I expect, despite all the splendor, to keep the size as modest and small as possible, since I could certainly never afford a large villa
What is important to me here is that it is really made from noble materials (Corinthian columns, frescoes, marble floors, mosaics, sculptures, etc.)
However, even on a small plot, the noble material you mention has to be paid for. Even "material" alone is a major cost factor, even if only used in small amounts.
For example, with normal tiles: one person can afford 90€ or 130€ porcelain stoneware tiles, another only 20€ but still pays a lot for their house. Where do you think your wishes will end up?
When I think of embellishments or putti, they only work as a whole. I cannot imagine designing a standard villa with a glamorous entrance; for me, it would be intentional but not skillful. Personally, I don't like it either.
Definitely, early on I had the dream to enable an own house in classical Roman style at some point during my life.
I would say: you can like many things, you can have a penchant for this and that, but you don't have to have everything.
That's what a hobby is for. Many people join medieval clubs because they have an affinity for that era. Spending your vacation in a tent or hut as they had back then also has its charm. But very few probably want to build their entire life around it ;)
I see the realization of your interest more in possibly designing a bathroom in a normal house to give you that flair.
Certainly there are many other styles that also have their charm, but I have always wondered why nowadays so little is actually built in that style.
That is clearly because every style has its time. And we simply no longer live in ancient Roman times.
I would be satisfied with a small building as a life goal, ideally a size that still allows for a small atrium with an inspiring garden.
An atrium is nice. I like courtyards.
However, with today's energy-saving regulations it is difficult, and with today’s building costs, a standard house is already the highest one can achieve in a lifetime.
Therefore, I can only advise you to live out your penchant in a hobby, with picture books, or through vacations. Everything else is far from any reality.
Of course, you can also design your garden later. On vacation, I have seen some misguided house plans with exactly these front gardens – personally, I always get eye strain from this implementation in such quantity and frequency.
An amphora in a rock garden can look very nice, but if it’s too much, it’s too much.