Nicole Roby launched her interior design business in 2019 and had the opportunity to work on a wide range of projects, including high-end residential designs, commercial projects in Downtown Birmingham, designs for tech companies like Shipt, and homes across the country. But Nicole knew she wanted to do more. So, in the fall of 2023, she launched Rome Curate, a luxury lifestyle brand offering everything from custom home furnishings and decor to skincare, fashion accessories, art, and photography. Through Rome Curate, Nicole helps her customers elevate their homes with timeless pieces from her carefully curated collection. We’re excited to introduce our newest FACE of Birmingham, Nicole Roby of Rome Curate.
What was your vision for Rome Curate?
Rome Curate was born out of a vision of a lifestyle brand encompassing everything to do with a home. We make our own furniture from North Carolina, and we make our own designer rugs, but I also have a passion for Korean skincare that ties in with my family background. Because of my love of fashion, we sell different leather products. And we just got back from Market and found the coolest wine glasses and luxury towels. We’re so much more than a basic furniture company.
What sets Rome Curate apart from other home decor companies?
Furniture and home decor are our bread and butter, but we started doing these warehouse events because I want to be able to have a relationship with the community. That’s always been important to me. And with the warehouse events, we’re able to interact with people who wouldn’t necessarily want to reach out for design services for a whole home. Maybe they’re just needing a chair or a sofa. We were able to get our hands on special buys, like gently used furniture, and we have some of the samples that we got from Market. So, there are some really good deals and who doesn’t love a good deal?! We’re going to try to do these once a month.
What advice would you give to someone who’s having trouble decorating their home or a room in their home?
You’ve got to have a foundational piece. That’s what I love about some of the pieces we’ve created. Some pieces are elevated and have a unique look but are still timeless. Timelessness is important to me. So, I would recommend starting slow. You don’t have to redo a whole room. Start out with one nice, foundational, timeless piece, and then we can build from there. We can always add accessories later to have those different vibes you want to give to the room.
What’s next for Rome Curate?
We’re constantly growing and adding new segments to Rome Curate. We’re so excited to introduce our headboard and upholstered bed program. Sometimes, people don’t want to redo their entire bedroom. But if you change out your bed, it can give you a totally different vibe to the whole room. Our beds are made in North Carolina and shipped directly to your doorstep. That will be launched in early fall. With that, we are also adding a slew of bedding ensembles and pillows that you can accessorize with the bed program.
How did you get into interior design?
My mother is also in the industry. Having her to look up to and always loving fashion made me want to choose this as my career.
What do you love most about Birmingham?
My favorite thing about Birmingham is that it gives everything a huge city would give, but it still has that small-town community feeling.
What do you like to do when you’re not working?
It’s harder to do because I’ve got three kids now, but I do love to binge-watch a good TV show. I just recently watched The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare. And I love movies. I hate to say this, but I am a sucker for celebrity gossip.
Where are some of your favorite places to shop?
Shopping changes when you’re a mom. I do a lot of shopping for my children and am obsessed with Children’s Edit. They’re so on trend for children’s clothing. When it comes to spoiling myself with a fabulous outfit, I love Le Weekend.
What are your favorite local restaurants?
I love Le Fresca. I always get the catch of the day. My two favorite dishes in town are the ribeye, macaroni and cheese, and Brussels sprouts at Gianmarco’s and the trout from Chez Fonfon. But right now, I’m really vibing with La Fresca as a restaurant.
What do you like to do with your children?
During the summer, we love to go to Lake Wedowee to teach them to fish. At our home in Crestline, we have a little putt-putt range in the backyard, and we love having little golf tournaments with the family and our neighbors.
What’s the best advice you’ve been given?
A very smart man I respect told me that the harder he works, the luckier he gets. So when people ask me how I started this business and another one, my best advice is that the harder you work, the luckier you get because hard work really does pay off.
Other than faith, family, and friends, name three things you can’t live without.
O HUI makeup remover wipes, my eyelash curler, and lip balm.
Lightning Round!
What’s the last book you read? The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides
Name one bucket list travel destination. Jackson Hole, Wyoming
What’s your favorite hidden gem in Greater Birmingham? The Hidden Park in Crestline.
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