Above: Proof that summer’s joys needn’t end in August: a delightful outdoor shower setup ft. the Bonnie Cotton Bath Towel in Green from June Home Supply (on sale).

• Curious about Mill, the in-kitchen food recycler? From August 28 through September 7, take $150 off purchases of all colors; promotion is applied automatically at checkout.
• In big news, DWR is having its semiannual sale, with 25 percent off pretty much everything, design icons and new finds alike.
• And at Finnish Design Shop, take up to 30 percent off Scandi finds.
• West Elm’s Labor Day sale runs August 31 to September 8, with up to 70 percent off finds for all over the house (exclusions apply).
• Over at Goodee, take 20 percent off select items with code LaborDay20 (including “utility pieces that rarely go on sale”).
• Need a rug refresh for the season ahead? Revival is offering 20 percent off orders over $350 and 25 percent off orders over $750 from August 21 through September 13. (No code needed; discount applies automatically at checkout.)
• Take 20 percent off sitewide—including bold patterned pillows and textiles—at longtime Remodelista favorite St. Frank.
• At The Citizenry, take 25 percent off sitewide.
• For a limited time, June Home Supply is offering a select batch of end-of-summer essentials at up to 20 percent off.
• Last but not least, UK-based Piglet in Bed is offering up to 40 percent off select bedding in patterns and colorways perfect for longer, cooler nights (and lots of lie-ins).

From the street, the home blends in with its neighbors: Other than a paint refresh, the facade remains largely untouched. From the back, though, Rocha’s interventions are clear thanks to a new modernist rear extension featuring a wall of floor-to-ceiling windows and a sliding glass door that leads to a courtyard. Designed during the COVID-19 pandemic and finished last year, the home “reflects a desire to enhance gatherings,” he writes.

Let’s take a tour, shall we?

Photography by Francisco Ascensão, courtesy of Atelier José Andrade Rocha.

Above: On the street-facing side, there are few hints of the interventions that were undertaken inside.
Above: A large great room spans the first floor, which looks out onto the pebbled courtyard. The kitchen runs the length of one side. (See Trend Alert: Sideboard as Kitchen.)
Above: “Inside the building, a universe of conventional materials is repeated and modified: structural wooden panels protected with green paint, slightly blue industrial flooring, painted steel sheet, wooden frames, Sintra limestone, and river pebbles.” The Parentesi Suspension Lamp by Flos offers additional lighting in the kitchen area.
Above: Of priority to Rocha—emphasizing the connection to the outdoors.
Above: The view from the courtyard to the inside. The orange Mariolina Chairs, designed by Enzo Mari for Magis, add an energetic contrast to the more muted blues and greens in the home.
Above: Our favorite part of the room might just be this elegant swirl of a green staircase. The well-designed Oberon 5 Speaker next to it is by DALI.
Above: The spiral staircase leads to the bedroom.
Above: A row of closets separates the bedroom from the ensuite bath. A large awning window looks out onto the courtyard below.
Above: Simple porcelain light sockets make for chic lighting throughout the home. For similar versions, try Schoolhouse’s Alabax Small Surface Mount or Commune’s Light Sockets. (Across the Atlantic, consider Zangra’s great selection of sockets.
Above: The new back facade.

See also:

• Kitchen(s) of the Week: Green Kitchens Make a Fresh Comeback
• Kitchen of the Week: A Serene Space in Pale Blue at Casa C’Alma in Portugal
• Books Are Good Company: A Design-Minded Bookshop in Lisbon

N.B.: This story originally ran on April 7, 2025 and has been updated.

Photographs by editors, except where noted.

Above: “I recently spotted this adorable bike basket from Nantucket Bike Basket Co. and instantly added it to my wish list.” – Laura Fenton; photograph from Bluejay Electric Bicycles via Nantucket Bike Basket Co.
Above: “Historically, I’ve been a staunch supporter of all-cotton terry towels, but this summer, I’ve found myself wrangling our oversized ones at the beach and at the pool with enough frustration that it led me to rethink our set up. I went with a more ‘athletic towel’ from new brand Typical—it’s a stretch towel that holds its shape, stretches well around a tired child, and stays reliably soft. I liked the Ceramic Clay color, but they have more colorful options on offer too.” – Alexa Hotz; photograph from Typical
Above: “I’ve been enjoying the selection of work showcased on Instagram from Ss.art, a wire craft artist based in Osaka, Japan who specializes in intricate botanical wire art—such as this blooming morning glory.” – Kier Holmes; photograph from @ss.art___wirecraft
Above: “Earlier this month, I was reading Alice Waters’s Fanny at Chez Panisse to my daughter and it recalled memories of cooking in the kitchen with my mom. I’m about the same age as Waters’s daughter Fanny Singer and there was a shared sensibility during this 1990s era in California kitchens—with similar ingredients and inspirations. I wrote about this on my Substack Innere in Straight from My Mom’s ’90s Kitchen with an edit of distinctly 90s kitchen tools. I’ve been enjoying red wine vinaigrette and even wheatgrass ever since.” – Alexa Hotz; still from the 1995 film Nelly et Monsieur Arnaud
Above: “I recently bought this indigo quilt from Ikea to protect our sofa from our rambunctious dog. It’s inexpensive, good-looking, 100-percent cotton, and exactly what I was looking for.” – Fan Winston; photo from Ikea
Above: “I was pleasantly surprised to discover that USPS has some pretty botanical stamps right now [Vibrant Leaves and Sunflowers] and wanted to share.” – Laura Fenton
Above: “I have a real predilection for cotton pajama sets—there’s almost nothing I like more than putting on a crisp pair and getting into bed early with a book. I recently stumbled on this Etsy shop with block-printed designs and ordered several, including this sunny pair.” – Annie Quigley; photo from The Patchwork Boutique
Above: “I got a lemon sherbet-colored button down with black piping at Rubirosa’s in Paris and was equally enamored with the colorful interior by Louis-Charles Aka. Bring back balloon shades!” – Nick Spain

Have a look at our picks from previous months:

• Psst…What We Loved in July
• Psst…What We Loved in June
• Psst…What We Loved in May
• Psst…What We Loved in April

Above: Things we plan to hold onto, even as summer wanes: lazy weekends, lots of places to lounge, and other inspiration from more inspiration from LA-based designer Jesse Kamm’s off-grid place in Panama. See more in ‘Little Cabin in the Rainforest’: Jesse Kamm and Luke Brower’s Off-the-Grid Retreat in Panama.

• Admiring these fold-down camp beds in a sixties-era project by Eliot Noyes on Martha’s Vineyard.
• The residency we’ve been waiting for: Niwaki at Nickey Kehoe, coming to LA and NYC locations this September.
• And new offerings have landed at Maira Kalman’s General Store at Shaker Outpost in Chatham, NY; stop by.
• Intrigued by these fig leaf napkins for autumn dinner parties ahead (hat tip: Annie).
• Margot is in Denmark—next stop, Norway—and creating botanical arrangements at every step of the way (like this charming character in her Copenhagen hotel room).
• Psst: Have you seen this stripey collection? (Particularly love this for lazing outdoors well into September.)
• Ooh, Japanese seed beads.
• A limited-edition collection of art objects, coming soon to an Ikea near you (and online too).
• Fan’s eager to flip through Flamingo Estate’s Pleasure Principles.
• Swoon! Do these come in size 7?
• P.S. Readers’ most-loved picks of the summer, sourced.

“We seek the values and customs, the old aesthetics and pre-existing memories, the construction techniques and materials of each place in order to show them in a modern twist,”  write the architects, whose firm is 10 years old. “The wishes and hidden desires of future users are mixed with the project’s background in search of a new perception of space and identity.”

As the chill encroaches, join us for a fond look back at simple, sophisticated indoor-outdoor living, Greek island style.

Photographs by Yiorgos Kordakis, styling by Ioli Chiotini, courtesy of Kapsimalis Architects (@kapsimalisarchitects).

Above: The public entry, on the south side of the property, is off an old pedestrian street in the village of Chorio.
Above: The gate opens to a planted pathway leading into the back of the house, which is oriented to the Aegean. The structure was built in the late 19th century from local stone. The owners, who are French and in the board game business, divide their time between here and Toulouse.
Above: The doors lead to a double living area bisected by the first of many archways throughout the house. “After a detailed study of the old building, the architectural intervention aimed at the absolute preservation of its original form without any alteration of its identity,” explain the architects.

That said, this was a thorough renovation, and though the floor plan was preserved, the “geometry and the structure of the interior spaces” and the connections between them received a sophisticated fine-tuning.

Above: The rooms have tall ceilings with their original beams and reconstructed floors of “smooth cement plaster in an earthy brown.” The furnishings, a mix of the antique, handmade, and modern, are intentionally simple and modest, “in direct relation with the wild nature of the island.”
Above: The other half of the room is the dining area. The newly exposed rafters throughout required a thorough cleaning and were given a protective undercoat to keep them from being eaten by insects.
Above: The new kitchen is charmingly rustic-modern. There’s a range vent tucked inside the stove’s archway. The brass bridge faucet is by Bongio of Italy.
Above: A plate rack hangs over a prep table. For more ideas, see 10 Easy Pieces: Wall-Hung Plate Racks.
Above: A Dutch door leads to a courtyard and series of gardens—there are lemon trees, a pine grove, and herb beds.
Above: The outdoor dining room is just outside the kitchen.
Above: An internal stair from the kitchen leads to the guest room with a garden view. Note the recessed shelving in lieu of a headboard.
Above: The architects detailed the room with an artful open closet. The room has its own outdoor sitting area enclosed by thick walls.
Above: The full-length mirror is lit by a Jielde Signal 1-Arm Wall Sconce.
Above: The bathrooms are all newly appointed with built-in fittings. This one has twisted vine rafters.
Above: In the main bedroom, an arched slatted doorway draws light and sea breezes into the bath.
Above: Refurbished interior shutters open to the sitting/dining room.
Above: A clean-lined bathroom refurbishment. The brass faucets throughout are by Bongio.
Above: The house and its terraces and gardens unfold in the back, overlooking the Aegean.

Floor Plan

Above: Nestled on a hillside stepped back from the street, the villa has an open living-dining area leading to the kitchen and two well-separated bedroom suits, all flowing out to the garden.

Take a look at three more skillful updates of historic villas:

• Collective Composition: A Villa Renovation in Auckland By Katie Lockhart and Jack McKinney Architects
• A Villa in the Puglia Countryside with Rooms to Let
• Villa Lena: A Creative Hug (and Hotel) in Tuscany

N.B.: This story originally appeared on October 28, 2022 and has been updated.

Fringed Indoor/Outdoor Rug

Above: This resilient color-blocked rug is a dead ringer for a much pricier Hella Jongerius design (and it’s available in three colorways, too). Shop now.

Use-Anywhere Camp Cot

Above: Our affinity for old-fashioned camp cots inside is well documented. This fold-up version from Snow Peak is always an editor (and reader) fave. Shop now.

Honey Striped Linen Duvet Cover

Above: Annie loves this striped duvet cover for the feeling of summer well into September. (The many readers who’ve since ordered it seem to agree.) Shop now.

European Linen Pajama Set

Above: Linen pajamas for under $65? Yes, please. (We like the cornflower blue option.) Shop now.

Linen Crochet Napkins

Above: “No notes,” writes Fan of these well-priced linen napkins (shown here in an unexpected raspberry). Shop now.

Ivory Linen Sheet Set

Above: You can’t go wrong with a really great, classic, made-to-last white sheet set like this one from Cultiver. Shop now.

Outdoor Market Folding Chair

Above: All summer we’ve been eyeing this fold-up chair from Hay’s new collaboration with British designer Jasper Morrison—for indoors, outdoors, and on the go. Shop now (and see more picks in 9 Finds for a Portable Summer).

