At Home with Vicolo Via Mameli
At Home with is an ongoing journal series exploring the homes of thoughtful creatives. Through conversations and photography, we discover what home means to them, the values that shape the way they live, and the details that make each home unique. Though every story is different, home is always at the core.
For our next story, we travel to the heart of the Italian countryside to visit Nicola and Ryan of Vicolo Via Mameli at their rural farmhouse. Guided by the philosophy that less is more, their home and store reflect a thoughtful curation of pieces—each one carefully chosen to create a warm, inviting sense of home. We hope you enjoy this latest feature with Nicola and Ryan, set amidst the beauty of the rolling Umbrian hills.
Tell us a little about yourselves and your background.
We’re Nicola and Ryan, the team behind Vicolo Via Mameli. I (Nicola) grew up in the Italian Alps. Growing up on a farm I lived closely connected to nature from an early age – every free time after school I was helping my family on the farm and observing nature. My studies and early work were rooted in nature, geography and after that in fashion and retail, but I’ve always had a hands-on approach, learning as much from experience as from formal education.
Ryan is originally from a small town in upstate New York, US, and has always been fascinated by objects with soul—things that carry history and purpose, his background is in architecture, creative direction and visual storytelling. Growing up in the woods, he was constantly outside in nature and surrounded by dirt roads and forests. He studied and worked in creative fields, and his eye for detail and love for authentic, everyday beauty shapes everything we do together. Our paths crossed in Milan, and our shared passion for nature first and foremost, and for timeless design and slow living led us to create both a life and a business together.
Where do you call home and what is it like?
Home for us is a farmhouse in the Umbrian countryside that we purchased in 2020. It is surrounded by olive trees, rolling hills and is a lively agricultural area. It’s a peaceful, slightly wild place where we can slow down, be creative, and connect with nature. The house is a mix of old objects and dried flowers, filled with pieces we’ve collected over the years—antiques, handmade textiles, and objects with stories.
What does home mean to you?
For us, home is our sanctuary. It’s a space where we can recharge, experiment, and simply be ourselves. It’s about comfort, authenticity, and being surrounded by the things and people (and our two cats) that we love!
How would you describe your aesthetic and style?
Our style is rooted in Italian and American traditions—simple, honest, and creative. We love natural materials, muted colours, and objects that feel lived-in and loved, where the patina and age of an object is left to tell its story. There’s always a balance between function and beauty, and we never shy away from a bit of imperfection.
Which is your favourite space in your home and why?
The kitchen is the heart of our home. It’s where we cook, talk, dream up new ideas, and gather with friends. It’s also where we spend most of the winter feeding the wood burning stove that heats the entire house. The big table is always in use, whether for meals, work, or our early morning coffee.
How do you choose what to bring in to your home?
We’re both quite selective, but every piece is usually functional, made from natural materials and has a quiet elegance to it. Everything in our home has to feel right – beautiful, useful, and made to last. We avoid trends, preferring objects with a story, a sense of craft, and a purpose.
Where do you find inspiration for your home?
Inspiration comes from everywhere, but mostly nature. Then of course we love to travel when we can, visit antique markets on the weekends, and be inspired by the artisans we meet. We’re also inspired by books, films, and the changing seasons in Umbria.
Who do you most admire for their sense of style, ethos and aesthetics?
We admire people who live and create with intention – artisans, designers, and anyone who values authenticity over perfection.
American Shakers, Italian craftspeople, Virginia Woolf and Leonard’s Garden.
Discover more through Vicolo Via Mameli’s website and instagram gallery.
Photography: Vicolo Via Mameli
We love celebrating and sharing stories of home and place from those we admire. Our hope is that these stories may offer you inspiration or new ideas for making a beautiful home. Explore more stories here on our journal, with more to follow!