Let’s start from the beginning! Can you tell us about the journey that led to the creation of il Buco Vita?

Donna: I was an independent filmmaker who had a life shift after a personal loss and met a charismatic Italian man who was fascinated with Americana and antiques. We found a space to export and opened an antique store that slowly evolved into a tapas bar and a foodie destination.

What was the initial vision for il Buco, and how has it evolved since its inception?

Donna: It was originally an antique store where you could have a glass of wine and a bite, and shop for a beautiful table of your own. Over the years we had to let go of the antiques, but we continue to focus on the food and quality sourcing. This is what led us to eventually become the foodie destination we are today.

At the heart of il Buco is a close partnership, each of you contributing uniquely. How do your distinct roles come together to create the overall experience that defines Il Buco Vita? 

Donna: We share a very common aesthetic and love for everything Italian artistry. This was a dream we had for 15 years before launching. We have always been like family, Antonello and Lorenzo are cousins, and I have always felt like a part of that unit. We all explore the countryside to find beautiful things. Antonello brings his incredible collector’s gene and artisan relationships to the business. And Lorenzo, who works in interior design for Brunello Cucinelli, brings his artistic eye and aesthetic. I bring my strong affinity for all things Italian. I have been inextricably attached to Italy, despite being a Polish and Russian girl from Westchester. This is what has fostered such a strong connection with the Radi family.

Antonello: I have been friends with Donna for about 25 years. Alberto Avalle, my great friend, introduced us. We’ve spent time in Italy and New York, and always have so much fun together. We became fast friends and a virtual family, closely united by our love for life, beauty, and travel. Donna came to me with the idea to create il Buco Alimentari, understanding my passion for collecting unique objects and exploring the road less traveled. When she asked me to source the furniture and antiques for the shop, I didn’t hesitate because I was confident that our sibling-like friendship had laid a strong foundation for a successful business collaboration. The same passion, creative vision, and concepts behind il Buco Alimentari was then poured into the eventual creation of il Buco Vita — an inclusive brand experience where we could explore our various passions.

il Buco Vita is the result of many years of research and exploring our passions. The brand is based on the philosophy that handmade is beautiful — the simplicity and imperfections in design only add to its character. For me, creating is instinctive and natural, I have no particular routine that I follow. I listen to my creativity and I don’t copy other artists or creatives. But I certainly collect inspiration, indirectly through my travels and by the many artisans I meet along the way.

What do you hope guests take away from their experience at il Buco Vita? Is there a specific feeling or memory you want them to leave with?

Donna: They leave with a connection to something warm and familiar, and we hope the line from il Buco Vita creates that in their homes.

il Buco Vita reflects a deep connection to Italian culture — How does your cultural heritage influence your artistic choices and the themes you explore in your work?

Donna: I lived with a family in Sardinia when I was 17, which is how I’ve connected with the culture so deeply. It’s really my love for handmade, beautiful things and rustic materials that connect me to the culture.

Antonello: Umbria, Italy, is fertile ground for those who love beauty, history, and the “patina” of things like me. Authenticity is a very important factor in my life.

What can you share about your creative process? In what circumstances does your creativity thrive and how do you nurture your creativity through the busier seasons of life?

Donna: My creative process is very organic and instinctive, it comes from my love of life, nature, and the beautiful things that surround me. Being near the ocean is very important. I thrive when surrounded by water. I need a lot of space so I can jump on my horse and gallop through a field. I value the same things in any part of the world. I need to be somewhere I can connect with myself and allow my creativity to thrive.

Antonello: I think that each of us is born with a particular inclination or innate passion, perhaps even passed on from our ancestors. I was born with a passion for art, working with my hands, and beauty in general. From a very young age, I was drawn to these things. Already at age 15, I was painting in oil, creating watercolors, and working with terracotta. These are all interests that existed from childhood alongside my passion for home, furniture, collecting, and aesthetics. I remember that as a child, I asked for terracotta vases, Murano glass, paintings, and antiques, instead of toys. These were, and are still, the things that make me happy. Certainly, my parents and the way I was raised also influenced my creativity. I have always been a collector and a passionate researcher, which has brought me closer to my love for gardening. Every morning, as soon as I wake up, I do two hours of gardening. Overall, I believe that my deep love and authentic alignment with all of these things is what strengthens my creative muscles.

What’s next for il Buco Vita? Any aspirations for the future of the brand?

Donna: il Buco Vita is the foundation that the il Buco family of brands continues to grow upon. It is where the beauty of handmade craftsmanship and culinary excellence blend together to create wholesome experiences. We will continue to nurture the arts and crafts that are dying out due to the fast pace of our world. We really value unique pieces that tell stories of connection and community, and we hope to continue sharing time with people and places that make us feel warm and nurtured.

Favorite place to visit to spark inspiration?

My home on the water with my horse and my Bengal cat.

Color or neutrals?

I love both!

How do you unwind after a long day?

A nice gallop in the countryside with my horse or a visit to the beach watching the waves crashing on the shore.

If you could describe il Buco in three words, what would they be?

Warm, inviting, community.

Do you have a quote or mantra that you live by?

Move from your heart.