We can gather knowledge of roman design from the stone and metal artifacts from Pompeii and Herculaneum and other references in literature and art. One thing is for sure, there was no microwaves, OR in-door plumbing, tvs, and clocks in Roman days. (duh) Sundials were used, and metal boxes were filled with hot coal which kept your house warm though the night. Yet, many people, (like myself) find such beauty in the old roman architecture that is often not seen today.
In todays society, quantity, rather than quality matter. Today corporations would rather pump out a massive product that is cheaply made than put time and effort into making something that is hand crafted with quality materials. It is interesting to note that in roman design, there was often very little furniture. Although, let it be known that what they did have was usually rare and expensive, and made with high quality material and fine workmanship. One could reason that their interior walls were so elaborately decorated because it was one form of decor that was in reach and didn't cost any money. In today's society, we see homes filled to the brim with knick knacks, yet, the faux work on the walls have virtually disappeared, because we have replaced it with purchases of "things", instead of using what we had. Roman ceilings were vaulted and painted in brilliant colors, or they were divided into panels by beams. Doors were richly paneled and carved, or plated with bronze, or made of solid bronze. Doorposts were sheathed with beautifully carved marble.
Common roman furniture were mirrors on walls, desks/writing tables, chests of drawers, and display cabinets with glass doors. Couches were extremely popular in Roman Culture. They were often extremely ornamental. A lectus couch could act as a sofa and also a bed. Early mattresses were stuffed with straw; later they were made of wool and even feathers.
Lectus Roman Couch
The famous curule chair that we see in almost every magazine spread is now gaining popularity again. Chairs were not upholstered, but cushions were used.
Mabel Brady Garvan Collection, Yale University Art Gallery
Chests were found in every house. They were usually made of wood and often bound with iron. Small chests were made of silver or gold. Cabinets were often beautifully decorated. Needless to say, The Roman period of design is still looked at as an inspiration to designers around the world.
Interiors Style Photo Credit Valletta
Domed Ceilings Italian Culture / French Italian Photo Credit Diana Muse
Ornate Iron Stair Railing Roman Greek- Picture Credit k_346452-on-flickr
House Interiors LimeStone Walls Iron Stair Railing, Antique Doors Stone Flooring
Iron Ornate Stair Railing / Stone walls Floors Photo Credit Remodelista
Painted Mural Italian Interior
Patterned Tiled Flooring is an interesting concept for an outdoor patio idea. Adding a punch of color in a patterned tile is an unexpected thought for an outdoor decor. Roman floors were often found covered with contrasting marble tiles or with mosaic pictures. Picture Credit- National Geographic
Photo Credit -Jim and Emmy Humberd
Interior Ballister Painted Mural- Photo Credit New York Times.jpg)
I cut this out of a magazine because I thought the wood styled walls were fabulous. It creates an old world castle-ispired look that you see in Europe. Dark walls work really well if you have quite a bit of light coming into the room. If your home doesn't have as much natural light exposure, and you are really drawn to dark walls, - be sure to put a lot of energy into creating light for your room. Dark colors eat up all the light, so wire your home to turn on the lamps in a r0om at your light switch.
This is not really (roman), but it fits in with a theme styled design. The old style wood beams are regal, while the curved church doors really make the room!
