Do you see my face? Do you see my smile? These simple yet profound questions encapsulate the awe and joy of Thea Duncan, an expatriate who has made her home in Milan, Italy. With an infectious enthusiasm, she shares her journey of transforming a neglected three-bedroom apartment into a vibrant, personalized space that reflects not only her tastes but also the rich cultural tapestry of Italy.
Moving to a new country is a daunting prospect. Yet, Italy, with its alluring charm, rich history, and culinary delights, proved irresistible for Thea. After discovering her love for Italy during an exchange program in 2003, she returned home to the U.S., determined to return someday. Her desire to reconnect with the culture she cherished led her back to Italy, where she now finds herself raising her son in a city that pulses with life.
The Thriving Heart of Milan
Milan is often painted as the industrial capital of Italy, a bustling hub where creativity and commerce intertwine. It is a city that attracts people from various corners of Italy and around the globe, infusing it with a delightful blend of cultures. The housing market here is hot, transformed by a steady influx of students and professionals seeking to establish their presence in this dynamic metropolis. Renting an apartment involves navigating a unique system of contracts that typically span eight years — four years with an option to renew for another four. This arrangement offers significant stability in a constantly changing environment, which is especially comforting for expatriates worried about fluctuating prices. As Thea mentions, their rent has increased a modest $100 over three years, a stark contrast to rental markets in many American cities.
Making a House a Home
When Thea and her husband began searching for a new apartment after moving back to Milan, they were drawn to a property that had languished untouched for 40 years. While the building had its challenges — including outdated wiring and horrendous aesthetics — it presented an opportunity for Thea to channel her creativity. With experience from a previous renovation, she embraced the potential for change. The decision to stay in the same neighborhood was driven by its proximity to public transport, parks, and her son’s school, highlighting an essential aspect of Italian life: community and accessibility.
Their renovation journey was extensive. Thea undertook a full rewiring of the apartment, recognizing the safety and efficiency that come with modern electrical systems. Additionally, one element deemed non-negotiable was air conditioning — a must-have that underscores the Italian summers’ sweltering heat. The couple sanded the original wood flooring to restore its beauty, and even more dramatically, they knocked down two walls to create a spacious living area that serves as the heart of their home.
The kitchen and bathroom renovations stand out as the most ambitious aspects of their project. Thea opted for hexagonal tiles, a personal tribute to her time in New York, blending them with modern fixtures. This blend of personal history and cultural symbolism deeply roots their home in both Thea’s past and her present. Cooking, an integral part of Thea’s family life, catalyzed her desire for a functional and beautiful kitchen.
“I like to say I live in Italy for the food,” she laughs, emphasizing the culinary culture that permeates every aspect of their lives. This passion for gastronomy is reflected in her decision to treasure the kitchen from their previous apartment, literally moving the sink to ensure continuity in her cooking experience. It echoes the broader Italian sentiment where food is synonymous with family — a sacred ritual that strengthens bonds.
Embracing Culture and Community
As Thea navigates life in Milan, she revels in the abundance this city has to offer. From art galleries and museums to an array of culinary delights representative of various regions in Italy—Milan truly caters to all. As a fervent foodie, she enjoys easy access to local markets and farms, sourcing fresh ingredients that foster a connection to the land. “We get pasture-raised eggs from a farmer just 30 minutes outside the city,” she shares, illustrating the seamless bridge between urban life and the natural bounty of the surrounding countryside.
Living in Milan provides more than just beautiful spaces and great food; it offers a lifestyle where children are integrated into the social fabric. Thea notes how inviting the Italian culture is for families, where kids are embraced into community life rather than sidelined. This integration is evident in the local parks, cafes buzzing with families, and the pervasive sense of togetherness that makes raising her son in this environment an overwhelmingly positive experience.
A Dream of the Countryside
As Thea reflects on her life in Milan, she dreams of a future that embraces both urban and rural living. “If I get my way, I will get a house in the Italian countryside,” she muses, suggesting that the allure of Italy’s pastoral landscapes calls to her as strongly as the vibrancy of the city. Yet, she remains grounded in her present, firmly embedding herself in Milan’s rich culture while cherishing her roots back in the U.S.
This dual identity — American at heart but Italian by choice — encapsulates Thea’s journey. “I do still feel American. It will always be home,” she expresses. This sentiment resonates with many expatriates who find themselves in similar situations, navigating the nuanced dance between two cultures. For Thea, Milan has morphed into her home away from home, an affirmation of the life she has built there filled with love, food, and community.
As she concludes her story, the smile on her face is reflective of a life actively chosen, a space filled with memories, and a community that embraces her family. In a place steeped in history, art, and culinary delights, Thea Duncan’s experience serves as a testament to the beauty of cross-cultural living and the joy that comes from creating a home, no matter where in the world it may be.
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