Does the Roman Empire Trend Have the Power to Become a Decor Aesthetic?

While the Roman Empire is at the forefront of our collective mind, perhaps the next question to ask is if it has potential in our homes.

It doesn’t take much for a social media trend to take off—in all kinds of directions. Fashion inspires home decor, lifestyle aesthetics affect what we're cooking, entertainment influences design (#Barbiecore!). We’ve seen it happen with several viral trends over the past year, including Strawberry Summer, Grocery Girl decor, and tomatocore, to name a few.

Sometimes the origin is obvious; other times, they come seemingly out of nowhere. The Roman Empire trend fits into the second category.

With billions (yes, billions!) of views across multiple social media platforms, it’s safe to say a lot of people are thinking about the Roman Empire on a much more regular basis these days. And it's only natural to wonder: Is this viral topic bound to become a home aesthetic, like so many before it? Here's what interior design experts think about its home design and decor potential.

Related: How Fashion Trends Influence Our Decor and Interior Design

The Roman Empire Trend, Explained

How often do you think about the Roman Empire? As it turns out, it's on a weekly basis for some, particularly men. This social conversation began with women asking their partners, dads, or any man in their lives how often they think about the Roman Empire on video and posting their answers. The results have been consistently surprising, with many stating that they regularly think about the Roman Empire—sometimes even as often as at least once a day.

It all started on Instagram when @gaiusflavius posted a Reel stating, “Ladies, many of you do not realize how often men think about the Roman Empire. Ask your husband/boyfriend/father/brother—you will be surprised by the results!” This post was actually in response to Swedish influencer Saskia Cort, who started the trend back in September 2022 by prompting her followers to ask the men in their lives the question. It went viral in Sweden but only recently spread globally thanks to the response Reel posted by Flavius.

The shockingly consistent revelation completely overtook the internet, from TikTok to Instagram to Twitter. So far, the hashtag #romanempire has amassed over 2 billion views on TikTok and over 1 million posts on Instagram. It's now transitioned into people posting about "their Roman Empire," aka iconic pop culture moments they think of often, commentary on today's dating scene, their favorite movie, or historical events that pertain more to women's history (like the Salem Witch Trials or Marie Antoinette).

Could the Roman Empire Trend Become a Home Aesthetic?

Experts agree that the vast scope of this trend has the potential to influence a resurgence of classical and traditional design. This style exudes sophistication and elegance, along with a sense of control many people crave to exhibit in their space—so it makes sense for homeowners to channel the Roman Empire at home, says Stephanie Meyer, owner and principal designer at AVCO Design.

The return to these styles isn't necessarily new though—they've steadily increased in popularity throughout the past year. Regardless, if it has you feeling inspired, there are a few easy ways to showcase Roman influence in your decor and design.

Related: Neoclassical Interior Design Is Timeless and Traditional: Get the Look

Ways to Bring the Roman Empire Trend Home

Incorporating elements of classic and traditional design is a simple way to bring the Roman Empire trend into your home. Here are a few expert-recommended ways to pull it off.

Choose Rich Colors

Create a color palette that includes plenty of bold, rich colors, says Ashley McCollum, Glidden by PPG color expert. Think deep reds, yellows and golds, and royal blues. McCollum recommends hues like Glidden's Mecca Gold, Royal Plum, and Madeira Red. The key to getting this look is using these bold colors as accents throughout the home against neutral backdrops like soft whites, beiges, and other earthy tones.

Feature Stonework and Marble

The Romans are known for their intricate stonework and stunning architecture, so  incorporating natural stone and marble finishes in your home automatically gives off that classical feel. Go with marble countertops, natural stone tiles (in your floors or a fireplace), or even stone or marble accent furniture.

Add Roman Columns and Statues in Decor

Similarly, you can pay homage to the Empire's craftsmanship with Roman columns and statues in your decor. These pieces have been trending for a while now, so you can easily find them in secondhand stores, flea markets, modern interior design sellers, and independent Etsy shops. McCollum recommends using a Roman column as a side table to add a touch of artful elegance to your space, or add a miniature Roman bust or statue to your bookshelf as an eye-catching accent piece.

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