How to Create Roman-Style Decor in Your Home
Though Roman-style decor might be inspired by an ancient civilization, it has continued to have a huge influence on interior design over the millennia. And while it has evolved slightly over time, it remains a truly classical style.
The Roman design was elegant, refined and, at the same time, imposing. Their buildings were of truly monumental proportions, with high ceilings and wide-open spaces. So, if you want to recreate the architectural and decorative style used by the Ancient Roman elite, space is the key.
In this article, we’ll show you how to achieve authentic Roman-style decor using textures, colors, and ornaments.
Tips for creating Roman-style decor
To create the perfect Roman-style decor, you need to take inspiration from the Roman domus, which belonged to wealthy, upper-class families.
Dimensions
Generally speaking, Roman buildings were large in size, regardless of their function. They usually had high ceilings and bright, spacious rooms.
To truly imitate the Roman style, you must first try to imitate the type of space they would have lived in. There are a number of ways you can make your home look much more spacious than it actually is.
Structures
In Ancient Rome, architectural beauty was signified by a sense of order and simplicity, and every item was perfectly designed to reflect these ideals. This, in turn, is reflected in the designs of the buildings themselves.
It’s important to mention that most Roman buildings included ornate decorative features, such as columns, archways, and cornices. It was also common to decorate the entrance-way with inscriptions, or sculptures of the gods.
Tip 1
One of the simplest and most effective ways to achieve the Roman look in your home is to install faux columns at strategic points around the room. While there are many designs to choose from, it’s best to look for those with a marble-effect to give your home an authentic and elegant touch.
Another option is to look for Roman-inspired furniture, like the example you can see in the image below. You can also find glass-topped pedestal tables that feature a base made up of miniature columns.
Tip 2
If you don’t want to incorporate large items such as columns into your home, there are other alternatives.
In the Roman era, it was common to decorate the walls with elaborate frescoes, which made the room feel more spacious. Today, you can achieve the same effect with wallpaper.
Roman-style decor – color pallet
While white, marble and beige tones are the undisputed stars of Roman decor, gold also played an important role in this style. If you want to create a more sumptuous look, you can also incorporate red, blue, and brown elements.
Tip 3
Ideally, your color pallet should be made up of gold and pastel tones. This will help to preserve that sense of brightness and spaciousness. While you can add other colors, these should be kept to a minimum.
Roman-style decor – furniture and accessories
In the time of the Ancient Roman Empire, furniture was kept to a minimum. For the Romans, furniture was practical, above all else.
However, they had no qualms about decorating with sculptures, ceramics, paintings and other pieces of artwork, both inside and outside their homes.
Tip 4
If you haven’t incorporated any other Roman-style elements into your home, furniture is a great option. Classical and sophisticated, this furniture never goes out of fashion. However, when it comes to the Roman-style, less is more. It’s all too easy for your home to look crowded.
You can also incorporate Roman-inspired vases and jars. These subtle decorative items can have a huge impact, helping to emphasize the style without cluttering up your home.
Mosaics: a potential ally
Roman domus often had mosaic flooring, featuring patterns and designs that reflected each different type of room. For example, bathroom mosaics would often feature sea creatures and fish.
While you might not be able to decorate your own floors with mosaics, you can find rugs and carpeting which imitate Roman designs.
There are so many different ways to create Roman-style decor in your home. The most important thing is to capture the essence of this fascinating era without cluttering your space.