rossellini's eclectic bedroom look

One of the reasons that the helmets work so well as part of Isabella Rossellin's bookshelf styling is the balance between proportions of the furnishings and accessories in the room. The bulbous shape of the helmets contrasts the narrow, vertical silhouette of the shelf, while adding volume to the corner where they are positioned.

The rest of the room plays with contrasting shapes and sizes as well, from the squared edges of the ottoman and lounge chair, to the cubic, iron bed frame sitting underneath large, wood frames. The mix of materials in the space is noteworthy, too. Soft textures from the rug and transparent curtains contrast beautifully against the wood picture frames and ceiling beams, stone ottoman, and bed frame.

Additionally, I would be remiss to mention the color and pattern assortment. Tapping into the dopamine decor trend, the room features an orange duvet, pink and striped throw pillows, and an additional patterned throw blanket layered on top. This mix of prints and shades is not only visually pleasing, but ensures that the space does not look too uniform. Dopamine decor calls for adventurous styling and experimentation, so incorporating a few different colors and patterns into a space (while being careful not to overdo it) is a fantastic way to make a room pop.


This space definitely has me rethinking some of the best ways to decorate a bedroom, with unexpected accessories at the forefront of an eclectic space. While helmets are not necessarily everyone's go-to, any sentimental or visually pleasing objects can serve as fantastic decorative items in a bedroom.


Hannah Ziegler
News Editor

Hannah is Homes & Gardens’ News Editor, with a focus on celebrity style and entertainment content. She got her start in media as a digital editorial assistant at ELLE Canada, and has since written about lifestyle and culture for publications such as Nylon and i-D.

Her love of film is rivaled only by one with a great soundtrack, and she hopes to someday decorate a Nancy Meyers-worthy kitchen.

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