Seeking Repose is a concept that explores spaces through a new lens: that of relaxation. Investigating how spatial influences make for inward reflection and repose from daily life, we take our first entry down a winding road to Sam Youkilis's quiet home in Umbria.
Portrait by Charlotte Youkilis
Sam Youkilis, known by most for his captivating short-format videos on Instagram depicting life around the world, is perpetually on the move. From capturing Prada videos in Los Angeles to sun-soaked retirees in Napoli, Sam has never been stationary for long. Self-described as "the least well-equipped to slow down," finding moments of quiet and solace don't necessarily come naturally. When asked for advice on creating a spatial framework to do so, Sam laughs and instead asks for advice.
"I have a lot of energy and don't like to stop moving. I think relocating to the countryside has forced me to slow down a bit and practice a new way of living. Generally, I'm in constant need of stimulation, and my photography and work reflect that."
Ironically, one of the qualities that makes Sam's work accessible to so many is his unique ability to slow time down when capturing his subjects. Young lovers romancing (seemingly alone) on a Mediterranean beach, tea kettles passing between hands in Morocco, a renowned fashion designer staring straight into his lens, and a nonne reading her morning paper alike. Stretching small, seemingly mundane acts into more significant ones for our benefit.
"In the last few years, my work has picked up a lot, and I'm traveling two to three weeks per month on different jobs. I try to visit new places that stimulate me while still revisiting places I know, love, and enjoy making personal work in."
The little respite that Sam does carve out for himself typically takes place in Umbria. Nestled a few minute's drive from a hilltop village of 150 people, a charming plot of countryside land emerges that the photographer and filmmaker calls home. When asked about what brought him to Umbira, the story is twofold:
"I was born and raised in New York City but left in my early 20s. I now split my time between Mexico City and Umbria, but for the majority of the year, I'm home in Umbria. I initially settled in Umbria because my family bought land here. But during this busy moment in my life, having a place to rest, recharge, and contrast my travels has been great."
Much like his work, Sam's home is a collection gathered from across the world and has a distinctly humble nature. From lilac-hued sunsets and dinners overlooking the landscape to quiet time spent decompressing in bed, a sense of repose feels almost inevitable here. Two sensory markers of his impending relaxation are his surroundings' natural soundtracks and fragrances.
"Outside of the views, the nature, and the isolation, the two things that viscerally make me feel at home and rested are the smells and the sounds. In May, there's wisteria. In June, jasmine. And July brings lavender, mint, and basil. In the fall, the smell of rain and the intoxicating, peppery scent of freshly pressed olive oil. Rosemary heating in oil over a wood fire. The sounds I love are bees, crickets, cicadas, birds, dogs barking, occasionally tractors and grass cutting, and even the far-off echoes of hunters shooting," describes Sam.
On his homecoming ritual, Sam cites small tasks that mark the shift between home and travel. Tasks like hanging laundry outside in the last light, preparing a home-cooked meal after days or weeks of eating in restaurants, and building a fire in the kitchen. The kitchen and adjoining dining area are central points of the home for sharing meals with friends and, equally as enjoyable, in solitude. But perhaps more importantly, the surrounding fresh produce and neighborly suppliers Sam has familiarized himself with set the scene for simple, local eating.
"I’m lucky to be surrounded by amazing ingredients, and most of my cooking involves just putting these things on a plate. Every Wednesday, my friend Carlo makes fresh mozzarella that I'll pick up if my dates align. My favorite butcher is only a 15-minute drive away. They cure all of their meats in-house and basically prepare my lunch while I shop. Neither of them are far from the happiest vegetable vendor on earth and a fantastic caseificio for fresh cheese," Samrecounts. The plethora of fresh, simple fare means that Sam can sit back and enjoy, often with an aperitivo at sunset.
The other space key to relaxation is, unsurprisingly, the bedroom. "The bedroom upstairs is where I sleep, read, work, take meetings, have breakfast, watch TV, and do everything," says Sam. Sam has found a rhythm that's all his own, carrying through each room of the home, savoring quietude when it arises and trying to slow down when he has the opportunity.
When asked where else he finds repose, Sam references the sea: "I love the sea—I always have—but recently, more than ever, I'm finding respite there. I've been spending as much time as possible on Greek islands, particularly the Cyclades. I recently discovered a very special island that I can get to door to door from my house in a little under four hours." For those curious, Sam’s best-kept secret is the aforementioned Italian island Ponza.
While Sam Youkilis might be constantly moving, his space provides a brief hiatus from his busy life as a fashion and travel photographer. Lovingly assembled with pieces that convey comfort and warmth, Sam has chosen to complement his home's rustic structure and backdrop with FRAMA pieces such as Chair 01, 0405 Glassware, Tasca Collection, and hand care.
All videos by Sam Youkilis
