Redecorating After a Move: 10 Tips from the Founder Arezia Zugno

May 12, 2025By Arezia Zugno
Arezia  Zugno

Designing Soulful Spaces That Balance Beauty, Function, and Well-being

From Italy to Australia, the UK to Dubai, my journey has shaped far more than just my passport, it’s shaped a philosophy: that the spaces we live in have the power to restore us, inspire us, and tell our story.

As the founder of Ambiente Interiors, I’ve spent over two decades immersed in creativity, design, and purposeful living. Each country I’ve called home has deepened my understanding of culture, comfort, and how our surroundings impact our well-being, especially during times of transition.

Moving into a new space can feel overwhelming, but it also holds the potential for a meaningful new beginning. That’s why I’ve created this guide: to share my top tips for turning any new house into a home that feels beautifully, authentically yours.

✨ What I do is grounded in:
• Creating interiors that feel as good as they look
• Blending conscious luxury with personal meaning
• Designing rooms that reflect who you are and support who you’re becoming

Whether you're starting fresh in a new city or ready to reinvent your current home, let’s begin with intention.

modern apartment furniture

Planning a Move? Here’s How to Start Designing With Intention

Whether you’re designing a new home in a brand-new city or reimagining your space after a move, the process can feel overwhelming.

But it doesn’t have to be. With the right steps, your home can become the most grounding part of your transition.

I’ve created a free guide “10 Essential Tips for Redecorating When Moving Countries” to help you begin.

It’s full of practical advice to help you:

"Make smart, stress-free decisions"
Honour your personal style"
Create a space that feels like home wherever you are"

1. Understand Your New Space

Before diving into design, take time to understand your home’s layout, natural light, ceiling height, and climate but also how the space will be used. Thoughtful design begins with clarity: Who will use the room, and for what purpose?
These answers will guide your layout, material choices, and storage solutions.

Actionable Tips:

Create a basic floor plan and measure all key dimensions.
Don’t forget to include ceiling height, window and door sizes, and wall lengths to guide curtain sizing, lighting placement, and furniture scale.
Mark locations of outlets, switches, and built-ins for smarter layout decisions.

minimalist apartment design

2. Blend Sentimental with New Decor

Moving doesn’t mean leaving everything behind. Incorporating meaningful, familiar pieces can bring comfort and a sense of identity to your new space.

Actionable Tip:

Identify 3–5 must-keep items and build your design narrative around them for continuity and character.


3. Define Your Interior Style

In a small apartment, it's essential to create defined zones for different activities. Use rugs, furniture arrangements, or lighting to demarcate areas for living, dining, or working. This organization helps maintain a sense of order and ensures each space serves its intended purpose efficiently.

apartment zones design

4. Source Locally & Thoughtfully

Exploring local suppliers helps your space feel grounded in its environment while also supporting sustainability and craftsmanship.

Actionable Tip:

Visit design boutiques, concept stores, or artisan markets to discover regionally inspired materials and pieces.


5. Choose Sustainable,Conscious

Materials

Today’s sustainable options are both stylish and responsible. Designing with intention includes choosing pieces that respect the environment.

Actionable Tip:

Look for FSC-certified wood, recycled fabrics, bamboo, or local handmade decor.

6. Budget with Intention

Balance high-quality investment pieces with adaptable, decorative items that can evolve with your lifestyle.

Actionable Tip:

Allocate 70% of your budget to lasting essentials (sofa, bed, table), and 30% to accessories and flexible decor.


7. Embrace Local Culture

Let your new location subtly influence your interiors. This builds a deeper connection between your home and its surroundings.

Actionable Tip:

Incorporate one or two elements from local design traditions — textiles, artwork, or textures to give your space meaning and place.

8. Integrate Smart Home Technology


Simple tech integrations can improve daily comfort and efficiency — especially in a new routine or country.

Actionable Tip:

Start with lighting or temperature control smart bulbs, voice assistants, or app-based thermostats are great entry points.


9. Choose the Right Lighting


Lighting is one of the most transformative elements in interior design. The right lighting can elevate mood, enhance functionality, and bring architectural features to life. It's not just about brightness — it's about layering light to suit the purpose and feeling of each space.

Actionable Tip:

Combine ambient, task, and accent lighting. Consider how natural light changes throughout the day, and select warm or cool tones based on the room’s function and atmosphere.


10. Consider Working with a Designer

Relocating comes with many decisions and sometimes, the best thing you can do is seek support. A designer can help you clarify your vision, streamline the process, and ensure every element of your new space works beautifully together.

Actionable Tip:

Book a consultation to gain expert guidance, avoid overwhelm, and make intentional choices that reflect your style and needs.


✨ Ready to Create Your Next Chapter?

Moving is a major life moment but it’s also a powerful opportunity to design a home that truly supports the life you want to live.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed or unsure where to begin, I’m here to help.

🌿 Book a complimentary discovery call to explore how we can bring your vision to life beautifully, mindfully, and with purpose.

Book a complimentary discovery call