Reveal 61+ Charming Ancient Roman House Design Not To Be Missed

Roman house designs were developed over an extensive period of time and the resultant patterns, features, and styles were heavily influenced by the culture and customs of Ancient Rome. While the Roman Empire’s dominance spanned hundreds of years, the style of house design is often grouped together as the “Ancient Roman” style. These houses would often feature audacious and ostentatious design elements, as well as serve a purpose for the occupants as a means of repose and protection.

Ancient Roman houses were typically constructed from a mixture of materials, including stone, wood, and clay. These structures, however, were not only built to last, but to impress, and often featured vast courtyards with huge columns, detailed mosaics, ornamental fountains, and other artistic embellishments. Furthermore, such houses were strategically designed for both meandering pathways and gorgeous grounds, and were often surrounded by gardens and lush orchards built for relaxation and recreation.

Ancient Roman house designs were all about efficient use of space and providing privacy from outside scrutiny. Although these houses were built for the individual, while still providing communal protection, their inner functions were also rooted in culture and values of Ancient Rome. For example, some rooms might serve as a temple, a space to host travelers, and an area to hold banquets and other social activities, all while the architecture of the house remained rooted in its Roman style.

Ancient Roman houses were known for their bold and opulent designs, and even today these designs still inspire numerous architects, interior designers, and home decorators. Here are six inspiring examples of Ancient Roman house designs that can be used to inform your own home designs.

The Palestrina Villa: Located in Rome, the Palestrina Villa was built in the 1st century AD by the Emperor Tiberius and his mother Livia. This stately residence includes an expansive garden, a wine cellar, and a six-level courtyard. It’s a popular destination for many tourists, as it offers a unique view into the ancient world of Roman architecture.

The Imperial Palace: The Imperial Palace is one of the most famous Ancient Roman houses, located in Rome's historic center. It was the home of many of the empire's emperors, including Nero, Diocletian, and Constantine. This spacious palace includes a lavish and picturesque garden, a large swimming pool, and an impressive atrium.

The Sperlonga Villa: The Sperlonga Villa is located just outside of Rome and boasts one of the most impressive collections of sculptures from the Roman Empire. This large house features ancient wall paintings, mosaics, and Corinthian columns. This beautifully designed villa is the perfect destination for those who are looking to experience Ancient Roman-style architecture.

The Villa of the Papyri: The Villa of the Papyri is a lavish Roman villa located in Herculaneum, which was destroyed by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. The house was partially rediscovered in the 18th century and is now a popular site for tourists and admirers of ancient architecture. This sprawling residence features luxurious gardens, baths, and a large triclinium perfect for entertaining.

The Domus Aurea: The Domus Aurea was built by Emperor Nero and was one of the grandest houses ever constructed during the Roman Empire. The entire palace features richly decorated murals, frescoes, and sculptures. Today, visitors can still marvel at the intricate details of the decoration found inside the hail.

The Palazzo Massimo: Located in Rome, the Palazzo Massimo is a grandiose palace built during Ancient Roman times. This lavish residence features ample courtyards, terraces, and gardens. It also includes many ornate works of art, including sculptures and frescoes, that are perfect for any admirer of ancient Roman designs.

Ancient Roman houses were often extravagant and luxurious, but they also served other important purposes too. With their opulent decorations and intricate designs, these houses were also used to display a person's wealth and status. And to this day, these structures still inspire many architects in the way they use elaborate design elements.

These are some great Ancient Roman house designs that you should know about:

The House of the Faun: This is considered one of the most ornate houses in Ancient Rome, and it was originally built in the 2nd century BC. The house features a beautiful inner courtyard, frescoes, and a variety of sculptures. It's also located in Pompeii, making it a popular destination for tourists.

The House of Augustus: Located in Rome, the House of Augustus was built by the Emperor Augustus during the 1st century BC. This house features a large portico, as well as many other exquisite decorations. The House of Augustus has become a must-see destination for many tourists, and it's also a great example of Ancient Roman house design.

The House of the Vestal Virgins: This house belonged to the Vestal Virgins, a group of women priests who tended to the flame of the goddess Vesta. It was built around 55 BC and features a large altar in the middle of the house and the marble paving stones. This house is a great example of Ancient Roman architecture, and it demonstrates the importance of religion in the culture of the time.

The House of Menander: This house belonged to the famous Roman playwright, Menander, who lived in the 2nd century AD. The house has been partially excavated, and it includes many impressive decorations, including colorful mosaics and frescoes. It's a great example of Ancient Roman house design, and it's one of the best preserved houses from the period.

The House of the Figurines: This house is located in Pompeii and was built in the 1st century AD. It features an impressive collection of terracotta figurines, as well as a garden and courtyard with beautiful decorations. The House of the Figurines is the perfect example of Ancient Roman house design, and it demonstrates the great skill of its builders.

