We almost bought the wrong apartment (more details on that here) because the prospect of furnishing and decorating a space from 5,000 miles away was so completely overwhelming. However, what initially appeared as a daunting challenge transformed into an amazing adventure, new friendships and and a reassuring sense that the world isn't as vast as it seems.
As we prepared to furnish and decorate our new home in Lucca, we realized we needed help, and that's when Tutto Torna Antiques stepped in to save the day. I had read about their shop, located in Montaione, a hilltop hamlet about an hour south of Lucca, in one of the many online Lucca-specific groups I had joined. Emma (originally from Scotland) and her husband, Valerio (from Italy), are the amazing team who run Tutto Torna Antiques, a unique business that caters to homeowners like us, who are searching for the perfect pieces to complete their spaces.
"Tutto Torna" in Italian translates to "Everything Returns" or "Everything Comes Back." This phrase can imply a sense of things coming full circle, the return of good things, or the idea that everything eventually finds its place.
What sets Tutto Torna apart is their eye for quality and attention to detail. Emma and Valerio make weekly excursions to source antiques at regional markets which Valerio then restores. They post these restored pieces on Instagram and have grown an impressive online business. If you're not quick enough, you'll miss out on some beautiful pieces!
Despite the distance, Emma and Valerio made the process seamless by serving as our personal shoppers. I shared our wish list of items and we communicated over Whatsapp and Instagram. Through weekly outings to regional antiques markets and sharing their finds with us through private messages, they brought us along on their treasure hunts,
showcasing a diverse array of furniture and decor items. In Virginia, we own a few antiques that have been passed down to us by family members, but we had never bought antiques ourselves, so we were grateful for their expertise and willingness to help.
Emma didn't just show us photos; she provided all the critical information we needed, including a little history, dimensions, and the type of material for each piece. Armed with our wish list, we made our first purchase—a charming coat rack that now graces our loggia. From there, our purchases grew, spanning from a dresser for the living room to a demijohn, a kitchen table, a pewter bowl, and even two armoires. Each piece added its own unique character to our home, reflecting both our tastes and the rich history of the region.
Eco-Friendly Tuscan Antiques
Emma considers IKEA a four-letter word not to be uttered, viewing it as the fast fashion equivalent in the furniture world—fast furniture. Buying antiques is a more sustainable choice and helps to preserve the cultural heritage. These recycled treasures reduce the demand for new resources and lower our carbon footprint. Their superior craftsmanship and durability lead to less waste over time. In contrast, many newer, mass-produced options (ahem, the "I word") rely on new materials and have shorter lifespans, contributing to higher environmental impact and waste.
Tuscan antiques possess a unique charm and character that surpass anything found in today's conventional furniture stores. These pieces are not only special in terms of craftsmanship and history but also come at a surprisingly lower price point. When we discovered that we could buy higher quality pieces at a lower cost than today's mass produced items, it was a no-brainer. Our antiques enhance our home's aesthetic appeal and add authenticity that mass-produced items can't replicate, perfectly suiting our historic home.
Delivery Day in Lucca
When the time finally came to turn our keys and settle into our new home, Emma and Valerio orchestrated a seamless delivery process. With a van packed full of our carefully chosen items, they arrived on delivery day ready to transform our space.
Watching Emma and Valerio work their magic, assembling and arranging each piece with care, was a testament to their expertise and dedication. In only a matter of hours, our home was transformed from an empty space into a cozy haven filled with character and charm.
Furnishing our home from afar was definitely a challenge, but it became an adventure we'll always cherish. From virtual treasure hunts to the thrill of delivery day, every step of the process was a testament to the power of collaboration. In the end, our home isn't just furnished with beautiful antiques—it's infused with fond memories of the process.
Bonding Over New Beginnings
In a world where connections often make the world feel smaller, our journey to furnish and decorate our home in Lucca was no exception. Emma and I continue to message regularly via WhatsApp and I consider her a friend.
Emma also connected us with another client of hers who was moving into their new place on the very same day. What started as a connection over Instagram blossomed into a friendship with our fellow new Lucca homeowners, as we shared stories, tips, and the excitement of settling into our homes. Moments like these remind us of the power of connection and the unexpected friendships that can emerge when we least expect them. We're so grateful to Emma for not only helping us furnish our home but also for enriching our lives with new connections and friendships along the way.
Final Touches Bring Our Vision to Life
Exploring the local antiques market, browsing stores in town and supporting local artisans added those unique finishing touches to help make our house a home. Thanks to modern technology, we could also consult Emma on the fly through WhatsApp when we
stumbled upon something intriguing at the monthly Antiques Market in Lucca, trusting their expertise and guidance to make informed decisions.
While our home is nearly furnished and decorated to our liking, we'll continue to add meaningful pieces over time, but only as we come across truly special finds. We continue to watch Emma's Instagram page and wish we had enough room to fit even more of the amazing pieces Tutto Torna posts regularly. With all the groundwork laid, it's truly remarkable how we were able to transform our space and we are so grateful for the help of Tutto Torna!
In decases of business, your delivery has gone down as one of our most favourite 😍 Not only was it fun helping you find and decide on your purchases, but the delivery itelf was the most painless ever with the help of your five young strapping lads as well as you and Dario - the full extent of our luck washed over us as we ascended your narrow staircase for the first time on our way to set up your two wardrobes. Your apartment is absolutely stunning, the spaces, the light, the colours you've chosen, the view out onto the isecret garden. Any guest who decides to stay in Casa Campolattaro will be blown away by how special it reall…