East Fork x Whichford Kitchen Garden Pot

Above: For keeping summer going on the windowsill: pretty limited-edition terracotta pots. Shop now.

For more summer finds, see this season’s picks:

• The Editors’ Cut: Finds for the Unplugged Summer Kitchen
• The Editors’ Cut: The Art of Outdoor Entertaining
• The Editors’ Cut: 9 Finds for a Portable Summer

They live with an easy flair, as evidenced by every inch of their quarters on the top floor of a 17th-century house in the heart of Copenhagen. Come have a look at their center of action.

Photography courtesy of Reform.

Above: The couple describe the kitchen as “Donald Judd meets Ellsworth Kelly—living in a
centuries-old house made us hunger for something contemporary and efficient.” The cabinets are composed of Ikea components fronted with vibrant doors from Reform’s Match design by Muller Van Severen.

The white porcelain wall fixtures with half-chrome bulbs are from THPG of Germany.

Above: The countertop is stainless steel and the matte brass faucet is the Fusion design from Quooker.

The cabinet doors are composed of HDPE (high density polyethylene) and come in six colors that can be mixed and matched as desired. Reform is based in Denmark and has showrooms in Brooklyn and LA, among other places. The company specializes in offering upgrades for Ikea cabinets, but also makes its own cabinet line.

Above: In addition to cooking just about all of the family’s meals here, Bille Brahe experiments with recipes. The juicer is the Frieling Citrus Press. The Japanese-designed SANAA Armless Chair with rabbit ears is available from Maruni.
Above: Like most chefs, Bille Brahe likes to keep tools and everyday dishes within easy reach.
Above: The metal open shelves are much like Vitsoe’s 606 Universal Shelving System.
Above: The apartment’s exposed beams are original. The cooktop is an induction model with an integrated vent from Gaggenau. The dishwasher is situated to the left of the sink, behind the peach-colored cabinet.
Above: A serving idea worth borrowing.
Above: The dining chairs are Børge Mogensen’s J39 design, which has been in continuous production since 1947. “We wanted the kitchen to be practical and functional for everyday use,” the couple say, noting that they kept the  space open “so our kids can dance and play here, and naturally
become a part of the cooking.”
Above: The upholstered bench is akin to the Danish classic PK80 Daybed by Poul Kjærholm.
Above: “For Fred, the kitchen is his office,” says Brasch Nielsen. “He uses it for making recipes and sometimes working on the computer. It’s also a nice spot to have a drink when we have guests.” The hanging light is a vintage PH Snowball Kontrast Pendant Lamp by Louis Poulsen.
Above: The room has a courtyard view and golden light. Go to @frederikbillebrahe and @caroline_brasch to catch glimpses of the kitchen being lived in.

Here are three more kitchens with Reform’s cabinet doors:

• Kitchen of the Week: Base Cabinets by Ikea, Chic and Colorful Doors by Reform
• A Line of Ikea Cabinets Made with Dinesen Wood
• A Japanese- Style Upgrade for Ikea Kitchens

N.B.: This story originally ran on September 8, 2022 and has been updated with new information.

Turns out, the estate, which consists of seven dammusi (one-story houses made of volcanic rock), plays a prominent role in Luca Guadagnino’s A Bigger Splash, starring Tilda Swinton and Ralph Fiennes. The director, who also helmed Call Me By Your Name, another European-set film with shabby-elegant homes, called it “a dream setting.” We can see why.

Join us for a tour of two of Tenuta Borgia‘s dammusi.

Dammuso Grande

Above: Dammuso Grande is the largest of the seven rentals and can accommodate up to eight guests. It has been officially declared a “monument” by the Italian Superintendence of Cultural Heritage and Landscape.
Above: Pantelleria is geographically closer to Tunisia than to Italy, and it shows in the dominant architecture and interior style on the island.
Above: A simple arrangement of olive branches on a marble-topped credenza. Tenuta Borgia also has a working olive orchard and vineyard on the property.
Above: Mixing tile designs works when they’re in the same palette.
Above: An emphasis on wood and white creates a soothing color scheme.
Above: Each dammuso has alcoved windows and shelving.
Above: The beautifully tiled sink in the bathroom.
Above: The sparkling pool (which features prominently in the movie). Several of the dammusi on the property include private pools. Rates start at €3,700 per week for the low season.

Dammuso Vigna

Above: A small, tidy kitchen in Dammuso Vigna, which can accommodate a couple.
Above: The quintessence of simplicity in the bedroom.
Above: Dammuso Vigna is small, but it has a sizeable outdoor space.
Above: An outdoor kitchen is to the left of the dining table.
Above: A thatched roof provides respite from the sun. Dammuso Vigna’s rate starts at €700 per week for the low season.

For more vacation ideas, see:

• A Romantic Monastery-Turned-Vacation Rental on the Amalfi Coast
• Italian Spring: A Villa in the Puglia Countryside, with Rooms for Let
• Edinburgh Bolthole: A Stylish One-Room Vacation Apartment Converted from a Garage

N.B.: This story originally ran on June 21, 2019 and has been updated.

Above: On the higher end of the pricing spectrum, the R+D Lab Luisa Clear Water Glass is made of lightweight and durable Swiss borosilicate; $96 for a set of two via Heath Ceramics.
Above: Francesca is a fan of the Jasper Morrison for Alessi Glass Family Set. The glasses are available in three sizes from Finnish Design Shop: Red Wine Glass, White Wine Glass, and Water Tumbler; all are the same price: $64 for a set of four.
Above: The micro-thin Marta Barware line from CB2 is well priced and appealing; the clear versions are currently on sale for $2 apiece at CB2.
Above: From iconic French company Duralex, the timeless tempered Duralex Unie Tumblers are $24 for a set of six at Duralex.
Above: Alexa’s favorite is the transparent glassware designed by architect Vincent Van Duysen. The Low Glass Passe-Partout (left) is currently on sale at Design Quarters: $82 for a set of four; the High Glass Passe-Partout is $87 for a set of four.
Above: Justine is a longtime fan of the Spanish wine glass. The Bormioli Rocco Bodega Glasses are made of tempered glass; $74.99 for a set of 18 assorted glasses at Bormioli Rocco.  
Above: Simple and affordable, the Hawkins New York Essential Glassware starts at $48 for a set of four small glasses (also available in seven other colorways).
Above: Meredith is the proud owner of a set of Iittala Kartio tumblers, a classic by Finnish designer Kaj Franck. The Kartio Clear Drinking Glass Two-Pack is currently on sale for $23 at Royal Design.
Above: Janet swears by Orskov Glassware from Denmark. Made of heatproof borosilicate, the glasses are available in five sizes; from $34.15 for a set of four small glasses via Nordic Nest.
Above: Julie likes nearly indestructible and always well-priced Oaxacan-style tumblers. Oaxacan Organic Glassware starts at $16 for a small-sized glass from Take Heart Shop (shown). Also available: the Medium Tumbler by Xaquixe, handmade in Oaxaca from recycled glass and using alternative energy; $56 for a set of two from Goodee.
Above: The Williams-Sonoma Pint Glasses Set of Four is $59.95 at Williams-Sonoma.
Above: Annie adores the delicate Cast Japanese Glassware from Kinto, available in four sizes and designed for various beverages. Made of heat-resistant glass, the glasses range from the Cast Green Tea Glass ($21.60 and the Cast Water Glass ($28) to the Cast Iced Tea Glass ($31.25) and the Cast Beer Glass ($36.80); prices are for sets of four.
Above: For glasses en masse, the Ikea 365 15 Ounce Clear Glass is $12.99 for a pack of six.

N.B.: This post was originally published on July 27, 2011. We have updated it with new and additional product selections and current pricing.

For more glassware we love, see:

• 10 Easy Pieces: Remodelista Editors’ Favorite Everyday Wine Glasses
• Object of Desire: Hand-Blown Glassware in Amber Hues
• High/Low: Ikea’s Latest Low-Profile Wine Glass

The Sightings

Above: The lamp first appeared in the Merci department store’s showcase apartment: see Lessons in Mixing and Matching: Merci Reinvents an 18th Century a Family Home in the 5ème. Photograph courtesy of Merci.
Above: The light cropped up again in artist Heather Chontos’s 17th century Barn Studio in Southwest France. She told us she bought it in Morocco from a French artisan named Henri Dejeant. Photograph by Heather Chontos.
Above: Another Henri Dejeant lamp stands bedside in Heather Chontos’s Stone Farmhouse. Photograph by Heather Chontos.

The Source

Above: Henri Dejeant started making his lamps more than a decade ago while running a hotel in a Berber village in southern Morocco with his cousin. Inspired by Moroccan craftsmanship and upcycling practices, he began experimenting with scrap paper and developed his own moldable version of papier maché; it was the material that led him to try his hand at lighting design.

Dejeant has since moved back to the south of France, where he grew up; his workshop, Henri Atelier, is in the small town of Béziers. He’s been building things since he was a boy—for his 11th birthday, he received a workbench that he still uses.

Above: Dejeant makes his paper creations out of a proprietary mix of binders, which include plaster of paris and flour, and finishes them with a combination of waxes. “My goal,” he says, “is to maintain an ecological approach from creation to delivery.” His creations are now available via Merci Paris.
Above: The Invider Medium, €468, is shown here in Dejeant’s own home. He sells his designs on his web shop and through a number of stores in France.

More of our design sleuths:

• Remodelista Reconnaissance: Traditional Blankets, Rugged Enough for the Cabin
• Remodelista Reconnaissance: The Paint Colors in an Ever-Changing French Kitchen
• Remodelista Reconnaissance: The Ideal Coffee Cups, Sans Handle

N.B.: This story originally ran on November 3, 2023 and has been updated with new links and pricing.

Photography courtesy of Fred Aartun.

Above: The house is designed with honest, natural materials from various woods and linen to rice paper and sisal. The lamp is the Noguchi Akari J1 Ceiling Lamp. The stool at front is the AML Stool in Dark Pine from Frama. The blue throw is a Brushed Gotland Wool Blanket from Klippan.
Above: The floors are finished in sisal carpeting. For the first few years, Kasia and Fred had covered the existing linoleum with jute rugs until they were able to redo the floors. The silver platter is by artist Yeodong Yun for aarticles.
Above: Kasia moves tabletop elements around in the living room. Much of the pine furniture came with the house; Kasia and Fred sanded and re-oiled it themselves. The white vase is by Kasia—her own pieces, too, will be available at aarticles.
Above: A trio of side tables echo the three windows above. At center is the Frama T-Lamp in Steel. The blinds throughout were sourced from Color & Co.
Above: The interior walls are all original pine cladding. The floor lamp is the FLOS Toio Lamp in Black. The side table is actually a bench, the Bench 01 in Dark Brown Birch from Frama.
Above: A wide view of the living room reveals the wood burning stove original to the house.
Above: Hanging above the dining table is the Frama Cone Shade.
Above: The vintage dining table extends with a a slatted top at either end.
Above: An original pocket door opens into the main bedroom, complete with wall-mounted bookshelves and a Noguchi Akari Lantern.
Above: A summer hat and woven fan hang on the wall alongside a round vintage mirror.
Above: The second, smaller bedroom is designed with a Noguchi Akari 33X and a Frama T-Lamp in White.
Above: A look down the length of the living room from the exterior.
Above: The teak outdoor dining table and chairs are the Børge Mogensen Dining Set for Carl Hansen & Søn. The terrace previously had a surrounding fence which Kasia and Fred removed and replaced with flower beds.
Above: The hallmark of Danish summerhouses is a low visual impact. Here, dark-stained pine recedes into the forest. The house was built by the family they bought the house from. “It’s modeled after a simple Swedish style known as annabergs hus,” Kasia explains. “I’ve seen photos of the finished house from 1970 and the first thing you notice is that there were no trees on the property back then. Today, tall trees surround the grounds completely, and that’s one of the things that makes it so special to us.”

