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We all go through change in life, whether we want to or not. But when it happens, what happens to our home?

If you’re wondering what your home has to do with change, keep reading—you’ll see it right away.

Life moves, often faster than we expect.

Sometimes it’s a job change. Other times it’s a relationship shifting shape. Or simply a period when everything feels more fragile, unstable, and harder to hold together.

When that happens, our space changes too—or perhaps we’re the ones who stop recognizing it in the same way.

The home that once held us starts to feel noisy and cluttered.

Too full—or suddenly empty… but above all, it loses intention.

And it ends up reflecting exactly what we’re going through inside: a suspended space that no longer speaks our language.

(credits: Canva)

During times of change, we usually react in two opposite ways.

The first is to freeze—leaving everything as it is and hoping the feeling of disorder will pass on its own.

The second is the urge to overhaul everything, often without any clear direction.

We move furniture, buy new things, change layouts, colors, objects—trying to “start over.”

(credits: Canva)

But starting from everything rarely helps.

We need something simpler, more focused, and more human—and therefore truly possible: starting from one thing.

What I call the first stone.

– What is the first stone?

In ancient architecture, the first stone was the foundational block around which the entire structure was built.

If that stone were solid, stable, and well placed, the entire building would find its balance.

In our everyday spaces, it works the same way.

To move through this moment of home and change and truly begin again, you don’t need to fix every room at once.

You only need to identify your “first stone”: one small, defined corner that has the power to make you feel safe, present, and grounded.

It’s the space that, even when everything feels unstable, gives you an immediate sense of safety and presence.

You don’t choose it based on how it looks, but on how it makes you feel.

It’s a place that recognizes you, even when you struggle to recognize yourself.

It’s the point that, once you care for it or merely become more aware of it, makes you think: okay, I can start again from here.

(credits: Canva)

– Why starting from one point matters

During transitional periods, we need stability. The brain needs a fixed point.

Not ten. One.

This is why the home can become either a powerful ally—or an amplifier of chaos.

Trying to fix everything at once spreads your energy too thin, creates pressure, and often leaves you feeling even more disoriented.

(credits: Canva)

Working on just one space, instead, does something different.

It gives you back a sense of control, lowers mental noise, and offers a concrete place to return to.

It’s a small gesture, but a meaningful one: a way of telling yourself that you can start over without having to change everything.

– How to choose your First Stone

The first stone is not chosen with the mind, but with the body.

It’s rarely an entire room. More often, it’s a very specific spot that your body already recognizes as safe.

For some people, it’s the bed. For others, the kitchen, the entryway, or a desk.

There are no rules—there is only your personal point of stability.

To find it, pause for a moment and observe:

  • Where do you go when you’re tired?
  • Where do you sit when you need to breathe?
  • What’s the place in your home where, even for a few minutes, you feel a sense of relief?

That is your space.

It doesn’t have to be perfect. It has to be real.

(credits: Canva; Vivere lo stile)

– What to do (without turning everything upside down)

Once you’ve found your first stone, do only this:

  1. Clear it

Remove everything from that space.

The act of clearing creates a mental reset.

  1. Clean it

Not just physically—symbolically.

It’s a way of saying: “We’re starting over.”

  1. Put back only what truly matters

Not what “should” be there.

Only what feels good to you right now.

  1. Add one gesture of care

A light, something natural, a small plant, or an object that matters to you. It doesn’t need to match everything else.

  1. Look at it

Notice how it makes you feel.

Let the space speak to you—and more importantly, let it make you smile.

(credits: Canva)

– The real luxury is feeling like yourself again

Changing a small layout, moving an object, or clearing a surface won’t magically change external life events.

But it can radically change how you choose to face them.

If you’re going through a transition and feel like your home no longer supports your well-being, don’t rush to overhaul everything.

Find your first stone—and start from there.

Something surprising will happen: the rest of your home will begin to follow, effortlessly, simply because you’ve reactivated your center.

The first stone is a small gesture that opens a wide door.

It teaches us to adjust our spaces in small doses to support our biological and emotional needs.

In doing so, our environment stops being a container for furniture and becomes a quiet presence—a protective shell that supports us step by step.