Roman house designs often include bold and intricate decorations, which can be overwhelming for those who are unfamiliar with the style. Here are some tips to get you started in instructions on how to decorate like the Ancient Romans did:

Choose Bold Colors: Ancient Roman houses were often brightly-colored and featured vibrant colors such as reds, yellows, and blues. When decorating in the Ancient Roman style, it’s best to use bold colors as opposed to muted tones.

Focus on Detail: Ancient Roman houses often included intricate details like intricate carvings, mosaics, and even frescoes. When decorating, look at items with delicate detail that can add to the overall look of a room.

Use Stone and Marble: Stone and marble were popular materials in Ancient Roman houses. When decorating in this style, look for pieces made with these materials for a truly authentic look.

Incorporate Greenery: Ancient Roman houses often featured lush gardens and even had trees indoors. When decorating in the Ancient Roman style, try to incorporate greenery like potted plants or even a living wall to give your space a touch of nature.

Traditional Ancient Roman house designs should be viewed as a compilation of various building techniques. The combination of precise engineering, dazzling decoration, and practical space utilization defined the style of the houses during the Roman empire. Here are some of the common traditional Roman house designs you'll find.

Atrium Houses: Atrium houses often featured a grand central space, which was often filled with gardens and sculptures. The roof was usually open to the sky, allowing natural light to filter through. These houses were generally large and spacious, and were often used as a place for entertaining and gathering.

Domus Houses: Domus houses were a popular type of house during the Roman Empire. These houses often featured a central entryway, several rooms, and an extended garden area. It was typical for these houses to have a central courtyard, as well as an impressive colonnade around the house to make it look grand.

Insulae Houses: Insulae houses were more common during the later Roman period, as they were more economical. These houses were often located in multi-family housing units, and they had limited space and often multiple floors. The insulae houses still featured some Roman décor, but they were not as extravagant as the domus and atrium houses.

Ancient Roman house designs were characterized by their grandiosity and ornateness. As such, many of the elements used in these houses were quite elaborate. From grand courtyards to intricate mosaics, these houses were a showcase for the power and wealth of the Roman Empire.

Columns: Columns are one of the most iconic features of Ancient Roman house designs. Columns could be used for structural or decorative purposes, and were often used to make a statement or elevate the design of the house.

Mosaics: Mosaics were used extensively in Ancient Roman houses, often to depict scenes from mythology or important figures from history. These mosaics were often composed of tiny colored pieces, and could take considerable skill and time to create.

Frescoes: Frescoes were often used in Ancient Roman houses to create ornate backdrops. Frescoes could be used to depict landscapes, cityscapes, and even religious scenes.

Statuary: Statues were often used as decorations in Ancient Roman houses. These sculptures could be of gods or people, and were often made of marble or bronze.

Ancient Roman houses were distinguished by the grandiose and elaborate courtyards that framed them. These open spaces were intended to impress visitors, and they often included intricate mosaics, lush gardens, and magnificent works of art. Here are some of the most notable courtyards and house designs of Ancient Rome.

The House of Livia: The House of Livia was constructed in the 1st century AD by Emperor Augustus' mother, Livia. The house featured a grand courtyard surrounded by columns and an elaborate central fountain. The courtyard also featured exquisite mosaics, which are still visible today.

The House of Fabius: The House of Fabius was built by one of Rome's most affluent citizens, Fabius Maternus. This house featured two grand courtyards, one of which was filled with sculptures. The house was also adorned with articulated marble reliefs and colorful mosaics.

The Domus Tiberiana: The Domus Tiberiana was built by the Emperor Tiberius and it featured a large garden with statues, a roofed courtyard, and a grand triclinium. It also included a large number of guest rooms, each of which was decorated with frescoes and mosaics.

The design of Ancient Roman houses was an expression of the grandeur and extravagance of the time. Although it's impossible to recreate Roman houses exactly, here are some tips for how to take some design inspiration from the great structures of Ancient Rome.

Choose Bold Colors: Ancient Roman houses were often brightly-colored and featured vibrant colors such as reds, yellows, and blues. When decorating in the Ancient Roman style, it's best to use bold colors as opposed to muted tones.

Focus on Detail: Ancient Roman houses often included intricate details such as intricate carvings, mosaics, and frescoes. When decorating, look for items with delicate detail that can add to the overall look of a room.

Use Stone and Marble: Stone and marble were popular materials in Ancient Roman houses. When decorating in this style, look for pieces made with these materials for a truly authentic look.

Incorporate Greenery: Ancient Roman houses often featured lush gardens and even had trees indoors. When decorating in the Ancient Roman style, try to incorporate greenery like potted plants or even a living wall to give your space a touch of nature.

Interior design in Ancient Rome was all about boldness and extravagance. From intricate mosaics to ornate furnishings, Ancient Roman houses were designed to show off the wealth and power of its residents. Here are a few of the main design elements used in Ancient Roman houses.

Colors and Textures: Ancient Roman houses featured vivid colors and textures. Deep reds, blues, greens, and yellows were often used to create stunning wall paintings, while mosaics of marble, ivory, and glass were used to add texture to the walls.