Inspiration & Tastemakers
Designer Feature: Q&A with Vanessa Rome
Deliberate details & Serene sensations
“My style is a blend of transitional and contemporary design with an eclectic flair,” says New York City-based designer Vanessa Rome.
“I’m drawn to a very clean aesthetic, favor neutrals and textures, and enjoy when spaces feel serene.”
Photographer Marco Ricca
Name:
Vanessa Rome
Location:
New York City & The Hamptons
Occupation:
Interior Designer | Vanessa Rome Interiors
Designer Q&A
How did you get started in this field?
I always loved interior design and did it on the side as a hobby for myself and friends here and there. It was not until we built our family summer home in Sag Harbor that I had the opportunity to design a house from the ground up. After that, I was hooked, and my friends saw our house and started asking me to design their homes.
Describe your typical day.
Most days I am in my office dealing with the logistics of each project, developing room schemes for clients, and managing my team. On other days I am out in the field sourcing, reviewing custom furniture to make sure it’s up to our standards and doing site visits to check in on the development of our projects.
A home does not come together for me until the accessories and artwork have been installed. Some clients focus solely on the furnishings and have never purchased fine art before. Other clients do not have the budget for collectible art. It is my job to introduce my clients to beautiful art at all price points.
How would you describe your personal style when it comes to interior design?
My style is a blend of transitional and contemporary design with an eclectic flair. I’m drawn to a very clean aesthetic, favor neutrals and textures, and enjoy when spaces feel serene.
What's your number one piece of advice when it comes to picking artwork for a room?
It really depends on who the client is. No matter what, they first have to love what they select, and it’s important that they want to live with it for a long period of time. I try to steer them away from trendy art that is repeated on social media; but it’s a difficult balance because if they love it, they should have it, as I am not the one who has to live with it. For a collector, in addition to loving the art piece, they also have to factor in its investment. I work with art advisors for those clients.
What is the best part of what you do?
I love the beginning of a project when I have a blank canvas and my ideas are racing. It’s fun to collaborate with my team. There is so much from which to choose, especially now with how the industry has flourished with the Internet, and I love the idea of creating something original each time. I do not follow a formula, which certainly makes my job more difficult, but it keeps the passion alive!
Favorite place to experience art out in the world?
Traveling is my favorite way to experience art globally. I love visiting new cities and countries and finding local artisans. I’m an avid believer that art truly needs to be experienced in person. There is something about getting lost in the moment with an uncluttered mindset, which usually only happens on vacation!
I love so many of the artists represented on ArtStar, but I find myself zeroing in on works created by Laurent Elie Badessi, Ludwig Favre, and Liz Von Hoene.