(credits: Canva)

The connection between home and change is not something to suffer through.

It’s something to accompany, one step at a time.

– Let’s walk this path together

If you feel the need for guidance in re-reading your spaces with more awareness and in identifying the place that can bring you back to stability and center, I’m here.

Because feeling at home is not about the perfection we show on the outside, but about the truth and peace we feel inside.

 

Not going through a transition, but feeling like your home no longer represents you? This video might be helpful!

We live in a time where the “perfect” home seems to be the ultimate goal.

Clean lines, flawless color palettes, clutter-free surfaces; spaces that look ready for a photoshoot at any moment. And yet, sometimes, looking at them raises a question: are these homes meant to be lived in, or are they just beautiful renderings?

The truth is, not everyone needs a “perfect” home.

But everyone—without exception—needs a home that supports them.

A space that doesn’t demand performance, doesn’t judge, but welcomes you with open arms.

Because aesthetic perfection doesn’t guarantee well-being, authenticity does.

– Perfection as a standard (unattainable)

All it takes is a quick scroll through social media to feel like you’re somehow falling behind.

We see perfectly curated minimalist corners, where every object seems to have found its permanent place.

These images are beautiful and even inspiring—but they also have a hidden side: most of the time, they don’t reflect everyday life. They show a filtered version of reality.

The risk is that we start looking at our own spaces with dissatisfaction, as if our homes were never “enough.”

But real life isn’t an Instagram filter.

Instead, it’s movement, cups left on the table, and projects in progress.

(Credits: Gemini; Canva)

– When your home becomes a performance

The problem begins when we stop living in our home and start managing it.

When we tidy up not for ourselves, but “just in case someone comes over.”

Or when we avoid using certain spaces, so we don’t ruin them.

At that point, the home stops being a refuge and becomes a stage.

A place to maintain, control, and present.

It reminds me of one of my grandmothers: she used to cover her copper pieces with dishcloths to keep them from oxidizing, and she kept plastic covers on the sofa to protect it (or maybe to protect it from us grandchildren).

She would remove everything only when guests arrived.

Hers was a home to preserve, more than a home to live in.

But today, in a world that already asks us to always be “on point,” your home should be the one place where you don’t have to be.

It should simply allow you to be yourself—without filters.

(Credits: Gemini; Canva)

– Not everyone needs the same things

Some people find peace in absolute order.

Others need to be surrounded by objects, memories, and colors to feel alive.

Neither choice is right nor wrong.

The point is this: your home should work for you, not for an external standard.

If you chase an idea of perfection that doesn’t belong to you, you’ll end up feeling like a guest in your own home—unable to truly recharge.

(If you’re interested, in this video, I delve a little deeper into the topic of minimalism at all costs.)

(Credits: Canva)

– A “perfect” home isn’t a flawless one

We often think of a “perfect” home as a space without mistakes (though, really—who gets to decide what a mistake is?).

But maybe it’s time to shift perspective.

A “right” home isn’t one where everything is impeccable.

It’s one where you feel at ease.

A place where you can leave something out of place without guilt, without feeling the need to tidy up constantly.

It’s a space that speaks about you and what you love, a continuous dialogue between who you are and the environment around you.

The most beautiful homes are the authentic ones, the ones that carry the traces of the people who live in them.

Chasing a “perfect” home might feel motivating at first.

But over time, it often leads to constant dissatisfaction and makes it harder to truly enjoy your space.

Because perfection is always just out of reach.

A moving target you may never fully attain, one that can easily turn into frustration.

(Credits: Canva)

– What if you started from how you want to feel?

Shift your focus—from a “perfect” home to a home that supports you.

You can do that by changing the question.

Instead of asking: “Is my home beautiful enough?”, try asking: “How does my home make me feel?”

Welcomed? Free? Inspired?

When you shift your attention to your feelings, your design choices become clearer and more aligned.

Your home stops being a project to “complete” and becomes a living space that evolves with you.

Not a static museum, but a companion that changes as you do.

(Credits: Canva)

– And if you feel like you’re chasing a home that doesn’t feel like yours…

If these words stirred something in you, even just a little, pause for a moment.

There’s nothing wrong with you—or with your home.

