Have you ever wondered what it’s like to uproot your life and build a home in a country that feels both foreign and familiar? That’s exactly what I did when I fell head over heels for Italy during a study abroad stint in 2003. Fast forward to today, I’m living in a vibrant, renovated 3-bedroom apartment in Milan with my husband and son, paying just $1,850 a month. Let me take you inside our home and share how we turned a dated rental into a cozy family haven, all while embracing the Italian lifestyle.
Crafting a Life in Milan: Our Journey
My love affair with Italy began in L’Aquila, a charming, tight-knit town where neighbors felt like family. But Milan? It’s a whole different beast—think bustling streets, chic fashion, and a nightlife that rivals my hometown of Miami. After studying marketing in Milan and marrying my Italian husband, Diego, we decided to plant roots here. Now, with our six-year-old son, Lorenzo, we’ve created a life that balances work, family, and the joy of Italian culture.
Moving abroad is like starting a new chapter with a blank page—you get to write the story you’ve always dreamed of.
– Expat lifestyle coach
Our current home, a 1,227-square-foot apartment, is the result of a three-year journey to find the perfect space. When we found it, it was stuck in a 40-year time warp—think outdated tiles and cramped layouts. But with some creativity and elbow grease, we transformed it into a place that feels uniquely ours. Here’s a peek into how we did it and why we love calling Milan home.
The Renovation: Turning Old into New
Moving into a rental that hadn’t been touched in decades might sound daunting, but in Italy, it’s an opportunity. Unlike in some countries where renters are discouraged from making big changes, Italy offers government incentives like tax credits for renovations—even for tenants. Our landlord sweetened the deal with eight months of free rent, which made the decision to renovate a no-brainer.
We invested about $41,000 in the project, but thanks to the tax rebates and rent pause, our out-of-pocket costs dropped to around $7,600. That’s a steal for a complete overhaul! From gutting the bathroom to reimagining the kitchen, every change was a labor of love. Let’s walk through the spaces that make our home special.
The Bathroom: A Touch of Tuscan Elegance
If I had to pick a favorite room, the bathroom might just take the crown. It was a complete wreck when we moved in—think dingy tiles and leaky faucets. We ripped everything out and started fresh, adding hexagon tiles sourced from a family-owned business in Tuscany. There’s something about those tiles that feels both timeless and sophisticated.
- Key upgrades: New faucets, modern fixtures, and a sleek shower.
- Why it works: The hexagon tiles add a touch of artistry without overwhelming the space.
- Personal touch: The warm, neutral palette reminds me of Tuscan sunsets.
Every morning, stepping into this bathroom feels like a mini-vacation. It’s proof that small details can make a big impact.
The Kitchen: Where Food and Family Meet
My husband and I are foodies at heart—living in Italy will do that to you. The original kitchen was a nightmare, with outdated appliances and zero charm. We decided to bring our old apartment’s sink and stove with us (yes, we’re *that* committed) and added new cabinets and a countertop to tie it all together.
We also made some smart layout changes, like closing off two side doors to create more counter space. The floor tiles stayed, but we replaced the wall tiles with something cleaner and more modern. Now, it’s a space where we can whip up homemade pasta or host friends for a casual dinner.
A kitchen isn’t just for cooking—it’s where memories are made over shared meals.
The best part? The storage. We maximized every inch, so everything has its place. It’s elegant yet practical, which is exactly how I like it.
The Living Room: Open and Inviting
To make the living room feel more spacious, we knocked down a wall that separated it from a tiled corridor. Sanding the hardwood floors and adding a lighter stain brought the whole space to life. We even sourced matching wood to blend the corridor seamlessly with the rest of the room.
The grey couch, custom bookshelves, and a statement lighting fixture add personality without cluttering the space. It’s the perfect spot for a glass of wine after a long day or a cozy movie night with Lorenzo. Honestly, this room feels like the heart of our home.
Lorenzo’s Room: A World of Imagination
My son’s room is his little kingdom, and we wanted it to spark his curiosity. The standout feature is a giant world map on one wall—he loves pointing out places and dreaming about adventures. It’s not just decor; it’s a way to connect our family’s story, from my Caribbean roots to Diego’s Italian heritage.
