For Italians on the move, the meaning of home is shifting—sometimes literally, down a few flights of stairs. New data and design trends reveal a nation balancing practicality, tradition, and a dash of innovation as it navigates the ever-evolving landscape of where and how to live.
Between July 2024 and July 2025, a striking 36 percent of Italians who relocated chose ground-floor apartments, according to the Osservatorio Traslochi di ProntoPro, as reported by RTV Slovenija. That’s a notable uptick, with new entries at street level surpassing departures by more than ten percentage points. Only 25 percent left a ground-floor residence, underscoring a nationwide tilt toward easier access and everyday convenience.
What’s fueling this trend? It’s a mix of economics, lifestyle, and demographics. As Italy’s population ages, fewer stairs and less reliance on elevators become more than a mere preference—they’re necessities. The allure of panoramic views and the prestige of upper floors, once considered must-haves, now often take a back seat to the comforts of street-level living. “Practicality and convenience, as well as price, prevail over the view and prestige,” wrote Alessandro Martegani for RTV Slovenija, capturing the new Italian mindset.
But the story doesn’t stop at floor level. The same survey highlights a growing desire to stay close to home—literally. Requests for new homes within the same city, and often even the same neighborhood, climbed from 40 to 44 percent over the past year. For many, proximity to schools, essential services, public transport, and familiar haunts outweighs the temptation to start fresh in distant locales. The result? Fewer long-distance moves, and a subtle reshaping of Italy’s urban and suburban landscapes.
Still, not everyone is staying put. There’s a gentle but steady migration toward nearby towns and city outskirts, driven by the promise of more affordable prices, green spaces, tranquility, and better connections than in years past. Yet, the days of the epic, cross-country Italian move seem to be waning, replaced by a preference for shorter, less disruptive transitions.
On a regional level, only three areas—Lazio, Emilia-Romagna, and Veneto—saw significant increases in moving flows compared to the previous year. Lazio led the pack with a remarkable 26 percent jump, reflecting shifting economic and social dynamics in the nation’s heartland.
Against this backdrop of changing habits, Moacasa 2025 steps onto the stage, celebrating fifty years as one of Italy’s premier showcases for home living, furniture, and design. From October 25 to November 2, the Fiera di Roma will host this milestone edition, bringing together the best of Italian industry and artisanal craft. According to Adnkronos, the event is more than just a trade fair—it’s a mirror reflecting half a century of societal change, innovation, and the enduring quest for comfort and beauty at home.
“An anniversary that is also a testimony of courage and entrepreneurial innovation,” said Massimo Prete, recently reconfirmed as president of Moacasa and Casaidea. He underlined the event’s reputation for longevity and its role in nurturing tradition and creativity. Over the years, Moacasa has given space to young designers, partnered with universities, and highlighted the unique contributions of master artisans and architects, all while maintaining a focus on Italian excellence.
This year’s Moacasa spotlights a range of trends and innovations. Tomasella, a stalwart of Italian design, presents furnishings that blend aesthetics, functionality, and personalization, with an increasing emphasis on environmental sustainability. Their Leonardo bed, for instance, is described as a “perfect balance between material, design, and well-being,” while the Cooper bedroom group and the Primafila wardrobe—with its sliding doors that cleverly conceal a television—demonstrate how technology and style can coexist seamlessly.
Living room solutions are getting a makeover too. The Spalla program offers highly customizable furniture in a palette of materials and colors, allowing homeowners to create spaces that are both unified and expressive. Modern kitchens, open-plan living areas, and bathrooms with contemporary flair are all on display, courtesy of Gruppo Menichini. The current color trends? Neutral and luminous tones like white, pearl gray, and beige, punctuated by bold accents of petrol blue and sage green—a marriage of modern minimalism and classic Italian elegance.
Smart home technology is also front and center. Omega Professional introduces Ultra Motion, a cutting-edge motor for sectional doors that integrates effortlessly with the most popular smart home systems. Designed for quick, quiet operation, it promises not only convenience but also energy efficiency, thanks to intelligent energy management and high-quality components.
Customization and craftsmanship remain hallmarks of Italian design, as seen in Riflessi’s new offerings. Their tables, chairs (notably the Soffio and Vela models), shelving, and clocks celebrate the Italian sartorial tradition, with an emphasis on personal expression and technical excellence. The Vela chair, for example, features an interchangeable backrest, making it both renewable and adaptable over time.
Space-saving solutions are another response to modern living’s demands. Fastbed specializes in foldaway beds and transformable furniture—ingenious designs that make small spaces feel bigger without sacrificing style or comfort. Every piece is conceived to maximize practicality, offering tailored solutions for everyday life.
One particularly heartwarming initiative making its debut at Moacasa is RestautLab. This project transforms old furniture into unique works of art, providing young autistic adults with opportunities to express their creativity and gain valuable skills. By choosing eco-friendly materials and focusing on sustainability, RestautLab not only breathes new life into wood but also fosters social inclusion and environmental responsibility.
Since its inception in 1975, Moacasa has charted the evolution of Italian furniture and design, helping to cement the global reputation of Made in Italy. The secret? A relentless commitment to quality, innovation, and that ineffable Italian sense of style—recognized worldwide as a symbol of excellence and prestige. Even as new challenges arise and tastes evolve, the spirit of Italian ingenuity continues to shape the spaces where people live, love, and dream.
As Italy’s housing choices and design preferences continue to evolve, one thing is clear: whether it’s a ground-floor apartment for easier living or a cutting-edge, sustainable piece of furniture, Italians remain deeply invested in making home a reflection of both tradition and progress.
