Vanessa Rome | Vanessa Rome Interiors
Vanessa Rome is an award-winning interior designer based in New York City. She is passionate about creating unique and visually interesting spaces that reflect both functionality and a sense of relaxed unassuming luxury. Layered with textured fabrics, refined materials, calming palettes, and custom furniture sourced from all over the world, Vanessa offers her clients homes that are timeless.
Since the inception of her firm in 2013, her projects have expanded to residential projects in Manhattan, the Hamptons, Westchester, Connecticut, South Carolina, and Florida. Today, the designer tells us about her inspiration and current projects.
Where are you from and where do you live now? I am originally from Westchester, NY and lived in Los Angeles for a few years after college prior to relocating to New York City, which is where I've been ever since. I spend my time between New York City and Sag Harbor, NY.
What was your first memory of design? When I lived in LA, I was working in the film industry and my social network consisted of film directors and artists, who exposed me to the world of design. This was also the first time I lived on my own and had to furnish my apartment, and I loved the entire process. That was the beginning of my understanding that this was a passion of mine.
What drew you to design/why did you become an interior designer?
It wasn't until years later when I relocated back to NYC that I built my first home, and I realized I wanted to turn this passion into a career.
Who are your clients?
Since this business is predominantly word-of-mouth, most of my clients are New York-based families purchasing their second or third homes.
Who is your dream client?
I've been really fortunate to have clients who many would consider "dream clients." They often come back and hire me to do another project for them. I would love to work with someone who has a fabulous art collection and a real sense of design because that would be an incredible collaboration!
What is your dream design destination or project?
Paris!
Who or what inspires you?
Travel and experiencing other cultures is the ultimate inspiration for me, as well as other designers that I admire.
Who are some of your favorite designers?
I especially love Noa Santos, Julie Hillman, and Jean-Louis Deniot. They're all very different, but I appreciate what each of them does.
What is your favorite era or movement in design?
My favorite is French Modernism.
What are some of your favorite materials and why?
I love plaster and natural materials like rich walnuts, warm oaks, and mohair.
Any upcoming inspiring travel destinations?
We recently returned from Paris, Israel, and Amsterdam, and will be returning to Amsterdam as we have a home there. This summer we are also going to the south of France.
What are you working on now?
Currently, we are working on a beach house in the Hamptons, a beach residence in Miami, two suburban homes, and several NYC apartments.
What is next for Vanessa Rome Interiors?
I purchased land in the Hamptons during COVID, and I am always dreaming of developing that property. I keep pushing it off for work, but perhaps that will be next!
Favorite design destinations in New York/Miami?
Ralph Pucci and The Carpenter's Gallery in NYC always blow me away. I also love to shop at Studio Twenty-Seven, The Invisible Collection, The Future Perfect, Art and Loom, and Fayette Studio, to name a few! The owners of Art and Loom and Fayette Studio are friends of mine, and I love working with them!
What are some design trends you are seeing in 2023?
Plaster, plaster, plaster everywhere! We are also seeing a lot of zellige tile, which brings a smile to my face because I'm half Moroccan.
What is one trend you wish would disappear? Splatter patterns, panda marble, and fluted everything!