As we set out on on our journey of purchasing a home in Italy, we encountered an array of cultural quirks and unique qualities that sets Italian homes apart from what most are accustomed to in the US. Amidst historic architecture, frescoed ceilings, and ornate moldings, we found ourselves enchanted by the old-world charm that permeates Italian living spaces while also being intrigued by some things.
Curious about some differences and cultural quirks with Italian real estate as it compares to the US? Let’s take a peek...
The Great Staging Debate
In the US, staging a home for sale has become an art form and standard practice. Picture-perfect rooms with strategically placed succulents, the scent of chocolate chip cookies baking in the oven wafting through the home and fluffy throws reign supreme. But in Italy? You might encounter a wet towel casually strewn across the bathroom floor or a half-empty wine glass on the nightstand. Likewise, often the listing photos don't do the properties justice with poor lighting and awkward angles that fail to capture the true charm of the space. I guess you could consider it a refreshing departure from the meticulously staged scenes of American homes, offering a glimpse into the authentic, lived-in charm of Italian living. So, while you might not find perfectly fluffed pillows and freshly cut flowers adorning every corner, what you will discover is the essence of Italian life, complete with all its imperfections.
Kitchen Chronicles & Conveyances
Everyone knows that Italians have a deep-rooted appreciation for the art of cooking and dining. They view the kitchen as the heart of the home where culinary magic happens. You will find that most kitchens are enclosed, known as "cucina chiusa" in Italian. Unlike the open-plan layouts popular in many Western countries, enclosed kitchens offer a sense of intimacy and coziness, creating a dedicated space where the aromas of simmering sauces and sizzling pans can flourish without encroaching on other living areas.
In fact, even in apartments, Italian homes are often designed with distinct "day" and "night" zones, a concept that reflects a thoughtful approach to living space and functionality. The "zona giorno" (day zone) typically includes the living room, dining room, and kitchen—areas where daily activities and social interactions take place. This zone is designed to be welcoming and open, ideal for entertaining guests and family gatherings. In contrast, the "zona notte" (night zone) encompasses the bedrooms and bathrooms, providing a private, tranquil space for rest and relaxation. This separation not only enhances privacy but also helps maintain a clear distinction between social and personal areas within the home.
You may also be shocked to not even find a kitchen! Sometimes the kitchen isn’t even included in the deal and the sellers remove appliances, cabinets and counters to relocate them to their new home. So, if you walk into your dream home in Italy and find an empty space where the kitchen should be, don’t panic, but factor the cost of a adding a kitchen into your purchase. Fortunately, kitchens seem to be much less expensive in Italy than in the US!
Lights Out
Lights, camera, confusion! In addition to a missing kitchen, it’s not uncommon to find homes where the lighting fixtures have been mysteriously removed, leaving behind a puzzling spaghetti of wires. It’s all about that rustic charm, right? Again, don't assume everything conveys when you tour a property in Italy! This was definitely a surprise to us when we turned our keys and stepped into our new place for the first time to find wires where lights had been when we first toured the property. That first night in our new home was a bit dark until we could head to our neighborhood lighting shop the next day!
Dryer Drama: Who Knew?
In Italian homes, you may find the washing machine in unexpected spots like the kitchen or bathroom. And, you won't often find dryers in Italian homes. Unlike in the US, where we toss wet clothes straight into the dryer, Italian apartments usually just have a small washing machine. People hang their laundry out to dry "under the Tuscan sun" or inside on a clothes rack. Luckily, we have both a washer and dryer in our place, tucked away in a closet off the kitchen.
We've owned our home for almost a year and only just recently tried out the dryer since we always opt to air dry. But guess what? It stopped working almost as soon as we turned it on! That's when we discovered something interesting: European dryers don't vent outside. So, where does all the moisture go? There's actually a tank that needs to be emptied every so often! It was quite a surprise for us. Once we figured this out, we were back in business.
No, That's Not a Foot Bath!
While bidets are relatively uncommon in American households, they are a standard fixture in bathrooms throughout Italy and are considered essential for thorough hygiene after using the toilet. This may come as a surprise to some buyers not familiar with bidets. Even in the tiniest of bathrooms, every home we viewed during our search had a bidet.