You may simply be following an idea of home that isn’t truly yours.

The good news is, you can change direction.

Your home holds incredible potential—waiting to be unlocked.

It can become a space that truly welcomes you, supports you, and reflects who you are.

A place that finally says, “welcome home.”

If you’d like, we can take this journey together.

I can help you rediscover your spaces, find the invisible thread connecting aesthetics and well-being, and transform your home into a place of authentic balance—far from external standards and closer to your heart.

Feel free to reach out: let’s rediscover the beauty of your truth together.

Because feeling at home isn’t about perfection.

It’s about freedom.

I have said it many times, it is difficult for one style alone to represent your unique personality, but recognizing furniture styles is the first step to building your own!

Are you familiar with them?

Today let’s look together at the main styles, their distinctive features, materials, and colors…

Let’s get right into today’s topic and let’s see 12 of the most known styles:

1) TRADITIONAL

It is a timeless and elegant style, that often goes hand in hand with luxury.

Traditional is characterized by significant furniture elements, almost always handcrafted.

The furniture is solid wood, and the sofas and large armchairs are enveloping, all featuring traditional and precious lines.

In addition to wood, very present materials are velvet, satin, glass, and marble.

Colors that fit this style well are neutrals such as beige, creams, grays, and whites.

Accessories that complement this style of decor well are large chandeliers, mirrors, candles, and vases.

(elizahhome.ru)

2) RUSTIC

It is a style that brings back country atmospheres surrounded by nature.

And it is characterized by rough, wooden furniture elements with soft lines made by hand.

These are worn elements with a lived-in air.

In addition to wood, materials are stone, terracotta, exposed sandblasted bricks, wrought iron, and wicker.

A pretty fireplace, or at least a stove, can’t miss!

As for furniture elements, other materials are also rough, or at least do not hide imperfections.

Parquet from very knotty wood, or even terracotta that looks worn by time, or, for walls, chipped bricks will be good allies.

The colors of this style are white, gray, taupe, beige, and yellow.

Accessories that complement well are large rugs, soft plaids, and large baskets.

(Victoria Pearson)

3) MODERN

It is a style that expresses the desire for practical and functional environments and includes all design elements!

Born to break with tradition by introducing materials such as plastic, glass metals, and laminates either as actual furniture elements or to cover wood, giving it shiny and bright finishes.

This style is an unadorned and clean style with furniture that has a significantly less heavy and bulky impact, especially easy to clean.

The furnishings have clean, delicate lines with well-integrated technology to make everything more practical.

Materials found in this style are wood, ceramics, carpet, laminates, lacquered furniture, metal, and suitably treated leather.

The colors in this style are white, black, brown, and gray, brighter colors are also used and perhaps contrasted, but they are never the stars of the room.

They are used on the walls, as upholstery on furniture, and, of course, in accessories and decorations.

(meka.it)

4) CONTEMPORARY

Often confused with modern style because both styles are characterized by simple lines and shapes, contemporary style is defined by the continuous search for innovation.

Furniture is always highly functional, space-saving, and transformable to fit even the smallest spaces.

Characteristics of this style are simplicity, comfort, and attention to aesthetics.

The materials used are innovative but also valuable!

Resin is widely used in this style and also self-repairing materials (thanks to nanotechnology) such as Corian, Laminam, and Fenix.

The colors of this style are neutral, with a preference for black and white.

This style does not like frills, and decorations are kept to a minimum.

A contemporary style home cannot be without home automation for a smart home!

(tomassiniarredamenti.it)

5) INDUSTRIAL

Originated in New York City in the 1950s, when old factories, offices, and business buildings were converted to housing!

It is a style created to enhance those distinctive architectures with peculiar structural elements such as exposed pipes and concrete pillars.

The furnishings are simple and are often salvaged elements, made of aged-looking wood, leather, glass, metal, and copper.

Other typical materials of this style are exposed brick and concrete.

The colors are primary, with lots of white, blue, gray, and black.

Old metal signs and pendant lights of different sizes from the shape of old industrial lighthouses will give that extra something!

(myshambar)

6) SHABBY

It is a romantic style that harkens back to the Provencal countryside.

Shabby is characterized by pickled furniture that is worked to look ruined and give it the allure of lived-in.