For more Danish summerhouses, see our posts:

• In Harmoni: A Low-Impact Summerhouse in Rural Vollerup, Denmark
• Simplicity Reigns: An Architect’s Pared-Down Summer Home in Denmark
• A Modular Danish Summer House—with a Six-Month Lead Time
• Woodland Wonder: A House of Douglas Fir in a Forest in Denmark

N.B.: This story originally appeared on August 8, 2025 and has been updated.

Here: 12 not-too-campy ideas for adding some unexpected red (and white) to the house:

Above: We love the embroidered banners available from Felt. Shown is In Love by Liv Enqvist; browse more by the artist (and others) here.
Above: A riff on the trend of the summer: The popular Poisson Tea Towel is $50 from Amuse La Bouche.

Above: The &Tradition Colette Table Lamp with subtle red edging is $565 from AllModern.
Above: A favorite from Schoolhouse: the reversible Shelburne Cotton Coverlet, currently on offer from $249.
Above: Charvet Editions’ Bistro Tea Towel in Red is $44 each, available via Vestige.
Above: From luxury Italian makers Chiarastella Cattana: The red-checked F74 Table Runner in Rubino is €75.41. (See also: Vintage-Feeling Linens from Chiarastella Cattana in Venice, Italy.)
Above: Perhaps a striped robe for summer? “Inspired by photographer Slim Aaron’s seventies”, this Striped Red Robe is $221 from Mizar + Alcor.
Above: Colours of Arley offers designs of all stripes and color combos. This one just so happens to be for the pet set: The Medium Dog Cushion in Pebble and Deep Rust is $231. (See also: Show Your Stripes with Colours of Arley, Bespoke Fabric Created for a Rescue Pup.)

More summer favorites:

• Editors’ Picks: Our 9 Low-Fi Summer Essentials

N.B.: This story originally appeared on July 4, 2024 and has been updated with new links and pricing.

Above: Channeling this. Photograph from Italian Lessons: Cenerentola Chianti, a Family House Reconsidered. Photograph by Eefje De Coninck and Senne Van der Ven of Senne & Eefje for Cenerentola Chianti.

• For all your end-of-summer inspiration: love this former fisherman’s shack, transformed.
• Save the date for London Design Festival, September 12-20.
• Not that we want to jump ahead to back-to-school season, but oooh, this home office setup almost makes us feel ready.
• This just in: Block Shop’s collection of one-of-a-kind pieces.
• We’re oddly intrigued by these special-edition rugs that take cues from the tennis court.
• Annie wants to make a pilgrimage to Galerie Sardine in Amagansett—now with rotating displays by Somerset House. (Side note: love, love, love the work of these artists.)
• Planning a kitchen or bathroom remodel? You should know aboutt clé tile’s new collaborations with friend of Remodelista Erica Tanov and Serena Dugan.
• How beautiful is this?
• Also, delighted to see this small-batch furniture co. we love is now available via West Elm; browse here (and see our story here).
• Lemonade stands have nothing on dahlia stands. (Hat tip: Fan.)
• Sale alert: Goodee is offering 20 percent off items in its garden collection (use code: GARDEN20).
• On heat waves and ghost gardens. (Hat tip: Annie.)
• “Competitive windowboxing in Nantucket,” courtesy of Stephen Orr.
• Save the date: the 20th anniversary of Friends of Birmingham Botanical Gardens’ Antiques at the Gardens is set for this fall. Tickets on sale now.
• “Wish I had a crack in my sidewalk so I can replicate this simple, stunning idea,” says Fan.
• And looking ahead: Photographers-gardeners Krautkopf have just launched their 2027 calendar, featuring stunning images of their garden. (For more on the creative couple and their homestead, head here.)

As hoteliers, Ray and Kim think constantly about ways to comfort and delight their guests. As business people, they consider the look and functionality of every detail, and also the wearability and value. A while back I talked to Ray at Rivertown about 9 Favorite Natural Materials Designed to Take a Beating. Today, we’re resuming the discussion at Camptown with a focus on summer guest quarters and the ingredients—from in-your-face to invisible—that make them wonderful.

Photography by Lawrence Braun (@lwrncbrn), unless noted, courtesy of Camptown.

1. Standing-Seam Metal Roofs

Above: Camptown was an 8o-year-old rustic resort that Ray and Kim reinvented. The cabins received high-style upgrades starting with black standing-seam metal roofs, the hands-down favorite of architects in the Remodelista Architect & Designer Directory. An undeniable investment, they’re made to last, come in a slew of colors, and add a modern element to the property. They also don’t absorb heat and “these aren’t at all noisy in the rain,” adds Ray.

The uniformity of the roofs enabled Ray and Kim to paint their 26 cabins in a range of color combinations, no two exactly alike (they used Benjamin Moore exterior paints matched to Farrow & Ball-inspired shades). “We looked at the grounds and flowers and put together color boards. We wanted our choices to accentuate the landscape.”

Above: One summer as a teen, Ray worked for his brother’s construction company as a roofer, a job that gave him an appreciation for materials and labor. His standing seam metal advice: “Look for matte, have the seams as far apart as possible, place matching snow catchers above doors, and be sure to match your stove flue to the roof color.” Camptown’s roofs were supplied and installed by Powell & Sons of Germantown, NY.

2. A Place to Perch

Above: As a recent guest, I can attest to the fact that canvas swings make the porches at Camptown especially inviting.”They’re the perfect way to relax while reading,” says Ray. “We get them from Penobscot Bay Porch Swings, a mom and pop operation (well, mom) out of Brunswick Maine.”

Note the surprise blue floor: it’s the reverse of traditional porches with sky ceilings. (See also: The Case for Blue Floors.) Photograph by Chris Mottalini.

3. The Guest Essentials

Above: The guest room basics according to Ray: “You need to have a place to hang your coat on arrival [such as this painted Shaker-style Peg Shelf], a closet, drawers, reading chair and light, bedside lights with switches that you can access from bed, and a plug within arm’s reach from bed. It’s also nice to have a table that’s not too small (that’s 36 inches for us), so it can be used by two people for dining or work.”

At Camptown, the rooms also have curated book selections, Marshall bluetooth speakers, and individually heat/cooling units.

4. A Camp Kitchen

Above: Camptown cabins come with thoughtfully designed camp kitchens. There’s a retro fridge, a two-burner stove with a kettle, tableware stowed in a plate rack from Woodchuck (which Ray discovered on Remodelista), and an easy-to-reach metal trashcan and other essentials behind the sink curtain.  (There’s also communal pantry stocked with supplies and places to barbecue).

For cabinet curtains, Ray advises going with a double-sided linen flat panel or loose pleats “for cleanliness (tight pleats catch dust) and ease of use.”

Above: Camptown’s fridges are from iilo’s Retro-Mod Series. The cement tiles are by Clé (the pattern is an Erica Tanov design)—Ray says he loves the matte look and variety of cement tiles, with a caveat: “if they’re not finished properly—everyone says they know how to do it—they show everything. We’ve had to shave and refinish these. But when done right, there’s no issue.”

5. Some Favorite Furniture

Above: Ray and Kim’s bed frame of choice is the Distrikt Platform Bed because it has built-in side tables. It’s paired here with a Serena & Lily Flynn Sconce.

Other of their midcentury go-tos include the Case Study Bentwood Daybed—”it comes in great fabrics and finishes and is so good as a sofa replacement”—and Borge Mogensen’s Canvas Chair in white oak—”hardwearing and easy to keep clean” (see both in the living room below).

6. How to Make the Most of a Tight Bedroom

Above: Ray and Kim installed their first built-in beds at Rivertown Lodge, which is just 15 minutes away. “Built-ins are the perfect way to gain more space,” says Ray, “they’re cozy and integrated, like a ship’s cabin.” In Camptown’s main lodge, shown here, the guest rooms were awkwardly shaped. They now have queen-sized built-ins with storage drawers, and TVs tucked out of sight at the foot of the beds.

7. Best Mattresses and Bedding

“Hotel mattresses these days are often pillowy soft,” says Ray. Some love them but most people need a little structure.” His pick? The Bear Natural Mattress of organic cotton and natural latex—”Bear is a young eco company and the mattress was originally custom made for us but is newly available.”

Ray’s best bets for bedding: Frette sheets (““I don’t think there’s anything better out there, and the company has a well-priced commercial line”), Saatva Down Alternative Pillows (“guest pillows have to have a certain amount of density but not too much”), and a Simple Linen Quilt or year-round goose down duvet with a Linen Duvet Cover from Hawkins NYC supplemented with a blanket, such as a Welsh wool design by Melin Tregwynt.

8. Bedroom Curtain Essentials

As a guest at Camptown, one of the especially pleasing details were the bedroom’s curtains that opened and shut smoothly thanks to a hidden hanging wand. Ray said they’re custom-made by Ella of Ella’s Window Fashion in Chester, NJ, which supplied the linen (“she’s a magician and they have an amazing fabric library”).

Ray’s bedroom curtain specs are nonnegotiable: “a guest room always needs a sheer—not shiny or polyester, beautiful linen with stitching, so there’s always natural light. You also need blackout shades because a lot of people can’t sleep if there’s even the tiniest bit of light. We use less fabric than most people—we like the layers to be flat panels when closed, not gathered like a petticoat.”

9. Underfoot

Above: In addition to painted wood floors and encaustic tiles, the cabins have Forbo’s eco-friendly Marmoleum flooring (it’s made of flaxseed and linseed oil and is naturally antibacterial). Shown here in navy, one of many color choices, Marmoleum feels good underfoot and is hard to distinguish from a painted surface. It’s easy to clean, but Ray cautions, can show scratches. He layers the linoleum with handwoven wool throw rugs from Birch Lane.

Also note the cover Ramshackle designed to camouflage the air conditioner in the corner: it’s a cherry frame backed with acoustic fabric.

10. Great-Value Brass Bridge Faucet

Above: The bathroom’s bridge faucets in unlacquered brass were sourced from Watermark of Brooklyn—”not to be confused with Waterworks,” says Ray. “Watermark is insanely less expensive and just as beautiful.” The Watermark 8-Inch Commercial-Style Faucet with Lever Handles is $225.

By the way, Ray swears by the towels from Brooklinen: “we looked all over; they’re extra thick and soft—and resilient over many washes.”

12. The Right Light Switches

Above: “Every light switch should be on a dimmer if possible,” says Ray, who sources Camptown’s from Forbes & Lomax in unlacquered brass with toggle switches for the “utilitarian lights.” As for bulbs, Ray says “Tala makes the most beautiful LED bulbs, we use them everywhere.”

13. A Vintage Touch

Each of the cabins is decorated with a few antiques: a pressed flower stem in the entry, a wooded landscape painting hanging over the kitchen table, a framed sampler next to the bed. Ray and Kim handpick these from auctions and junk shops in the vicinity. They’re about celebrating craftsmanship and avoiding conformity, says Ray: “There’s such a balance between old and new; it’s all a tension you’re creating that makes a space interesting.”

14. What Smells So Good?

As a guest with a heightened sense of smell, I noticed that Camptown’s crisp bedding and bathroom soap were ever-so-slightly fragrant—in an intoxicatingly good way. “We’re not scent people, but we want things to smell very clean,” Ray explains. Towards that end, the hand soap in our quarters was Bergamot Rosemary from Hudson Naturals (each cabin gets its own array of toiletries) and Ray reveals that the linens are washed with a half-and-half mix of Caldrea’s Basil Blue Sage Laundry Detergent and unscented detergent from Seventh Generation. I’ve adopted all for use at home, souvenirs of a perfect weekend away.

