Moving into a new apartment or house is always exciting, but it can also be stressful – especially when faced with the question: where do you start and what do you actually need to buy right away? To save you time, money, and nerves, we’ve prepared a practical checklist of essentials that will make your new home functional and comfortable from day one. When moving in, you don’t need to have everything immediately – the key is to start with the basics that make a home functional: a bed, a sofa, a table, wardrobes, and essential lighting. Everything else can be added gradually, according to your style and budget.
1. Living Room – The Heart of the Home
When you first move into a new apartment or house, the living room usually becomes the first space where you spend most of your time. It’s the place to relax after a long day, to gather with family or friends, and where the true feeling of “home” begins. That’s why it’s so important to choose furniture that is both comfortable and functional. The most important piece in every living room is the sofa or sectional. It is the centerpiece of the space and the anchor around which everything else is built – whether you’re having your morning coffee, watching movies, or welcoming guests. A quality sofa doesn’t necessarily have to be huge; what matters most is that it fits the size of the room and your daily needs. Alongside the sofa, a coffee table is almost indispensable. At first, it may seem like just a small detail, but its practicality quickly becomes clear the moment you set down a cup, remote control, or book. Beyond functionality, a coffee table also serves as a decorative element, giving the room character – whether minimalist, rustic, or anything in between, depending on its materials and design. The third key element of any living room is a TV stand or shelving unit. Nowadays, almost everyone has a television or at least some multimedia equipment, so it’s worth having a piece of furniture that integrates it seamlessly into the space. In addition to enhancing the overall look of the room, a TV unit helps with organization by concealing cables and other small items that would otherwise create clutter. If you live in a smaller apartment, it’s worth considering multifunctional pieces. For example, a coffee table with built-in storage is a great way to save space while keeping things tidy. These smart solutions make it possible for even small living rooms to feel open, practical, and inviting.
CALLIGARIS - EDGAR 3 seater sofa
KAVE HOME MARTINA 3-seater modular sofa with hand chaise longue
CALLIGARIS - MUSHROOM Coffee table
KAVE HOME - MAILEN 2 door TV stand in ash veneer with a natural finish 120 x 50 cm
2. Bedroom – For a Good Night’s Sleep
The bedroom is the room where we spend a third of our lives, and that’s exactly why it deserves special attention when it comes to furnishing. It’s not just a place to sleep, but also a sanctuary where we relax, recharge, and begin each new day. The foundation of every bedroom, and the most important investment you can make, is undoubtedly the bed with a quality mattress. A well-chosen mattress doesn’t just mean comfort; it also means long-term health. Proper spinal support and restful sleep will positively affect your mood and productivity. Still, no bedroom would be complete without storage solutions. A wardrobe or chest of drawers is essential for keeping the space neat and functional. When everything has its place – clothes, bedding, seasonal items – the room feels more airy and serene. And it’s precisely this sense of order that contributes to a calming bedroom atmosphere. At first glance, it might seem like a small detail, but a nightstand is one of those furniture pieces that makes a big difference in daily life. Having a spot to place a book, glasses, or a glass of water within arm’s reach adds both practicality and comfort. On top of that, it’s the perfect place for a lamp that creates a cozy atmosphere before bedtime. If you’re moving into a smaller apartment or studio, it’s worth considering space-saving solutions. A bed with built-in drawers or under-mattress storage can be an excellent option, providing additional space without taking up extra square footage. These smart solutions allow even a small bedroom to stay tidy, organized, and spacious enough for truly restful sleep.
KAVE HOME - MARTINA Bed
CALLIGARIS - DOLLY Bed, wooden slat system
PEDRALI - BLUME Sideboard
KAVE HOME - SALAYA Tall sideboard
TOMASELLA - CAPITOL 2-Drawer bedside
ROYAL SLEEPER - DEVONSHIRE Mattress
3. Kitchen and Dining Area – A Place to Gather
The kitchen and dining area are often the heart of the home, not only for meals but also for gatherings, conversations, and shared moments. That’s why it’s important for these spaces to be both functional and inviting, as many family and friendship memories are created right there. The first step in furnishing this area is choosing a dining table and chairs. A table doesn’t need to be large to be practical – it just needs to suit your space and lifestyle. If you usually eat alone or with a partner, a smaller table may be more than enough, while foldable or extendable models are ideal for those who occasionally host guests. Chairs should be comfortable yet easy to maintain, since they are pieces of furniture used every single day. Basic kitchen cabinets and storage units are indispensable for keeping the kitchen neat and functional. They allow for organized storage of dishes, utensils, and groceries, while also contributing to the room’s overall look. A well-designed kitchen makes daily routines easier and can even turn cooking into a joy, whether you’re preparing a quick meal after work or hosting a dinner. Lighting should not be overlooked, especially above the dining table. It serves not only a practical purpose but also has a major impact on atmosphere. Warm, well-directed light can transform an ordinary meal into a special experience, while a modern chandelier or pendant light can act as a decorative centerpiece of the room. If you’re unsure which style to choose, it’s always wise to start with neutral tones. White, gray, beige, or light wood shades are easy to combine with accessories and accents, which you can later switch up according to the season or your mood. This way, you create a timeless space that’s also flexible and adaptable to your personal style.