They are often salvaged items revisited and redecorated, but even if new, they are worked with the pickling technique to look imperfect.

The most commonly used materials are wood, as we have seen possibly recycled, velvets, and lace.

The most suitable colors are white and pastel shades for a delicate and romantic atmosphere.

(bjurfors.se)

7) SCANDINAVIAN

It is a style very fashionable, thanks, in part, to a famous furniture distributor, let’s not give names: Ikea.

This is a modern style, bright, cozy, simple, and no-frills, but never ordinary.

It focuses on the well-being and simplicity of the home and the pleasure of small things.

The design is simple and straightforward, with much use of natural and lacquered wood.

The colors are neutral and light with shades of pastel.

Candles, fur rugs, soft pillows, and blankets provide the perfect backdrop for this style.

(shutterstock)

8) MINIMALIST

As with Scandinavian is a decorating style that loves simple, clean lines.

Here the unnecessary is absolutely banished, the rule of less is more applies, and even the decorations are few and very simple.

Order and quietness are the basis of this style.

The most commonly used materials are lacquered furniture, glass, steel, and concrete.

The colors are muted, with black and white serving as the base.

Small accents of silver in accessories brighten and complement this style!

(magazine.designbest.com)

9) VINTAGE

It is a style that we could call nostalgic because there is a lot of use of modern antiques and salvaged objects from other eras.

Vintage is definitely a style that helps you express your personality because it allows you to mix shapes and stylistic elements from other ages.

It is a unique decorating style because what you have found and researched in the various markets is unlikely to be there for someone else.

Wood, enamel, velvet, and leather make the most of it.

The colors used are bold colors such as green, orange, and yellow!

Wallpaper, items found in various markets, and colorful decorations are the must-haves of this style.

(shutterstock)

10) BOHO

It is the contraction of the word bohemian and is a “free” style; it is a style with a relaxed mood but also eccentric.

This style does not have many rules and loves the mix and match of materials, textures, and colors.

It has many exotic and extravagant elements combined with the idea of softness and coziness.

Materials such as wood, rattan, cotton, and linen are found in this style.

The colors are solid and bright but start from a neutral base.

Macramé elements, bangs, dream catchers, candles, and lanterns complete this style!

(interiorsonline.com.au)

11) ETHNIC

This style evokes distant lands, especially Africa, Asia, and Central and South America, giving the feeling of always being on the road!

Primary materials of this style are teak and mahogany wood, rattan, linen, rope, raffia, leather, and metals.

The colors are bold, reds, oranges, browns, and greens.

Souvenirs, masks, prints, and all objects reminiscent of that particular land reinforce this style!

(rifaidate.it)

12) ECLECTIC

It is the style for which the watchword is DARE: the limit is imagination!

It is a style that finds inspiration in a multitude of styles, mixing different shapes, colors, and textures.

Diversity is the common thread of this style.

No materials or colors can define this style, and there are no proper “rules”!

But precisely because of the lack of rules, it is one of the most challenging styles because it is easy to fall into kitsch!

(tomassiniarredamenti.it)

These are among the most popular and widely used furniture styles, but they are not the only ones; the glamour style, or Art Deco, comes to mind!

Styles are also frequently divided by geographic areas, as might be the Mediterranean style.

Finally, there are new trends that are becoming popular and perhaps are a reinterpretation and fusion of other furniture styles, such as Japandi, which combines Japanese and Scandinavian!

As said before, it is difficult for one style alone to represent you, but knowing the basics of these styles will enable you to better make the style mix that represents you deeply.

In fact, start with the one closest to your way of being as a base and then add in minor percentage touches of other styles!

A modern traditional, for example, could be predominantly traditional with touches of modern or, conversely, a predominance of modern with small touches of traditional!

(If you want to know more on how to mix style, I talk about it here)

If you have any doubts about how to furnish or revisit your home or even some rooms, please do not hesitate to contact me!

Looking for a house could be a nightmare…

Have you ever wondered what a house and a person have in common?

Well, finding the right one for both is not easy at all!

However, for the home, as for people, there is a certain feeling that makes us undoubtedly understand when we made the right choice.