Go to The New Catskills Boutique Hotel with Cabins to read more about Camptown. See A Hotel with a Sense of Place and 9 Hard-Wearing Material Recommendations for a look at Rivertown Lodge (and here’s its rental house in Hudson, NY). Stay tuned: Ray and Kim have four new upstate projects in the works.

More Expert Advice for summer and beyond:

• 23 Genius, Reversible, Budget-Friendly Hacks to Transform a Rental Apartment
• The Sand-Free Cottage: 8 Ways to Keep the Beach at Bay
• A Visit with Tricia Rose of Rough Linen, the Original Coastal Grandma

N.B.: This story originally ran on July 31, 2024 and has been updated.

Above: “I love classic striped deck chairs and have my eye on this modern Dutch version, the [product id="1022162"]Beach Chair[/product] by Erik Stehmann and Raw Color from Weltevree,” reports Margot; it’s available for €198.
Above: Beautifully woven Bolga fans, handwoven in Ghana, can be found from retailers like Etsy; or consider the colorful versions from Baba Tree Basket Company ($85.32 each).

Above: Fan says: “Come summertime, I usually have at least three kinds of berries in my fridge at any given time. I usually put the berries in a small glass prep bowl for my berry-mad son. Within 30 seconds of handing the bowl over to him, I’ll hear from the other room, “More, please!” I need a bigger vessel. And I’ve found the perfect one.” The [product id="1022166"]Vermont Berry Colander[/product] from LA-based Sheldon Ceramics is seven inches in diameter and goes from sink to table; $80.

Above: Better than paper: Annie likes the look of these Porcelain Paper Plates by Virginia Sin in Brooklyn, which have all of the nostalgia of summers past and none of the waste; from $88.
Above: The ideal pool towel? The Roman Pool Towel from Baina, shown here in the “sage and chalk” colorway ($130).
Above: A vast upgrade from flimsy (and prone-to-cracking) plastic versions: retro Stainless Steel Ice Cube Trays, $32.95 from The Vermont Country Store.
Above: Julie carries a borosilicate glass drinking bottle for the summer months, with durable, lab-quality glass that doesn’t impart a taste to water (and is eco-friendly to boot). A great option: the Waterdrop Clear Glass Bottle ($30).
Above: Hammocks are a summer must, and we like this hardy version, handwoven by artisans in Nicaragua. The Earth Organic Natural Cotton Hammock by Artissanos is $299.

More summer essentials:

• 10 Favorites: Summer Block Party Essentials
• Editors’ Picks: 10 Summer Tabletop Finds for Under $25
• Editors’ Wish List: 15 Accessories for the Summer Kitchen

N.B.: This story is an update; the original post ran on July 3, 2018, and has been updated with new information, products, images, and links.

Sarah emailed recently to say hello; Notary, she told us, marks a decade this summer. What started, in her words, as “solo therapeutic hobby” working with the “unrefined, grounding nature of clay” has grown into a brick and mortar storefront and production studio helmed by a team of women (and even featured on the Magnolia Network’s Storefront Stories).

To celebrate 10 years, Sarah recently launched a new collection of porcelain lighting and vessels. Notary first ventured into lighting during the pandemic, “a time when people were staying home and focusing deeply on curating comforting, beautiful living spaces,” but this is the first in porcelain, which intrigues Sarah for its duality: It’s simultaneously delicate and strong, translucent yet resilient.

Take a first look at the collection, “photographed inside a childhood friend’s rustic cow barn—juxtaposing the country life Sarah grew up with against the refined, luminous elegance of the porcelain.”

Photography by Kris LeBoeuf, courtesy of Notary Ceramics.

Above: “Porcelain is famously challenging and finicky to work with on the pottery wheel due to its delicate nature,” Sarah writes. “But the firing process transforms it into an incredibly resilient, dense, and strong ceramic.” Therein the duality: ethereal yet strong. Shown is the Lamp #9, ; $1,200.
Above: “Paired with solid brass hardware, these pieces are designed to cast a warm, intentional glow,” writes Sarah. Shown: Lamp #5, $1,500.
Above: The Angel’s Trumpet Vase, also in porcelain, is “is hand thrown in our smooth porcelain clay and left unglazed”; $160.

Above: Though Notary has grown from its early days as a one-woman operation, “Sarah still throws each of these pieces by hand, signing and stamping each one.” Shown is Lamp #10, $950.

Above: Each lampshade is “made just thin enough to allow soft light to glow through, perfect for any bedside table or reading nook.” The Pendant #1 is $550.

Above: The perfect bedside light. The Lamp #7 is $1,200.

Above: Arrangement by Sarah.

To browse the full porcelain collection head here.

And for more ceramics we love, see:

• Currently Coveting: Slow Ceramics from Estudio Vernís in Spain
• Design Sleuth: 7 “Weird and Wonderful” Ceramics at Birch Hotel, from Hooks to Taps
• 10 Easy Pieces: Simple Ceramic Serving Platters

Above: Sliding glass doors, set on a corner and with hidden drains, connect outdoor dining space to kitchen in A Modern Farmhouse Kitchen in SF designed by Malcolm Davis.
Above: In a tiny indoor/outdoor kitchen, sliding doors open onto the water. See The Ultimate Houseboat in NYC.
Above: A series of outdoor courtyards leads directly into the kitchen, no door included, in An Architect’s Indoor/Outdoor Dreamscape in Mallorca, Spain.
Above: An architect-designed kitchen in a Sydney suburb features one long counter that stretches into a back patio. For more, see Kitchen of the Week: Indoor-Outdoor Cooking in Sydney.
Above: We like this open-air kitchen with plenty of all-purpose shelving at the now dearly departed March in San Francisco. Get the look via Steal This Look: The Deconstructed Outdoor Kitchen on Gardenista.
Above: At An LA Ranch Rehab by Barbara Bestor and DISC Interiors, the entire living space, kitchen included, extends into an outdoor living and dining area.
Above: In a townhouse in Brooklyn’s Fort Greene neighborhood, Elizabeth Roberts installed floor-to-ceiling doors to open the kitchen and dining area to the backyard. The greenery that will eventually grow up the interior walls will also bring a sense of the outdoors in. For more, see Indoor/Outdoor Living, Brooklyn-Style.
Above: In “the sparest version of what a weekend house can be,” the emphasis is on the outdoors: Even the industrial-style kitchen is situated in a screened porch. See our post In California Wine Country, A Family Campground (Plus Lap Pool).
Above: Another rustic arrangement: A no-frills kitchen at the Fforest camp in Wales faces the outdoors and includes a selection of cast-iron pans. See Glamping Roundup: 12 Favorite Design-Worthy Camps, Tented Edition.
Above: Over on Gardenista: Oversize sliding doors connect wild gardens to a kept kitchen in the U.K. See On the Market: A Modern Walled Garden (Moat Included) for $2.6M in Devon.
Above: An unused garage becomes an indoor/outdoor kitchen with galvanized steel workspaces. See Paradise Found: A Garage Transformed into a Garden Pavilion on Gardenista.
Above: Another way of extending the kitchen into the out-of-doors: using the same flooring in the kitchen and on the deck, as seen in Gardenista’s Architect Visit: A Puget Sound Cabin That Rests Lightly on the Land.
Above: In an indoor/outdoor Hawaiian house, double doors open from kitchen to gravel courtyard. For more, see Architect Visit: Re-creating Old Hawaii on Kakapa Bay on Gardenista.
Above: In good weather, French doors open from the kitchen and dining room onto the backyard in An Antiquarian Farmhouse in Upstate New York, Transformed.
Above: A full wall of steel-framed skyscraper windows provides a view onto a waterfall from the kitchen sink. See The Country Rental: A Floating Farmhouse in Upstate New York.
Above: A kitchen in a new extension on a North London House is bordered on two sides by glass for easy access to the yard. Photograph courtesy of Stephen Kavanagh Architects.

More of our all-time favorite kitchens:

• 13 Favorite Cost-Conscious Kitchen Remodels from the Remodelista Archives
• Greatest Hits: 16 Fantastique French Kitchens from Our Archives
• 13 Italian Kitchens, Dolce Vita Edition

N.B.: This story originally ran on August 14, 2017 and has been updated.

Photography via Hotel Wren, except where noted.

Above: Located 10 minutes from the north entrance to Joshua Tree, Hotel Wren began as a classic roadside motor lodge. It’s been redesigned for modern desert stays by LA-based Manola Studio, helmed by Jessica Pell. “Wren is both a love letter to the desert and a quiet expression of the studio’s values,” according to the studio, “shaped by story and intention, inspired by nature and nuance. Intuitive, grounded, and attuned to place, Wren invites guests into a gentle dialogue between self and space.”

Above: This dining room, and the living area above, are actually in The Wren House, a separate midcentury house “perched on the northwestern edge of the Hotel Wren property, overlooking the open desert and the Pinto Mountains,” available for stays.
Above: A vintage mix in Wren House.

Above: The palette channels the high desert, with terra cotta floors and muted greens.
Above: An airy, open guest room in the redone motor lodge itself. Included: white-washed pitched ceilings, a tasseled globe light, gauzy patchwork curtains by Lookout and Wonderland, and a pert little Casita Lamp by Twenty One Tonnes. Not included: a TV.
Above: A commissioned lamp by Lana Launay hangs in this guest bedroom. “When Lana Launay couldn’t find the lampshades she was after, she started making her own,” Margot wrote in our feature. “It wasn’t a stretch. The Sydney-based artist has a background in jewelry making, textile design, and visual arts, and applied a range of these skills, improvisation included, to create her first pieces.” Photograph from Bright Light: Lana Launay Turns Natural Materials into Sculptural Lamps.
Above: Desert flowers, desert light.
Above: Rooms have kitchenettes and private patios.

Above: A queen double room has built-in bedside tables; it’s pet friendly, though except for designated “family weekends,” Hotel Wren is adults-only.
Above: An arched bath—and a glimpse of delft-esque tiles—in the king deluxe room.
Above; Hotel Wren also has a saltwater pool, a community library in the lobby, and a “curated bodega” and shop called Windsong that is “usually open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ish.”

For more and to book, head to Hotel Wren.

And for more desert escapes, might we suggest:

• At Play in the California Desert: Four Designers Build Their Own Off-Grid Camp in Joshua Tree
• Desert Dream: An Architect-Designed, Off-the Grid Cabin in Joshua Tree
• A California Creative Couple’s Desert-Modern Hotel in Santa Fe

N.B.: This story originally appeared on June 13, 2025 and has been updated.

N.B.: While we’ve provided links to online retailers, note that several brands can only be sold in the state where the appliance will be installed. Visit the manufacturer’s website to locate dealers in your area.

