Remember that episode of Friends where Monica and Chandler decide to move in together and Monica puts his stuff in her apartment? Sure, dating is nice, but a home filled only with one's own things is a dream that is becoming a reality for more and more women.

Marie Claire and House Beautiful collaborated to study women's home-buying habits, proving that marriage and partnership are not prerequisites for women to invest in their own space. In fact, according to the National Association of Realtors, single women accounted for 17% of homebuyers in 2019, purchasing their first home for $166,370 compared to an average of $180,570 for men. Yes, this means that women are going against the longstanding societal standards that have led us to believe that we need a partner to buy our own home, and that we refuse to compromise our #aesthetics for someone else.

New home buyers who just signed the closing papers, let the fun begin. Kitchen, bedroom, living room, and bathroom essentials (and some non-essentials, too). They may not be exactly to your taste, but consider this list as a starting point for items you've somehow assumed you could do without for years.

Tip: Instead of wasting precious space on a nightstand, invest in a gorgeous floor lamp.

Tip: You don't have to have a perfect set of plates and dishes. Start with a fun set of plates and keep silverware, cups, and utensils to a minimum. Also, a fresh cup of coffee in a boob mug will soothe any bad mood.

Tip The living room is where you set the tone for your home. Enjoy it by arranging gorgeous coffee table books and lighting nice smelling Voluspa candles.

Tip The great towel debate (open in new tab) continues, but in any case, a woman's bathroom should feel like her own personal sanctuary. You don't have to keep your entire makeup collection organized, but you should at least have a place to store it, like this Gucci cosmetic case.

Tip An accent chair can easily complete your living room. Choose wisely.

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