Aircon Absentia
Some house hunters might also be surprised not to find air conditioning in Italian homes. Due to the age of many buildings in Italy, most do not have air conditioning installed. Instead, during the warmer months, windows are often opened to encourage natural airflow with shutters to block the sun. Compounding this is that many Italians hold the belief that excessive air conditioning can be detrimental to health (more on that soon). Italian homes frequently feature stone or tile flooring, which is both practical and aesthetic, especially in warmer climates, whereas carpeting is more common in the US.
In Italian homes, shutters play a vital role in regulating light, temperature, and airflow throughout the day. The rhythm of opening and closing shutters optimizes comfort and energy efficiency. In the morning, as the sun rises, shutters are typically opened to allow natural light to flood the interior spaces, creating a bright and welcoming atmosphere. At this time, cool morning breezes may also be welcomed in, refreshing the home and promoting air circulation. As the day progresses and the sun reaches its peak, shutters are gradually closed to block out the intense heat and harsh sunlight, helping to keep the interior cool and shaded. In the late afternoon and evening, as the sun begins to set, shutters may be opened once again to allow for cross ventilation and to enjoy the cooler evening air. This rhythmic pattern of opening and closing shutters is a simple yet effective way to adapt to the changing conditions of the day and optimize comfort within the home.
In addition to shutters, another factor contributing to the comfort of Italian homes sans AC is the construction of thick walls, often made of stone or brick. These sturdy walls provide excellent insulation, helping to regulate indoor temperatures and reduce the need for artificial heating or cooling. This stands in contrast to newer homes in the US, which often have thinner walls made of wood or drywall with layers of insulation. After moving in to our home, we opted to have air conditioning installed in all living spaces, although we use it less frequently than we do in the US, embracing the Italian approach to natural ventilation and climate control.
Window screens, icemakers, and ceiling fans are other features you aren't likely to find in an Italian home. Unlike in the US, where window screens are common to keep out insects while letting in fresh air, Italian homes often forgo this feature, relying instead on shutters to regulate airflow and light. With the prevalence of mosquitos in Tuscany, this was something we added to our home quickly after moving in. The absence of icemakers in refrigerators is another difference; Italians typically use ice trays if they need ice, reflecting less emphasis on chilled beverages for Italians. Ceiling fans, while prevalent in many American homes, are also a rarity in Italy.
So Many Trash Cans
Trash separation in Lucca and other parts of Italy is serious business. Garbage is meticulously sorted into categories including cardboard, glass, plastic, metal, organic, and residual waste. The Italian commitment to recycling is evident as recycling efforts are taken seriously by locals. Every occupied home that we toured while house hunting had different strategies for managing their recycling and trash, but all had numerous cans. Detailed guidelines are provided on how everything should be sorted, from giant cardboard boxes down to receipts and gum. It's a lesson in sustainability that Americans could certainly learn a thing or two from!
Closet Conundrum
Unlike in the US, where spacious built-in closets are a standard feature in most homes, Italian homes often rely on freestanding wardrobes and armoires to store clothing and personal items. This dates back to a time when homes were designed with different priorities and built-in storage was not a common consideration. As a result, homeowners and renters have to adapt by using creative storage solutions. This can include elegant, antique wardrobes like the ones we bought that add a touch of old-world charm to the decor or modern modular systems that maximize space efficiency. While the lack of closets might seem inconvenient at first, it ultimately offers a unique opportunity to personalize and creatively organize your living space.
Old World Charm
Many Italian homes come with unique features like frescoed ceilings, ornate moldings, and vintage fixtures that exude old-world charm. Italian homes are renowned for their old-world charm, often showcasing architectural features and design elements that are steeped in history and tradition. Ornate moldings and decorative cornices add an elegant touch to rooms, while vintage fixtures such as antique door handles further enhance the historical ambiance. These unique characteristics create a living environment that feels like a step back in time, offering a sense of continuity with the past. This charm is less common in American homes, which tend to prioritize modernity and functionality over historical aesthetics. In the US, homeowners often have to pay a premium for these features, either by purchasing high-end, custom-built homes or by investing in expensive renovations to replicate such historical details.
It's no wonder that on shows like House Hunters International, prospective buyers frequently refer to the "Italian charm" of the properties they tour—so often, in fact, that it could easily become a drinking game! We'd be drunk within the first six minutes of every episode, but each mention underscores how desirable and distinctive these historical features are.
As we continue to settle into our home, we look forward to sharing more about these aspects of Italian living, offering insights for anyone considering a similar adventure. Here's to embracing the charm and learning along the way!
Stay tuned as we explore the differences in real estate transactions in Italy vs. the US with our next post.
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