Above: The panel-ready Monogram 36-Inch Integrated Bottom-Freezer Refrigerator (ZIC363IPVLH) installs flush with surrounding cabinetry and features a convertible drawer with six temperature settings, illuminated shelving, an internal water dispenser, and an ice maker; $11,650 at AJ Madison.
Above: The panel-ready Liebherr Monolith 36-Inch French Door Refrigerator (MCB3652) features a divided BioFresh-Plus drawer with independently controlled temperature zones, along with an internal water dispenser and ice maker; $9,899 at Shop Appliances.
Above: The Sub-Zero PRO 36-Inch Refrigerator/Freezer (PRO3650LH) is clad in stainless steel inside and out, with dual refrigeration, an air-purification system, and spill-resistant glass shelving; $16,975 through approved dealers.
Above: The Energy Star–qualified Dacor 36-Inch Built-In French Door Refrigerator (DRF367500AP) features an all-stainless-steel interior with integrated lighting, an adjustable-temperature FreshZone drawer, and dual ice makers that produce standard cubes and larger cocktail ice; $13,698 in silver stainless steel through approved dealers.
Above: The KitchenAid 36-Inch Built-In Bottom-Freezer Refrigerator (KBBR336SPS) offers dual cooling systems and a platinum-toned interior with smoked crisper drawers, spill-resistant shelving, and bright LED lighting; $8,548 at Shop Appliances.
Above: The stainless-steel Smeg 36-Inch Built-In Bottom-Freezer Refrigerator (RBMU36LX) has dual inverter compressors and a lower compartment that can be used as either refrigerator or freezer storage, plus an automatic ice maker; $10,299 at AJ Madison.
Above: The Bosch 800 Series 36-Inch French Door Refrigerator (B36CT80SNS) combines a counter-depth profile with dual compressors for independent refrigerator and freezer climates, plus an internal water dispenser and adjustable-temperature produce drawer; $3,999.99 in stainless steel at Ferguson Home.
Above: The stainless-steel Bertazzoni 36-Inch Built-In Bottom-Freezer Refrigerator (REF36BMBIXLT) uses a minimal-clearance hinge for flush installation, while its lower compartment can be set as freezer, low-temperature “fresco” storage, or additional refrigerator space; $11,349 at AJ Madison.
Above: The Thermador Freedom 36-Inch French Door Refrigerator (T36FT820NS) is an Energy Star–qualified appliance with a counter-depth profile, an internal water dispenser, and a cold-air system designed to maintain an even temperature throughout; $5,299 in stainless steel at Ferguson Home.
Above: The panel-ready Miele MasterCool 36-Inch Bottom-Freezer Refrigerator (KFMC3642L) features a stainless-steel interior, climate-controlled MasterFresh Pro storage, an odor-reducing air-filtration system, and a built-in ice maker; $12,999 at AJ Madison.

For more on refrigerators see our posts:

• Remodeling 101 Guide: Kitchen Refrigerators
• Remodeling 101: What to Know When Replacing Your Fridge
• 10 Easy Pieces: Best Skinny Refrigerators
• 10 Easy Pieces: Glass Door Refrigerators
• 10 Easy Pieces: Best 36-Inch Counter-Depth Refrigerators
• 10 Easy Pieces: Compact Refrigerators

N.B.: This story originally ran on October 26, 2011 and has been updated with new links, products, and pricing.

Read on:

The Sighting

Above: The cane chair in question is in a guest room in designer C.S. Valentin’s Bellport house. We’re drawn to its minimal lines and visual lightness (thanks, in part, to the caned back). Styling by Alexa Hotz and photography by Jonathan Hökklo for Remodelista.

The Source

Above: Some sleuthing revealed the chair to be Ikea’s Grönadal. It’s been discontinued since our story on Valentin’s place first went live, but it can be found secondhand online on sites like AptDeco and 1stdibs.

Or, for rocking chairs with a similar vibe, try the Ixtapa Rocking Chair ($380), Bali & Pari Mahin Natural Rattan Rocking Chair ($443.99), or Beltaine Wicker Rocker Lounge Chair ($799).

Have a similar design you like? Let us know in the comments. And for more Remodelista Reconnaissance, see:

• A Striped, Embroidered Blanket in a French Getaway
• A Woven Pendant Light in a Paris Pied à Terre
• The Nautical Brass Ceiling Light

N.B.: This story originally ran on September 2, 2022 and has been updated with new products and links.

“I love the intimacy and efficiency of small spaces,” Malachi says. “It was nice to work with the simple shed shape, which organically provided a sitting room downstairs and a sleeping loft upstairs. This separation of elements lent a kind of purity to the contemplation of how to craft the spaces. And I think the decision to remove the tiny kitchen liberated the space from having to perform multiple living tasks and transformed it into a more gracious bedroom suite with an outdoor shower.”

Here’s a look:

Photography and styling by Justine Hand.

Above: The entrance to the newly rehabbed guest cottage. “Working with Truro-based Tim Dickey Design/Build, we salvaged as much of the original structure as possible,” Malachi says, “which involved several steps: tearing up the rotting plywood plank floor and replacing it, removing the damaged drywall, adding insulation, installing new windows from Marvin, and replacing the roof. The only survivor: the original arched window panel to the right of the entrance.”
Above: A detail of the exterior anodized aluminum Mast Light from Original BTC; it’s a design that dates to the mid 20th century, and was originally a mast-mounted fitting for illuminating yacht decks. (Malachi likes it so much he’s using it in another Wellfleet remodel he’s working on.)
Above: The wood screen door, from Special Buildings’ Supply in Brewster, MA, is painted a custom cobalt blue shade from Benjamin Moore, which we matched to the main house’s front door.
Above: The peg rails are from Peg and Rail; the Venetian bronze doorknobs are from Baldwin. (For more ideas, go to 10 Easy Pieces: Simple Doorknobs.)
Above: A pair of cream Task Lamps from Original BTC flank the the Donald Judd-inspired Twin Daybed from Urban Green in Brooklyn. The small dresser is original to the house, and the green glass bottle lamp is from a yard sale.
Above: The staircase, rafters, and beams are all original; rather than painting them, we left them in their natural state. The striped cotton flatweave rug is from Madeline Weinrib, who closed her line last year after twenty years in business (there’s good news, though, she’ll be launching a limited edition collection of rugs soon).
Above: A Remodelista favorite, the Ikea Frosta stool, serves as a side table (but it seems to have disappeared from the Ikea site). The walls are painted Atrium White from Benjamin Moore.
Above: The petite Architectura Toilet is from Villeroy & Boch and the robe hook is vintage. The plywood floors are painted Stonington Gray from Benjamin Moore. (Whenever I need a paint suggestion I immediately call Justine Hand, our Remodelista contributing photographer, a fellow Cape Codder who has tested every possible version of gray and swears by this shade.)
Above: An Original BTC Hector Medium Dome Wall Light illuminates the small bathroom; the wall-mounted sink is from Duravit, and the recessed Palmer Medicine Cabinet is from Rejuvenation. The Vola HV1 Mixer Faucet in white is a tribute to my mother, who spec’d a Vola faucet (a rarity at the time) when she designed the previous bath. (A clam shell serves as soap holder, an old Cape Cod trick.) The Black Point Mercantile canvas floor mat (sadly, no longer available) is from John Derian’s Provincetown shop. For something similar, go to Sault New England.
Above: The sleeping loft has original detailing and the original wood plank floor. The Urban Basics Storage Bed is from Urban Green in Brooklyn and the Marie Patterned Quilt is from Les Indiennes, bought on sale at Sue Fisher King in San Francisco. The mattress is from Casper.
Above (L to R): A pastel by Truro artist Rob DuToit, a still-life by Wellfleet photographer Rachel Brown, and an ink drawing by Rob Dutoit.
Above: A pair of Hector Medium Dome Wall Lights from Original BTC serves as reading lights.
Above: Malachi redesigned the outdoor shower using horizontal mahogany slats.

For more Cape Cod inspiration, see:

• The Soulful Side of Old Cape Cod: Justine’s Family Cottage
• An Artist’s Cottage in Truro, MA, Gets an Overhaul from a Boston Design Duo (Ikea Included)
• A Shipshape Cape Cod Cottage Inspired by Wes Anderson’s “The Life Aquatic”

N.B.: This story originally ran on December 16, 2019 and has been updated.

Behold, seven dependable canvas carry-alls we like, all of which ring in at $150 or less.

Above: A Remodelista favorite: the Natural Canvas Tote Bag in Small from Steele Canvas is made in the US with reinforced handles and a boxed bottom, “ideal for packing a snack, a drink, and your favorite book (the thing with pages and no batteries),” they say. It’s $74.95 for a short-handled version and $79.95 for long.
Above: At $100, Port Canvas’s Maine Street Day Tote is made by women artisans in Maine of 100 percent cotton #8 duck canvas and sailmakers thread.

Above: Loeffler Randall’s Bennett Canvas Tote Bag is made from heavy cotton; $150 from Tuckernuck.
Above: Beckel Canvas, makers of canvas tents, bags, and accoutrements in the Pacific Northwest since 1964, offers the Handi Bag, $72. (“If the stitching should fail,” they say, “just send it in and we’ll repair it for free; all you pay for is the shipping.”)
Above: Japanese brand Puebco’s Labour Tote Bag in Off-White is $40 for the large size (shown) and $24 for the small.

Above: The art supply store is a good place to find no-fuss options; this Canvas Tote Bag with Pockets is just $8.99 from Blick Art Supplies.

Above: The most budget of them all: Ikea’s 100 percent cotton Spikrak (shown, available via secondhand sites) or the similar Görsnygg, pleasingly oversized, easily washed, and foldable, is $2.99.

For more on canvas totes—an everyday essential, we’d say—might we suggest:

• Object Lessons: The Classic Canvas Tote
• 8 Favorites: Classic White Canvas Totes

N.B.: This story originally ran on February 8, 2024 and has been updated with new links, pricing, and retailers.

This month, R/G subscribers can take advantage of two exclusive discounts from purveyors we love for tableware, pretty planters, late-summer essentials, and more. Read on:

Above: At Lenox—purveyor of classic dinnerware, flatware, and more—take 20 percent off sitewide now through August 30 with code REMODELISTA20 (excludes items marked as currently not eligible for discount). We particularly love that they carry the pretty pots and planters by Danish co. Bergs Potter, a longtime Gardenista favorite. Shown here is the Bergs Potter Hoff Glazed Pot and Saucer in Sand Stone, browse the full collection here.
Above: And over at Obakki, take 20 percent off sitewide—including housewares, tablewares, blankets, rugs and more—now through August 30 with code REMODELISTA20.How great are these little green Zizi Glasses, handblown from recycled glass in the mountains of Eswatini? See more at Obakki—and happy browsing.

Above: Attn. Londoners: New on our must-visit list is Cremer at 1 Geffrye Street in Hoxton. Not nearby? Take a virtual tour in London’s Talk-of-the-Town New Café, Library Included. Photograph by Callum Su.

• Ooh, we love this Danish brand that “approaches furniture like a pattern maker approaches a garment”—and now it’s available via DWR (hat tip: Fan).
• Going on this weekend in Maine: High Season Market, ft. many Remodelista faves.
• This micro cabin in New Zealand is made entirely of found and foraged materials (hat tip: Margot).
• We’re among the many (many) admirers of The Lost Kitchen (see our story How to Arrange Flowers like a Self-Taught Maine Chef), and we’re eagerly awaiting Erin French’s new book, Seize the Supper, coming out in October (and available for preorder now).
• Julie’s late-summer book of choice: Arranging Things: A Rhetoric of Object Placement.
• Spotted: a convincing curbside offering.
• Calling all shell collectors.
• Yes to sympathetic architecture.
• Love this clever wrapping idea (hat tip: Fan).
• Perfect Earth Project’s Edwina von Gal is moderating a panel discussion on how to safely and sustainably manage ticks in your yard this Wednesday in Bridgehampton, NY. Details here.
• What a charming outdoor tablescape idea!
• Did you know Quince recently launched an outdoor department?
• File under: saunas we want.
• Marie has a new book out, Secret Gardens of New York, and it’s available for pre-order now.
• Gardening gloves made of GOTS-certified organic cotton and FSC-certified natural rubber? Yes! “Riley & Sons sent me a pair to try out, and I’m really impressed with their fit and quality,” says Fan.
• ICYMI: garden pros share their favorite tall flowering plants.
• We’ll be taking a summer pause the next two weeks on Remodelista, revisiting greatest hits and editor favorites, plus new Current Obsessions each weekend. Happy end of summer!

At the heart of it all is a distinctly unfussy approach to hospitality. Long tables encourage conversation; vegetables double as decoration; meals might begin with a walk through the fields; and unpredictable Danish weather is something to accommodate rather than resist. And while Food Studio operates on a scale most of us don’t at home, the thinking behind its gatherings is surprisingly adaptable: work with what’s in season, make use of the landscape you have, and focus less on perfection than on making people feel welcome. We spoke with Food Studio creative lead Rosita Olsen about the team’s approach to outdoor entertaining—and the ideas worth borrowing for gatherings of any size. Here are six lessons to take home.

