Can you tell us about your life at home?

I’m 23 years old and live in Piacenza with my parents, my sister Monica, our dog Lily, and a cat named Cola. I used to study languages, but then I realised my true passion was fashion design, so I decided to pursue that instead. I received a sewing machine for my birthday, and now I watch YouTube tutorials to learn how to turn my fashion ideas into actual clothes while waiting for my fashion studies in Milan to begin.

What does your room mean to you?

I feel like it’s my universe. My family is originally from Sicily, and when we first moved here, I felt quite lost and missed my friends for a long time. However, I decided to make this room my happy place, and now, it’s where I can be myself, listen to music as loud as I want, rest, create or draw. It’s my space where I feel safe, serene, and comfortable.

Can you describe the style of your room?

I like bold graphic styles, preferably in black, white, and yellow. I’ve decorated my room with gifts and items that are beautiful or represent memories, such as concert posters. I love the Salvador Dalí painting because it reminds me of our house in Sicily. There are also many stickers, and album images, especially of Pink Floyd, my and my father’s favourite band, and photos of friends.

Is home organisation important to you?

Oh, yes! I get angry if I can’t find what I need exactly when I need it. Although I like to have many different posters and decorations around me, I can’t function in chaos when I draw, create, sew, and study. My room always reflects my mood. It’s generally well-organised when I’m calm and productive, but a mess when I’m not feeling inspired.

Is your identity reflected in your home?​

Very much so. Although I’m only 23, my family has already moved several times. In each house, I’ve always tried to decorate, improve, and personalise my room to make it truly mine and to feel at home.

Do you have any advice for friction-free generational living?

I’m fine staying with my parents, but it’s important to have your own space. This living arrangement requires flexibility, tolerance, respect for each other, and a kind and helpful mindset, and it goes both ways. That said, there’s no privacy between my sister and me, and I don’t want there to be any. I enjoy it when she barges into my room to annoy me. I hardly ever close my door because even if we’re not together, hearing some noise from the other rooms makes me feel good.

Where in your home do you feel comfortable?

Generally, I always feel comfortable at home, especially in my room, because I designed and created it. However, during the summer months, the garden becomes my favourite place – I love the summer in this house! When we set up our small pool, I spend most of my time in the garden sunbathing, studying, and listening to music. The sun gives me energy, while grey days don’t do it for me.

Do you think improving your home can give you a better everyday life?

I believe that improving your home is essential to feeling good in a place. Living passively in your home without considering any improvements is boring and counterproductive to enjoying and fully utilising your space.

What was it like to have Annie Leibovitz photograph your home?

It was an amazing experience. She’s an outstanding photographer and was very kind and easy to talk to. I know her for her famous portraits of John Lennon and Yoko Ono, David Bowie, and her work with Rolling Stone magazine and Vogue, so it seems like a crazy dream that she was in my room and took photos of me.