Ah Roma, *sigh.* The Eternal City is home to not only the Colosseum, Forum, Vatican, and Trevi Fountain, but also home to great shopping, food and design. Design inspiration from Rome will totally surprise you. You may think that a city steeped in such history would be home to over-the-top and fussy design. Don’t get me wrong, there are plenty of traditional interiors in Rome, but many more Romans want modern design within their ancient walls. Think of it this way... people with straight hair always want curly, people with curly hair always want straight. Make sense?

If you grew up in a crumbling albeit charming apartment, chances are that you would probably want all the mod cons if given the chance. That said, everything Italians do from a design standpoint looks divine - catch the Mother Church reference? As they say about Italy, and thankfully: style over substance. Luckily for us, we can gather inspiration and know that everything we do here in the States will probably look good, work and take less time than in Italy... the most bureaucratic country in the world.

Talk about a design influence. This Colosseum-inspired dining table could not get any more literal. The sleek dining room chairs pull out from under the tabletop. Oh the glory of Rome. Having such imposing dining room tables calls for very large chandeliers.     

Yours truly with an American friend who lives in Rome. Here we are enjoying lunch near the Tiber. Of course the consumption of massive amounts of food is always required on a trip to Rome.

Speaking of food, Italian kitchens, when renovated, are amazing. Italians are on the forefront of cutting edge industrial design. Here is a perfect example. This uber modern kitchen is to die for. Everything in its place, sleek and yet still warm, like the Italian spirit. Can we discuss kitchen bar stools for a minute? A perfect place to perch for pasta.  

Metallic Silver Scooper Adjustable Bar or Counter Stool

Yes, I know, I aim to please. The kitchen bar stools you never thought you would find. 

I know I look crazy, but that is what serious jet lag will do. I do have a point to this picture of me in my hotel room overlooking the Pantheon. Rome is filled with ancient buildings, columns and porticos. There is a way to celebrate this history yet be true to modern design.

Here is what I mean. I’m crazy for this cool wallpaper that is clearly made from a photograph of classical architecture. You can always check online to see if you can get images you have taken on holiday blown up to mount either on a canvas or on a wall. Also, great lighting fixtures goes without saying.

Ouch. Ancient Roman seating, no thanks. Notice how she needed some comfort in the form of an ancient pillow?

This is what I’m talking about. This room is stunning. I love the old beams and pure modern interiors. The curved dining room chairs are form fitting and are the perfect counterpoint to the structure. I need that inset uplighting immediately. 

There are not enough scrubbing bubbles in the world to get this ancient bath ready for my arrival. Although, historically it’s major.

Leave it to the Italians to turn this organic, almost catacomb space into the coolest bathroom, ever. The fluid space is very sensual. I like how the indoor wall lights add the perfect glow. Mamma Mia, I need a dose of Rome, pronto!

Images: Interior Design Pro, idesignarch, Tommaso Ziffer, Art-n-Sewl