Install day always starts the same way: furniture wrapped within an inch of its life, dust covers everywhere, and me trying to see the finished room before it exists yet. This one was worth the wait. Behind the desk sits a 1940s Italian dry bar, attributed to Osvaldo Borsani, the piece that ended up setting the tone for the entire room.

So, you've decided it's time to refresh your living space—how exciting! But before you dive into a furniture shopping spree, let's hit...