- Map magic: Encourages learning and storytelling.
- Cozy vibes: Soft bedding and warm lighting make it a great sleep space.
- Storage savvy: Built-in shelves keep toys organized.
Watching Lorenzo grow in this room makes me realize how much thought we put into making it his own. It’s a space that evolves with him.
Our Bedroom: A Cool Retreat
Our bedroom is our sanctuary, and the biggest game-changer was installing an air conditioner. Coming from Miami, I can handle heat, but Diego? Not so much. The AC was non-negotiable. We also restored a stunning 19th-century dresser handmade by Diego’s great-grandfather—it’s a piece of history that grounds the room.
The neutral tones and minimalist decor keep things calm, which is exactly what we need after a busy day. It’s not just a place to sleep; it’s where we recharge and reconnect as a couple.
Why Milan Feels Like Home
Living in Milan isn’t just about the apartment—it’s about the lifestyle. The city pulses with energy, from its world-class fashion to its historic landmarks like the Duomo. But what really seals the deal is the food. Markets overflow with fresh produce, and we source eggs, milk, and butter from nearby farms or local vendors.
Then there’s the aperitivo culture—Italy’s answer to happy hour. After work, people gather at cafes for wine and snacks, and it’s a ritual we’ve embraced. Lorenzo even asks for a “peritivo” (minus the “a”) after school, sipping juice while we chat with friends. It’s these moments that make life here feel so rich.
Raising a Family in Milan
Raising a child in Milan is a dream. The city is packed with parks, museums, and family-friendly activities, so our social life hasn’t slowed down since becoming parents. Italians take leisure seriously, with four to six weeks of paid vacation that people actually use. From Milan, we can hit Lake Como or the seaside in under two hours for a quick getaway.
| Destination | Travel Time | Why We Love It |
| Lake Como | 1 hour | Stunning views, relaxing vibes |
| Genova | 1.5 hours | Seaside charm, fresh seafood |
| Italian Dolomites | 4 hours | Skiing and breathtaking hikes |
These trips are a far cry from my middle-class upbringing, where vacations were rare. Now, weekend escapes to Vienna or the Dolomites feel within reach, and I’m endlessly grateful for that.
Balancing Couple Life in a Busy City
Living in Milan as a couple means finding balance between work, parenting, and our relationship. The aperitivo ritual helps us carve out time to connect, whether it’s over a glass of wine or a quick coffee. We’ve also learned to prioritize small moments, like cooking together or planning our next adventure.
Strong relationships thrive on shared experiences, no matter how small they seem.
– Family therapist
In my experience, it’s the little things—like Diego’s smile when Lorenzo mispronounces “aperitivo”—that keep us grounded. Milan’s fast pace can be intense, but we’ve found our rhythm as a team.
Lessons from Our Italian Adventure
Moving to Italy and building a home here has taught me a few things about life and love. First, don’t be afraid to take risks—renovating a rental or moving abroad might seem daunting, but the rewards can be incredible. Second, embrace the culture around you. Italy’s focus on leisure and family has made me rethink what matters most.
- Risk pays off: Our renovation saved us money and made the space ours.
- Culture matters: Italy’s slower pace has strengthened our family bond.
- Small moments count: A quick aperitivo can be as meaningful as a big vacation.
Perhaps the most interesting aspect is how Milan has shaped us as a couple and a family. It’s not just about the apartment or the city—it’s about the life we’ve built together.
What’s Next for Us?
As we settle into our Milan life, I’m excited to keep exploring Italy with Diego and Lorenzo. Whether it’s discovering new markets, planning our next getaway, or tweaking our apartment, there’s always something to look forward to. I’ve also started helping other Americans navigate life in Italy through my business, sharing the lessons I’ve learned along the way.
Living here feels like a gift—one I never take for granted. If you’re dreaming of a life abroad or just curious about what it’s like to renovate a rental on a budget, I hope our story inspires you. What would you do with a blank canvas in a city like Milan?
