Nicole Roby started her interior design business in 2019 and has had the opportunity to work on a variety 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 furniture and decor to skincare, fashion accessories, art, and photography. With Rome Curate, Nicole helps her clients enhance 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 that encompasses everything related to a home. We make our own North Carolina-sourced furniture and we make our own designer rugs, but I also have a passion for Korean skincare that comes from my family background. Because of my love for fashion, we sell various leather products. And we just came back from the market and found the coolest wine glasses and luxury towels. We are so much more than a simple furniture company.
What makes Rome Curate different from other home decor companies?
Furniture and home decor is our bread and butter, but we started doing these warehouse events because I want to build a relationship with the community. That’s always been important to me. And with the warehouse events, we can connect with people who don’t necessarily want to get design services for a whole house. Maybe they just need a chair or a sofa. We’ve been able to snag special deals, like used furniture, and we have some of the samples we got from Market. So there are some really good deals, and who doesn’t love a good deal?! We’ll try to do these once a month.
What advice would you give to someone who is having trouble decorating their home or a room in it?
You need a foundational piece. That’s what I love about some of the pieces we’ve created. Some pieces are classy and have a unique look, but are still timeless. Timelessness is important to me. That’s why I would recommend starting slowly. You don’t have to redo the whole room. Start with a beautiful, basic, timeless piece and then we can build on from there. We can always add accessories later to create the different moods you want to give the room.
What’s next for Rome Curate?
We are constantly growing and adding new segments to Rome Curate. We are so excited to introduce our headboard and upholstered bed program. Sometimes people don’t want to redo their entire bedroom. But changing out your bed can give the whole room a completely different feel. Our beds are made in North Carolina and shipped right to your door. That will launch in early fall. We are also adding a whole line of bedding sets and pillows that you can complement with the bed program.
How did you get into interior design?
My mother is also in the industry. She was my role model and my love for fashion influenced me to choose this career.
What do you love most about Birmingham?
What I like most about Birmingham is that it has everything a big city offers, but still has that small-town community feel.
What do you like to do when you are not working?
It is more difficult because I have three children now, but I love watching a good TV series in one sitting. I have just The Ministry of Immoral Warfare. And I love movies. I hate to say it, but I’m a fan of celebrity gossip.
Where do you prefer to shop?
Shopping changes when you’re a mum. I do a lot of shopping for my kids and am obsessed with Children’s Edit. They’re so on point for kids’ clothes. When it comes to treating myself to 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 steak, mac and cheese and Brussels sprouts at Gianmarco’s and the trout at Chez Fonfon. But right now I’m really into La Fresca as a restaurant.
What do you like to do with your children?
In the summer we like to go to Lake Wedowee to teach them how to fish. At our home in Crestline we have a small miniature golf course in the back yard and we like to have small golf tournaments with the family and our neighbors.
What is the best advice you have ever received?
A very smart man who I respect told me that the harder he works, the luckier he gets. So when someone asks me how I started this or any other business, my best advice is the harder you work, the luckier you get, because hard work really does pay off.
Name three things you cannot live without, other than faith, family and friends.
O HUI makeup remover wipes, my eyelash curler and lip balm.
Blitz round!
What book did you last read? The mute patient by Alex Michaelides
Name a travel destination on your wish list. Jackson Hole, Wyoming
What is your favourite hidden gem in the Greater Birmingham area? The hidden park in Crestline.
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Javacia Harris Bowser
