Total Beginner

Hi! I have recently caught the HA bug and now want to automate everything possible HAHA! However I want to start slow and one thing at a time. I am aiming to run HA off my Pi 5 firstly, we want to start with lights, is it easier to use products like Shelley? Or is it easier to buy smart bulbs? What's your recommendations? My partner is an electrician of sorts so can wire in the Shelley products so that's not an issues.