Photography courtesy of Food Studio.

Above: The historic Danish house is made up of five bedrooms that can accommodate up to 10 guests—with interiors inspired by both English and Nordic country living.

1. Let the Season Lead

Rather than beginning with a menu or a table setting, Food Studio starts with the season. “It shapes everything—from what’s on the menu to how we set the table,” says Olsen. In spring, that might mean serving the first asparagus; come late summer, roe deer might be cooked over an open fire.

The season determines the setting, too. A clear day might call for a long lunch in a meadow, while rain sends the gathering beneath a tent. “Danish weather is wonderfully unpredictable, so we’ve learned not to fight it but to prepare for it,” Olsen says. “The best outdoor events embrace the conditions rather than trying to control them.”

Above: Two long tables run the length of the farm house.

2. The Landscape Is the Party

Food Studio has staged dinners in forests, on beaches, and in private gardens, but Olsen is quick to point out that a spectacular setting isn’t a prerequisite. “Hospitality matters far more than having the ‘perfect’ location,” she says. Instead, look for ways to make whatever landscape you have available part of the experience rather than simply a backdrop.

Above: A creative stack of plates and baskets with napkins or snap peas.

One reliable way to draw people into their surroundings? Cook outdoors. Food Studio frequently cooks over fire, which provides warmth, slows the pace of the evening, and gives guests a natural place to congregate. The team often uses OFYR grills, but Olsen says a simple fire pit can have much the same effect.

Above: A farm lunch is set with wooden tables and chairs in the property’s meadow.

3. Think Like a Grower

Food Studio’s developing regenerative farm grows seasonal vegetables, herbs, and edible flowers for its kitchens and events, but Olsen says you don’t need acreage to adopt the same philosophy at home. “Start by shopping locally and buying what’s naturally in season instead of planning a menu around ingredients flown in from across the world.” A farmers’ market is enough of a starting point, as is growing a few herbs, tomatoes, or edible flowers on a balcony. Better still, let one especially good ingredient determine the meal. “When the produce is at its best, you don’t have to do very much to it.”

Above: The Farm House is, as they describe, “an attempt to move closer to a more self-sufficient way of running a venue,” with much of the food served grown right outside the door. This includes vegetables, herbs, flowers, and honey—all sourced from the forest.

At the Farm House, the connection goes further: guests might forage, cook together, or head into the fields before sitting down for dinner. “We want guests to understand not just what they’re eating, but where it comes from and why that matters,” Olsen says. The lesson translates on a smaller scale, too: the closer the experience of gathering is to the food itself, the more memorable the meal becomes.

Above: Breakfast is served with tinned tea, granola, milk, and a surround of yogurt.

4. Decorate with Dinner

Skip the elaborate tablescape. Food Studio often decorates with the same things destined for the kitchen: “Beautiful vegetables, baskets of fruit, herbs and seasonal flowers usually create a stronger impression than elaborate styling,” says Olsen.

Again, follow what’s growing. A handful of sunflowers at the height of summer or branches gathered from the surrounding landscape can be all that’s needed. (One practical caveat from Olsen: if you’re decorating with produce, have more of it than you think you’ll need.)

The same looseness applies to the table itself. “Our biggest rule is probably an anti-rule: don’t overthink it,” she says. Food Studio favors tables that feel collected rather than perfectly coordinated: rumpled linen, handmade ceramics, just-picked vegetables, and flowers that don’t necessarily match. “Nature isn’t perfect, and an outdoor table shouldn’t try to be either.”

Above: Bunches of grapes, sliced melon, and radishes on ice decorate the length of the tables while doubling as food for guests.

5. Have a Plan B That’s as Good as Plan A

Outdoor entertaining inevitably involves relinquishing some control, but that doesn’t mean leaving everything to chance. “Preparation is everything,” Olsen says. “We always have a Plan B that feels just as intentional as Plan A.” At Food Studio, sailcloth tents provide shelter during summer, while Nordic tents fitted with wood-burning stoves extend outdoor gatherings into autumn and winter. On a domestic scale, the principle is the same: consider shelter, changing light, blankets, and a source of warmth before anyone arrives. Rather than treating these as emergency measures, make them part of the atmosphere. “If people are comfortable, they’re far more likely to relax and enjoy the moment—regardless of the weather.”

Above: An autumnal gathering takes place between an indoor location—the barns on the property—and outdoor tables.
Above: An outdoor grill brings warmth to the autumnal gathering.

6. Hospitality, Not Perfection

For all the attention Food Studio gives to food and setting, Olsen’s most important advice has little to do with either: “Don’t try to impress your guests by doing things out of your comfort zone—make them feel at home.” For Food Studio, that starts with thinking about the people and purpose behind a gathering. A long lunch might unfold in the kitchen garden; a wedding ceremony beneath the trees; a retreat around foraging, cooking, or a fire. But the underlying intention remains the same.

Above: A pond-side ice bucket and glasses at the ready.

Long tables are something of a Food Studio signature for precisely this reason. “We love long tables—not just because they look beautiful, but because they encourage conversation,” Olsen says. “Sitting shoulder to shoulder creates a different kind of atmosphere and intimacy.”

In the end, a successful gathering isn’t measured by how seamlessly it was styled. “People rarely remember whether every detail was perfect,” Olsen says. “They remember how they felt, the conversations they had, and whether they were made to feel welcome. Good hospitality isn’t about perfection; it’s about generosity.”

Above: Prep stations aren’t hidden away, but integrated into the landscape where where farm-to-kitchen-to-table becomes a circular experience.

For more entertaining advice:

• Expert Advice: How to Throw a Dinner Party with Minimal Effort, from an SF Creative Director
• 10 Summer Entertaining Tips from a Hostess Extraordinaire
• Deep Casual Hosting: 5 Ideas for the Autumn Table from the Remodelista Archives
• 10 Tips for Living the French Way, from ‘Joie: A Parisian’s Guide to Celebrating the Good Life’

A curator and artistic director, Van Marle has approached the house with a curator’s eye and a light touch. Rather than remake it as an idealized version of rural Tuscany, she preserved its basic structure and defining features: plastered walls, wooden beams, arched windows, and cotto floors. The main intervention was to redesign the kitchens serving its two apartments; elsewhere, the rooms have been assembled gradually and instinctively.

Italian design classics and anonymous antiques sit alongside pieces commissioned from friends and finds collected in Florence, Arezzo, Siena, Bologna, Brussels, and farther afield. The result is neither conventionally Tuscan nor conspicuously modern. Tuscan by circumstance rather than styling, Cenerentola is an old family place made newly useful—and rather particular—by the next generation.

Photography by Eefje De Coninck and Senne Van der Ven of Senne & Eefje for Cenerentola Chianti.

Above: Cenerentola contains six bedrooms, five bathrooms, two kitchens, and two living rooms across its ground and first floors. Taken together, the two apartments accommodate up to 12 guests.
Above: A lush pergola and traditional shutters adorn the exterior of the 19th century property.
Above: The restoration retained the building’s original plastered walls, wooden beams, arched windows, and traditional cotto floors.
Above: A burl-wood lamp found in Brussels sits among antique glassware—part of Van Marle’s deliberately loose mixture of provenance and period.
Above: The Bastiano chair and sofa, designed by Afra and Tobia Scarpa for Gavina in 1960, make up the ground floor living space.
Above: The fringed Bombini textile is by New Zealand-born, Paris-based artist and textile designer Grace Atkinson. It was handcrafted using a traditional technique developed in the 14th century by communities in Ukraine’s Carpathian Mountains.
Above: The ground-floor kitchen takes its cues from traditional Tuscan kitchens where designer Liam Dean created the kitchen cabinetry in okoumé wood with marble counters.
Above: Artwork by South African artist Lea Colombo introduces a concentrated shot of color.
Above: Elongated cushions are by Pien Barendregt of Amsterdam-based Pien Studios.
Above: Liam Dean also designed the okoumé bedside tables. The small lamps were custom-made by a local Tuscan craftsman.
Above: In a departure from the surrounding neutral tones, the bathrooms are designed with blue tiled floors.
Above: A mix of traditional and modern in one of the many bathrooms on the property.
Above: Living spaces open out to the shaded garden.
Above: Contemporary textiles, again from Pien Studios, soften the old house’s plaster walls and cotto floors.
Above: A solid-oak wardrobe sourced through Spazio Leone brings the weight of a freestanding antique to the otherwise spare bedroom.
Above: Two single beds in an upstairs bedroom.
Above: Upstairs, the second kitchen has an L-shaped plan, okoumé cabinetry, and a slim stainless-steel countertop—a more streamlined counterpart to the traditional kitchen below.
Above: In one bedroom, a bench by Italian designer Silvio Coppola for Fratelli Montina is paired with simple linens, a jute rug, and wrought iron bedside lamps.
Above: Wrought iron hardware and pale yellow curtains frame the view to the garden.
Above: A sculptural chair by Dale Stephens of TMPL Studio is made from English ash. Beside it, a sideboard by Afra and Tobia Scarpa was sourced from Spazio Leone.
Above: Traditional pedestal sinks.
Above: The house extends into a garden with terraces and a private swimming pool.
Above: A rambling Tuscan garden with plenty of shaded spaces for summer repose.
Above: A collection of deck chairs, both solid and striped, surround the pool.

For more rural Italian retreats, see our posts:

• Inside Hotel Scavolo Borgo: The Revival of a Historic Italian Hamlet
• Villa Lena in Tuscany: A Remodelista Favorite, Revisited for 2023
• The Good Gasthaus: 1477 Reichhalter in Lana, South Tyrol

The wrinkle? Brittany is a stylist who works with interior designers and home design brands, so she approached her own home with a ready arsenal of accessories and tricks.

The narrow kitchen in question—an L-shaped galley probably last updated in the 1990s (scroll to the end for a Before shot)—was built as an addition to an 1880 farmhouse in Litchfield County, Connecticut, that Brittany and her husband, Sanders Witkow, a lawyer, bought as a retreat from their base in Brooklyn.

Taking a cosmetic tack made sense: the couple had a whole house to pull together and the existing kitchen, if not exactly to their taste, was in good working order. Come see how an interior stylist makes do—and where she ponies up.

Photography by Kate S. Jordan (@katesjordan), courtesy of Brittany Albert (@britt_albert). See disclaimer at end.

After

Above: The kitchen is situated just off the living room, which has its original hearth and beehive oven, and is likely where the kitchen was originally situated. As a link between the old and new—and an extra work surface—Brittany introduced an antique pine table from Plain Goods in New Preston, Connecticut, and hung a catchall Shaker peg rail over it.

For peg rail inspiration, go to our posts Instant Order and 16 Design Ideas to Steal from the Shakers.

Above: Brittany simply painted the cabinets and kept the existing dishwasher and other appliances. But she splurged by replacing the sink with a Shaws fireclay basin and deVol bridge faucet; read about the one she chose in our post Found: The Perfected Aged Brass Kitchen Faucet. Equally significantly, she swapped out the red granite counter.

How was she able to swing the new Calacatta Gold marble counter? “We found a slab at a local stone yard that had been sitting for months—it had been reserved by another customer but never purchased—and they gave us a big discount. Still, it was probably our biggest expense.”

Above: “I was tempted to take out the upper cabinets and have open shelving,” Brittany tells us, “but we were wary of hidden costs: when you rip out something. you don’t knowing what you’ll find behind it.” Instead, she painted the upper bank Benjamin Moore White Dove “to bounce more light around.” Not wanting a chilly, all-white kitchen, she used Farrow and Ball’s Elephant’s Breath on the lower cabinets: “I chose this light taupe for bit of contrast and interest—and because it works so nicely with the palette in the rest of the house.”