MINIFORMS - MANERO Dining table
MINIFORMS - CLARETTA Dining chair
GERVASONI - BRASS Ceiling lamp
BONALDO - GOCCE Chandelier crystal droplets
4.Bathroom – Functionality First
At first glance, the bathroom may seem like a simple space, but in reality, it requires good organization to be both functional and pleasant to use. Although often the smallest room in the home, it has to accommodate a multitude of items – from cosmetics and towels to detergents and personal care essentials. That’s why it’s important to plan the furniture and accessories wisely. A mirror with a built-in cabinet is one of the most practical solutions. Not only does it visually enlarge the space and add brightness, but it also hides all those little things that usually create clutter – toothbrushes, creams, or medications. This way, the bathroom looks tidier, and everything you need stays within easy reach. Shelves or a small cabinet for towels are also indispensable. There’s nothing better than neatly folded, easily accessible towels, and having extra storage prevents items from piling up on countertops. Depending on the size of your bathroom, you can choose wall-mounted shelves to save space or a closed cabinet that protects textiles from moisture and dust. Finally, practical baskets – whether for laundry or cosmetics – make a big difference in everyday life. They help keep things organized and prevent the bathroom from looking messy. Moreover, today’s baskets come in very stylish designs, often made from natural materials like bamboo or cotton, making them both functional and decorative. With the right choice of these essential elements, even a small bathroom can become a tidy, organized, and aesthetically pleasing space where you’ll feel comfortable every single day.
KAVE HOME - PARANA Wall cabinet
KAVE HOME - PLUBIA Cabinet with mirror
KAVE HOME - ARELY Set of 2 shelves
KAVE HOME - YESSIRA Natural fibre clothes basket
KAVE HOME - DELINA Square countertop washbasin in white terrazzo
5.Accessories That Make the Difference
Accessories are the details that turn a house from a simple space into a personal sanctuary, and they often say the most about your style and personality. While the main furniture pieces form the backbone of the interior, it’s the decorations and finishing touches that bring warmth and atmosphere, making you truly feel “at home.” Rugs are one of the strongest elements in creating a cozy ambiance. In addition to adding warmth underfoot and improving acoustic comfort, they tie the space together and give it extra dimension. A large rug can visually expand the room and make it feel more luxurious, while smaller, colorful rugs bring vibrancy and playfulness. Curtains or blinds serve both a practical and aesthetic purpose. They provide privacy and allow you to control the light throughout the day, while also greatly influencing the overall feel of the room. Light, airy curtains create a sense of freshness and ease, while heavier fabrics add a touch of elegance and warmth. Decorative lamps are another excellent way to add personality and character to your home. Beyond the main lighting, fixtures like floor lamps or table lamps create a more intimate atmosphere and can highlight certain corners of the room. Their shape and design often make them stand out as artistic pieces in their own right. Finally, nothing brings life into a space quite like plants or artwork. Green plants create freshness, purify the air, and add a natural element, while paintings, photographs, or posters give the walls character and tell your story. These details are flexible and easy to switch out, keeping your home dynamic and adaptable to your mood. It’s exactly these final touches that make the difference between a space that is simply furnished and a home where you truly feel comfortable and at ease.
CALLIGARIS - OMBRA carpet
KAVE HOME - MARZA Curtain in beige
MOGG - COSTANTINA OPAL Lamps with dimmable LED
KAVE HOME - JUHE Ash veneer floor lamp
KAVE HOME - MERCADAL Ceramic table lamp
KAVE HOME - OLIVO Artificial Olive Tree
KAVE HOME - KLIS picture made of linen
Moving into a new home is always filled with excitement, but it also comes with its fair share of challenges. The key is not to get overwhelmed by the details right away, but to focus on the essentials – the core furniture and practical pieces that make daily life comfortable and functional. Once your living room, bedroom, kitchen, and bathroom are equipped with the basics, your new space instantly becomes a place where you can relax and truly feel at home. Everything else – decorations, accents, and personal touches – can be added gradually, reflecting your style and budget. This way, your home grows with you, becoming not only practical but also a genuine expression of your personality.
