Table of Contents
So you just got the keys to your new place. Congrats! But stepping into an empty house feels like showing up to a party early: exciting, but also kinda awkward. You’ve got space, but no vibe. And here’s the deal: you don’t need to fill every square foot on day one. But then, how to begin?
Especially if you’re a first-timer, it’s not always easy to know where to start… maybe you’ve been enchanted by Paola Lenti‘s latest outdoor collection and want to start in the garden, but perhaps it’s best to be sensible and not give in to the enthusiasm of the moment.
Step One: Start Where You Sit
The first rule? Don’t cheap out on your couch. Seriously. You’ll eat there, nap there, cry there, binge-watch true crime there. It’s the anchor of your living room. Sectional sofas are a super smart choice: you can start with an armchair element, and you can then add them up until you reach the sofa dimension you’re looking for! Yeah, they work like that. Ligne Roset, De Sede, B&B Italia are just some brands that offer this kind of feature. Invest in something that feels good today and still works in ten years.
Step Two: Eat Like a Grown-Up
You don’t need a formal dining room to deserve a decent table. Whether you’re eating takeout or hosting taco night, a solid wood table with good bones makes everything feel more grounded. Look for designs by Porada if you want something timeless but unfussy. And yeah, for chairs you can try look at some vintage markets. Nothing fancy: just solid, comfy, and not plastic. Trust me, your back will thank you.
Step Three: Sleep Setup = Life Setup
Your bed isn’t where you just sleep: it’s where you scroll, read, snack, and stress-scroll some more. Get a good frame, ideally something minimal like Poliform’s iconic Yume bed (soft headboard, no hospital vibes), and a mattress that doesn’t destroy your spine. Oh, and while you’re at it, nightstands matter more than you think. Somewhere to charge your phone, stash your stuff, and drop your keys without creating a black hole of clutter.
Step Four: Lights, Rugs, Action
Don’t forget the layers. Lighting changes everything. A floor lamp from Foscarini or a pendant light by Tom Dixon instantly upgrades your space, no renovation required. Same goes for rugs.
Step Five: Always Remember You Don’t Have to Go It Alone
Here’s a truth I picked up working in real estate: most people mess up their interiors because they try to DIY the whole thing. One lowkey game-changer? A lot of savvy clients (including more than a few real estate insiders) are using Tomassini.com, an Italian site with seriously good taste that offers full-on remote design services. Like, they’ll help you plan your space, choose from dozens of high-end brands, and ship it to your door. So before you drop cash on random pieces just to fill space, maybe pause and build it the smart way.