The light over the sink is deVol’s Small PlainSkullcap Porcelain Light; $290.

Above: Another easy upgrade: Brittany replaced the existing cabinet hardware with A57 Plain Knobs from Optimum Brasses in the UK: “I couldn’t find any sources here that had that same nice patina and handmade quality. It was a very easy process and they didn’t take long to come.” Unlacquered brass, she notes, “brings warm light to the room.”
Above: The existing range and microwave stayed in place. So did the lovely but damaged wooden floor: a natural fiber mat, the Ralph Lauren Carena Weave Solid Jute Rug from Overstock, covers a problem area and “brings in some really nice texture.”

For the upshot on the perfect brass ceiling lights, go to Remodelista Reconnaissance.

Above: The work table is next to the fridge (not shown), which is tucked into an existing cabinet.
Above: The stylist at home: Brittany’s restrained touch is a reminder that a tight space calls for simplicity.
Above: There’s a pantry in the hall right off the kitchen: it leads to the dining area in a large converted barn. Note the Lewis Double Switchplate, $25, from Rejuvenation—Brittany replaced all of the white plastic switch covers with brass updates, a tiny detail that makes a difference.
Above: The pantry doors are also painted Farrow & Ball’s Elephant’s Breath.

Before

Above: The kitchen was painted a pale gray and had a red granite counter, cabinet knobs in a satin silver finish, and recessed ceiling lights.

Thinking of a cosmetic upgrade in your own kitchen? Take a look at:

• How to Paint Kitchen Cabinets: 5 Tips from a Master Painter
• 10 Paint Colors with Cult Followings: Architects’ All-Time Favorite Paint Picks—Benjamin Moore’s White Dove, included
• 13 Favorite Cost-Conscious Kitchen Remodels from the Remodelista Archives

N.B.: This post is a favorite from our archives; the original ran on February 9, 2023, and has been updated. The photographs in this post are licensed for Remodelista’s use and cannot be repurposed or used on any other website without the photographer’s permission.

Unexpectedly, sardine cans themselves are currently having a moment—as novelty containers for all sorts of things, none of them edible. Here, 8 playful and even useful favorites.

Above: Six fishbone-shaped stainless steel appetizer picks are packed in the Balvi Sardines Snack Forks Set; $22 from Charles and Marie.
Above: British studio Block Design of Cornwall offers a line of novelty Tinned Goods, from candles to playing cards, that just made debuted in the US at Shoppe Object trade show in NYC. All come in bright, geometrically patterned reusable cans, including this five-piece mini Tool Kit, $22, from Joy gift shop in Austin, Texas.
Above: St. Louis designer/woodworker Collin Garrity and his creative team whitttle Wooden Sardine Tin Sets, $32, out of cherry and walnut. Some possible uses: coffee table art, holiday ornaments, place cards for dinner parties, and gift tags.
Above: From Spanish brand To: From:, a handmade-in-Barcelona, tin-plated steel Refillable Sardine Matchbox, €5.90.
Above: The Tinned Goods Sewing Kit, another Block Design, is $21 at the MoMA Design Store. The idea of tinning unexpected but useful items in well-designed packages was conceived by a member of the studio during a trip to Portugal.
Above: A brass Pocket Fish Knife on a key chain ring is $27.75  from Styled Abode.
Above: The magnet holds sewing needles in place in this Needle Case from Etsy seller Smut and Bravo; $23.99.
Above: Designer Mackenzie Becker’s MackBecks is another line of playful accessories that come in tins. Sardine Hair Clips —”two snackable sardines for your hair, not your pantry”—are a new item currently available for pre-order; $28.

Here are some other surprise design trends:

• Skinny French Flatware and Its Lookalikes
• Self-Standing Taper Candles
• Mini Is Big: Tiny Facsimiles of Familiar Household Items 

Designed by Oscar Piccolo in collaboration with modernist design dealer/curator Gennaro Leone of Spazio Leone, the restaurant— “like the home of someone with impeccable taste,” as one critic put it—features commissioned work from a coterie of rising international design stars, most of whom are foreign creatives in London. (Piccolo and Leone are both Italian and Cremer owner Ramzi Abou Chalach is French.)

There are communal tables; desk-like spaces to sit, eat, and work; a library with a beckoning daybed; plus granny chic objects and striped and checked fabrics mixed in. It’s a winning combination.

Photography by Callum Su, courtesy of Oscar Piccolo and Cremer.

Above: Cremer occupies a corner spot that was originally a pub. Ramzi Abou Chalach also owns Space Talk, the popular “listening bar” in Clerkenwell.
Above: The Roman antiquity-inspired mosaic in the entry is the work of M.C. Mosaics and Kevin Francis Gray Studio.
Above: Botanical silk curtains by London weaver Yumo Yuan were handmade for the space. The shelf with the hanging mug between the windows is one of a trio commissioned from “nomadic creative collective” Apohli.
Above: All of Cremer’s built-ins, tables, and benches are Piccolo/Leone designs custom made by joiner Byron Pritchard in his North London workshop.
Above: The entry opens to the bakery with impressive display shelves of aged quarter-sawn oak.
Above: Pastries are served in wooden trays with checked linen mats. This is a strawberry and peanut danish. On the menu: Spanish egg toast, house baguette with butter and gooseberry jam, roast pork sandwich on just-baked bread, gazpacho, sheep’s cheese dumplings, and croissant ice cream.
Above: Beyond the bakery is the restaurant. Piccolo says Cremer is “a warm, intimate space built through friendship, conversation, and a shared love of making.” The homemade-looking chair is an Enzo Mauri Sedia Uno DIY.
Above: Anchoring the dining area is a painting by Nick Jensen whose work has been described as “reminiscent of bleary-eyed train journeys.”
Above: The minimalist communal tables and benches are quarter-sawn oak and sweet chestnut. Wall sconces of “eco resin” are by New York art lighting studio Cadis represented by Tiwa Select,
Above: The benches are cushioned in a faded stripe.
Above: Behind the shelves is an open kitchen.
Above: Vintage crockery is mixed with simple white restaurant ware  and classic flatware.
Above: Fill up your own water at this antique Dutch ironstone fountain. The modernist chair and other vintage designs are from Spazio Leone.
Above: An 8-by-8 foot Douglas fir table and Vico Magistretti’s 1960s Carimate Chairs by Cassina in the library. The paper and steel pendant light is a made-to-order piece by artist Nick Metzler, who is represented by Spazio Leone.
Above: A reading nook amid the books.
Above: The daybed is the work of Hawa Al-Najjar, an Iraqi-British multimedia artist and designer who writes that her work is about “exploring objects and furniture craft through the lens of history, cultural exchange, and craftsmanship.”

Cremer is at 1 Geffrye Street in Hoxton. It’s open 8 to 6, Monday through Friday, and 9 to 6 on weekends.

Turn to the Remodelista Design Travel archive for more must-see places and design ideas, including:

• Bread Shop in Santa Fe
• A Poetic Tea Room in Taipei
• Rosetta: Mexico City’s Most Beautiful Restaurant?

Above: The Ferm Living Luver Portable Lamp with a stacked, three tapered Douglas fir shade with a steam-bent wooden handle; $385 at Ferm Living.
Above: The Ferm Living Burl Table Lamp is made entirely of dark-stained poplar burl that gives off a soft glow when lit; $425.70 at Nordic Nest.
Above: The Vaarnii 018 Hoop Table Lamp, designed by John Tree, is made of Finnish pine with a sturdy solid wood base and a delicate lightweight shade in pine veneer; $299 at Finnish Design Shop.
Above: Designed by Hun Lee, the Soom Duo Ash Table Lamp emits a soft glow through ultra-thin ash wood; $1,480 at Claude.
Above: Idaho Wood and Brooklyn-based Post Company designed this Ravine Table Lamp, available in Douglas fir (shown), Western Red Cedar, or blackened Yakisugi Douglas fir, features a base and shade both carved from single pieces of timber; starting at $800 at TRNK.
Abvoe: Designed by Stamátios Fragos who referenced Greco-Roman columns when making this hand-brushed wooden dowel table lamp, the Parállilo Table Lamp in birch plywood and porcelain; $625 at TRNK.
Above: The LZF Tiny Table Lamp comes in natural beech (shown), cherry, or various color-tinted veneers; $616 at Perigold.
Above: From midcentury Swedish interior and furniture designer Hans Agne Jakobsson, the Pine Table Lamp continues to be handmade in Japan today; $1,100 for the small size at Slow Roads.
Above: The Astep Pepa Portable Lamp in Ash by Francesco Faccin is a rechargeable table lamp inspired by a classic pepper mill; $805 at Finnish Design Shop.
Above: The LZF Hotel Simple Table Lamp is made of veneer in whitewashed wood, beech, or cherry (shown); $764 at Perigold.
Above: From Axel Wannberg in Sweden, the 1970s-inspired Lamp 53 is made from mappa burl; $1,273 at The Oblist.

For more favorite table lighting, see our posts:

• 10 Easy Pieces: Portable Cordless Lamps
• 10 Easy Pieces: Glass Table Lamps
• 10 Easy Pieces: Diffused Glow Bedside Lamps
• 10 Easy Pieces: Clip-On Lights

The Sighting

Above: Spotted: simplicity at its finest. See the blanket so casually draped over the white sofa in back, just begging to be unfurled for an afternoon of reading? Photograph from Rendez-vous sur la Côte: A Family Hotel in Bréhec, Brittany.

The Source

There are many cream throws with blue stripes to be had out there (see: here, here, and here). But searching for lookalikes led me to discover that this throw also resembles a vintage European linen grain sack: a pleasing weight, simply striped, with monogrammed initials or designs. It turns out many of these antique textiles can be found on the interwebs, either in their original form or transformed into pillows, throws, and tablecloths. Here, a few favorites I pinned in my search:

Above: The Handwoven Antique Linen Blanket from the speciality shop Grainsack on Etsy can be used as a throw or as a tablecloth; it’s made from antique linen from between 1900-1909.
Above: Each grain sack is one of a kind. Another option from the same seller: the Handwoven Antique Linen Blanket, with ornate lettering.
Above: A detail of the embroidered initials. As with vintage postcards or snapshots, it lends an air of mystery: Who did these belong to?
Above: Another option for DIYers: grain sacks from For the Love of France. The Iconic European Grain Sack with Blue Stripes is $60.

Have a favorite? Let us know in the comments.

More Remodelista Reconnaissance:

• Versatile Yellow Stools in a Philly Art Studio
• The Nautical Brass Ceiling Light
• A Swedish Rug in a Brooklyn Workspace

After studying business at University College Dublin, Rosanna became a senior sales account manager at Facebook, relocated from Dublin to London to work in film, then “swerved into climate,” and took on business roles at a reforestation company and a carbon-credit trading platform.

In 2023, a chance holiday on the tiny Danish island of Samsø with her future husband, Killian, led Rosanna to her dramatic course shift. The couple were vacationing in Copenhagen when Killian queried a local tattoo artist who told him he’d have to come find him on Samsø. “We drove out on a whim with no accommodation booked,” Rosanna tells us. “It’s an amazing place, fewer than 3,000 people, carbon-negative, mostly farmland. We ended up glamping in a field for a few nights. There was no phone signal or internet—it was an accidental digital detox. My mind had not felt that calm in years.”

On return, Rosanna quit her job, moved back home, and starting building Samsú, a company devoted to offering others the opportunity to digitally detox while immersing in beautiful spots in Ireland. So far, Rosanna, now 31, has purpose-built two Samsú cabins—she leases land from farmers and owners in choice secluded spots—and signed on other cabins that offer “curated by Samsú” experiences. In each, Rosanna fully guides guests by supplying everything needed for a cell-phone-free respite—books, music, and indoor and outdoor bathing opportunities included. Minimum stays are two days—“science shows it takes at least 24 hours to fully disconnect from your devices,” she says.  Here, a look at Samsú’s first three rentals, each just big enough for two.