In this article, I will tell you how to search and find that feeling and avoid turning the search for your home into a true nightmare.

Of course, I’m referring to the case where you need to buy it and not simply live in a rented house.

Because, as you might imagine, it’s when you decide to buy a home that the choice indeed becomes thoughtful.

In fact, if it is simply a rental, you will subconsciously think that it is a temporary solution, and you will be happy with it!

That being said, where should you start to find the ideal home?

First of all, you have to decide WHERE to look.

It may seem trivial, but the first thing to do is to have a clear idea of where to look for a house.

So: downtown or suburbs?

The choice will, of course, depend on the daily demands of work and family.

Both options have their disadvantages and advantages.

Just think about the convenience of having everything you need under the house if you live downtown.

On the other hand, though, you’ll have to deal with parking, a distant supermarket, and areas of foot traffic.

And so on.

Orienting the choice according to your daily rhythms is fundamental.

Don’t underestimate this aspect: otherwise, you will find yourself living your life uncomfortably.

If, on the other hand, you take the time to reflect and understand which area will best meet your needs, you will be able to experience even the most stressful moments in a more relaxed way.

Then you have to choose the TYPE of building

The first choice that must necessarily be made is between an apartment in a condominium and a detached house.

If you, like many, dream of an independent home, let me ask you:

Do you have any idea how much works you need to do to keep it always pleasant?

I’ll give you a simple example: mow the lawn.

Quite a boredom, right?

The comfort of an apartment is difficult to reach from an independent house; however, even in this case, don’t let yourself be attracted too easily.

Living in an apartment involves several limitations to your personal sphere.

Are you really sure that you can accept the condominium rules?

How will relations with neighbors be?

There is no correct answer: you have to stop for a second and imagine in which of the 2 situations you will be better off for your lifestyle.

Another aspect of the type of building to consider is whether to settle in a period building.

We can admit that it always has a particular charm with its large environments and full of spectacular sceneries at times.

However, modern buildings are built with state-of-the-art facilities, especially when it comes to energy conservation.

To find a compromise, you could look for a fully renovated period building: so as not to give up its charm and at the same time not to deprive yourself of the added value given by new energy technologies.

Lastly: “Play” with the floor plans.

The next step in choosing the type of house is to “play” with the floor plans.

Let me explain better.

Once you see the house that you think is interesting and may fit you, I recommend asking for a floor plan right away.

True, most floor plans are the cadastral ones, with all the limitations that come with them.

The important thing, though, is that you have a scale floor plan in hand and have been able to tour the house.

At this point, armed with a pencil and ruler and start drawing on the map the furniture you already have or those you intend to buy.

Position, move them, reposition them.

As I said, play!

Be careful though, make sure that the furniture you draw is also to scale; otherwise, you could be in for a nasty surprise when it’s time to get serious!

And why don’t you try to make multiple copies of the same floor plan?

This way, you’ll have more options to choose from.

Have you ever thought, otherwise, about a house to renovate?

In this case, the maneuvering range will be higher in terms of furniture because, unless you run into load-bearing walls, you can make some changes to the interior.

Even in this situation, don’t be overwhelmed by easy enthusiasm.

There is no right choice regardless, but only decisions functional to your life.

If you choose a house to renovate, in fact, in the face of a higher range for maneuver, you will have to deal with so much time and energy to spend.

You will need to rely on a surveyor or an architect and a construction company that can complete the works effectively and on time.

Again, my advice is to “play” with the floor plans.

In fact, the measurements on paper do not lie, while looking at the environment in person, you often get caught up in the enthusiasm and then find yourself with unexploited spaces.

Summing up

In short, you’ll have to choose:

– the area where you would like to live
– the type of building
– how to furnish through the use of floor plans

And always remember:

the perfect house does NOT exist.

Of course, you can always build it from the ground up; however, most of the time, you have to compromise.

And finding the right compromise is absolutely not easy.

The risk of throwing away time and money is just around the corner.

Therefore, you may want to turn to a professional to help you find the ideal choice for you and your family, without running into mistakes dictated by inexperience that will cost you very much indeed.

Because looking for a house should never be a nightmare, but only the beginning of a dream.

If you need help, don’t hesitate to contact me!