Under Balon’s guidance, Ruby Giulia has transformed a historic space into a contemporary, design-forward hotel that balances character, comfort, and urban authenticity.Inspired by the building’s former life as a Ministry of the Interior office, the hotel’s design draws inspiration from the glamour and intrigue of 1970s spy thrillers and is situated right in the heart of the Eternal City.
Hotel Designs: You mentioned that Ruby Giulia takes inspiration from 1970s spy films and the building’s government past. How did this narrative come to life?
Matthew Balon: The design story grew directly out of the building and its context. Ruby Giulia is housed in a former government building that once accommodated departments linked to internal security. Rather than turning this history into a literal theme, we approached it with a sense of fun. Inspired by the glamour and tension of 1970s spy films, From Rome with Love translates ideas of observation, intrigue and identity into atmosphere, materials and spatial sequences. The result is cinematic but playful, rooted in history without being nostalgic.
A great solo travel tip spotted this week on Hotel Designs.