Photography by Jasmine Hughes, courtesy of Samsú (@samsucabins).

Cucu in Westmeath, Ireland

Above: NYC-based Irish architect Alexander Buckeridge of Studio Bucky designed the off-grid, solar-powered cabin in close collaboration with Rosanna, who’d admired an island regeneration project he’d worked on. The vertical structure is inspired by historic Irish tower houses and sits on 350 acres of land just an hour from Dublin.

“Rosanna wanted something that stood apart from the wave of standardized cabin hospitality, so we focused on a design that responds to its landscape rather than simply sitting within it,” Alexander told Dezeen. Guests leave their cars a ways away and wheel their things in a wagon. “Analogue only ahead” reads the parking sign. Note the hand-hammered, roll-top, copper bathtub that awaits—it was custom made in India.

Above: Cucu, Rosanna specifies, is “for couples, friends, and solo travelers who need to properly switch off .” She herself may be working harder than ever, but says she revels in creating her own movement.

To get Samsú off the ground Rosanna is currently the lone employee, “no business partners or investors,” and she “does as much of the unskilled work on the cabins—sanding, painting, sealing, oiling—as I possibly can to keep costs down.”

Above: The interior is finished with plywood, glazed tiles, and Marmoleum flooring. There’s a wood-burning stove for the colder months, a seating nook, kitchen, and bathroom with a shower and compost toilet. The ladder leads to the bedroom.
Above: Rosanna sealed the cabin’s two porthole windows herself—”my dad spent the first three months of his retirement on site with me,” she says. There’s a simple indoor cooking setup (fridge, two burners, whole coffee beans and a hand grinder), and an outdoor grill. On arrival, guests receive an “analogue kit”: a phone lockbox that reads “you won’t regret it,” instant film camera, cassette player and tapes, board games, and a hand-drawn map of the land.
Above: The sinks have copper piping faucets.
Above:  The bed is king size. “We wanted Cucu to feel almost like a cocoon,” says Rosanna.

Saoirse in Westmeath, Ireland

Above: Saoirse was Rosanna’s first digital detox cabin and is on the same property as Cucu—they’re a five-minute walk apart (the two can be booked together for a group of four).

“I designed Saoirse myself. It came out of staying in a lot of other cabins and paying attention to what was missing and what could be done better,” Rosanna says. “I worked with a builder to bring it to life. It’s timber-framed with a pine ply interior. The goal of Saoirse’s design was everything you need, nothing you don’t.” It’s off-grid and solar powered.

Above: The cabin is built for analogue living—”for reading for hours with windows to nature,”
Above: The taps and shower were assembled from copper piping. The seat cushions are made of Donegal tweed.
Above: Enclosed by greenery, the bedroom has the feeling of a treehouse.
Above: A Crosley portable cassette player, homemade tapes, reading material—and no alarm clock or places to plug in.
Above: The cabin comes with a wood-fired, riverside sauna. For the full Samsú experience, Rosanna advises guests to explore their surroundings on foot and not get back in the car during their stay.

Duchas in North Mayo, Ireland

Above: Duchas is an”off- grid, solar-powered cabin for two on the banks of the Owenmore river on the west coast of Ireland, hidden on the edge of a walled garden in a mature native woodland on an old Irish estate,” reports Rosanna. It’s the first of Samsú’s Curated By spaces: “we partner with like-minded owners to bring you unique stays that align with our values and standards.” In this case, Rosanna also served as an advisor and guide throughout the building process.
Above: Duchas was designed to feel like an old Irish cottage. The handmade dishes and mugs are from Rosie’s Pottery in nearby Easkey. That’s the hand-crank coffee grinder next to the kettle.
Above: A bed with a view. The owner’s Auntie Anne made many of the cushions.
Above: The cabin comes with a barrel sauna overlooking the river—and a cold plunge, too.

The third Samsú-designed cabin, another Studio Bucky design, is on the verge of opening. And Rosanna is expanding the Samsú concept to represent Ireland’s most unique places to stay in nature.

More well-designed basic dwellings:

• “A Place to Gaze at Nature’s Cinema”:  A Hidden Lakeside Hut in Norway
• Homestedt: Two Catskills Cabins by a Nature-Minded Couple (Available to Rent) 
• Designers on Holiday: Modern Minimalist Tents, Cabins, Guest Houses, and More
• Getaway Cars: Converted Rail Carriages as Rental Cabins at Settle in Norfolk, England

Currently Have

Above: A Flores Paper Pad from sisters Janelle and Giovanna Flores who make handmade paper pads in Los Angeles California using deadstock, remnant, and/or recycled materials.

Eyeing

Above: I’d love to install something like this FRAMA Shelf Library Desk Section onto the wall for an additional workspace; $1,640 at FRAMA.
Above: I’ve had my eye on this Corn Rug from Cold Picnic. I love a single-color tufted wool rug and while this deep yellow really appeals to me, I haven’t had the gumption to bring it into major zones in the house. The office might be just right; $610 for the 4-by-6-foot size at Cold Picnic.
Above: The Carl Hansen & Søn CH621 Swivel Chair upholstered in ecru leather is $3,590 at DWR.
Above: The Postalco 2027 Wall Calendar is a nice dose of typography that I might consider framing for the year—or leave unframed and mark up at will; $35 at WMS&Co.
Above: To better organize that stock room-like look, the Danish Storage Box Set would be ideal storage and look good—and neutral—enough to keep in plain sight; $105 at WMS&Co.

For other editors’ picks:

• The Refresh: 5 Things I’m Coveting for My Summer Bedroom
• The Refresh: Designing an Outdoor Shower for My Backyard

Above: Weekend plans. Photograph from Rendez-Vous sur la Côte: A Family Hotel in Bréhec, Brittany.

• Farewell to Frederik Bille Brahe’s Apollo Bar, closing its doors in Copenhagen (see our feature here), and hello to his cool new spot: Restaurant Daphne.
• Currently coveting the effortless mix-and-match sofa offerings from this UK outfit.
• Ooh, a great way to hide paperwork and other unsightlies (hat tip: Annie).
• Smitten by this art studio in miniature.
• On our book wishlist: Packing Materials, a visual diary of “ordinary objects—collected, discarded, or remade.”
• Looking for quality outdoor fabric that’s actually tasteful and stylish? We found it.
• John Derian’s new leaf rugs are kinda wild but also oddly compelling.
• And intrigued by this little glass lamp, designed by Tan France.
• A strong case for the gravel garden as the best type of garden in the time of climate change.
• “I love this sweet idea for a good-bye party for a garden,” says Fan.
• The Wave Hill chair, now available at Roseland! (Read our story about the iconic piece here.)
• We submit: the prettiest shade of pink ever?
• And would you consider trying this trend?

Today, Kamm’s indie line remains a favorite among those who appreciate casual minimalism and slow fashion. And she continues to be a tastemaker by adhering to her principles: simple, unfussy design, sustainable practices, and a human-scale business that allows for living. To that end, every summer since 2005, she decamps to Panama with her husband, Luke Brower, and their son to live off the grid, surf, and recharge for three months. “It is a chance for us to strip life down and reset each year,” she says.

In 2007, the couple “bought an old cattle farm on an island with a group of friends, friends of friends, and family, and broke it into group of smaller plots.” Their slice of jungle heaven now includes a magical treehouse-like cabin that they built themselves. “Designing and building this house has given us a deep feeling of pride. In a way we have built our lives, our business, and our yearly flow around this home. We got pregnant the summer we built the house. Every summer of our child’s life, and nearly every winter break have been spent here,” shares Kamm. “This house holds our family’s story within its walls.”

Their captivating retreat is one of the 40 featured abodes in Surf Shacks Vol. 3, creative director and surf junkie Matt Titone‘s latest ode to the appealingly non-traditional homes of surfers around the world. Below, Kamm and Brower’s space, as it’s shown in the book.

Photography by Jake Naughton, from Surf Shacks Vol. 3, courtesy of Gestalten, except where noted.

Above: Kamm and Brower built their low-impact home themselves on Carenero Island in Bocas del Toro, Panama. Its design was inspired by her own childhood home in rural Illinois, which her parents also built themselves.
Above: “The entire home is off the grid,” says Kamm. “We have a small but mighty solar system. We collect rainwater in a 1,250-gallon tank and use that for all of our water needs. We have a composting toilet. And the stove runs on propane.” The ladder leads to the couple’s lofted sleep quarters, which “looks out into the canopy and out into the sea.”
Above: Brower made all of the furniture himself, much of it inspired by Donald Judd. The home was designed to be airy and open, which sometimes means sharing the space with interlopers. “There was a green vine snake that once dropped from the rafters into the blender… That was surprising,” Kamm shares. “We get geckos, and a little jungle marsupial that will come for a bite of banana, here and there. There may be a scorpion on a towel on the laundry line once a year, so you always want to give your belongings a good shake.”
Above: Their son’s bed is on the main floor. “The curtains were a temporary solution to create walls, and we kind of just fell in love [with them]. They allow air to move, and keep it cooler. When you are as deep in the rainforest as we are, things can get damp, so we designed the house to be very open so that it can have as much air flow as possible.”
Above: “We used to have a proper sofa that Luke built out of ply-wood, that four of these cushions were a part of. After about 12 years, a wood bug got to it, and we had to pull it out of the living room. When the cushions were on the floor I got the idea to make a few more, and create this minimal floor sectional. I had the sectional cushions sewn from water-proof fabric from a sailing vendor. We can move it into other shapes when the kids are having a sleepover, or we are watching movies, or want to make a bed on the deck and watch the birds.”

Above: On toggling between their off-the-grid escape in Panama and city life in Los Angeles: “Honestly, we have done it so much, that it is sort of just like flipping a switch. It used to be harder, but I think we are quite good at it now. It is like asking what is harder to adjust to, day or night. They are both equally easy and hard. Something and nothing. Both parts of our life have their strengths. They balance one another out quite nicely.”
Above: Surf Shacks Vol. 3, published by Gestalten, is available for purchase online at Bookshop.org and Amazon.

See also:

• Measured Warmth: Designer Beatrice Faverjon’s All-Wood Retreat in Topanga Canyon
• Carved in Wood: The Bespoke Home of a Self-Taught Carpenter and an Interior Designer
• Rehab Diary: Architect Ben Daly and Family at Home in a Converted Sheep Shed

It’s not just a pretty picture, though. Despite its space limitations, this kitchenette is hard-working and highly functional. Here, 5 space-saving ideas to steal from it:

Photography by Matthew Williams, styling by Alexa Hotz, for Remodelista: The Organized Home.

Above: Barely-there tab pulls, instead of knobs or handles, lend a seamless modern look in this compact kitchenette.

1. Utilize the dead space.

With the help of an inexpensive curtain rod, the empty space between the countertop and the bottom of the upper cabinets becomes a place to hang domestic tools. Don’t see the rod? It’s that thin metal wire that bisects the image. One of our favorite products from Ikea, the Diginet Curtain Wire (just $16) acts as a minimalist rail from which to hang household essentials, including coffee filters (attached with a clip), a scrubbing brush, and a basket holding kitchen tools (like a can opener and a bottle opener). The less cluttering up the counter, the better. (Go here to see how to use the Diginet in the laundry room.)

2. Consider refrigerator drawers.

Under-the-counter refrigerator drawers are more commonplace in Europe, where more frequent market-shopping means you can make do with smaller-sized refrigerators. They’re a great option for anyone, though, with a small kitchen. For our list of top picks, see 10 Easy Pieces: The Best Under-Counter Refrigerator Drawers.

3. Deploy the all-powerful tray.

If you must keep things on the kitchen counter, consider corralling them onto a tray. It’s a simple visual trick that makes everything look tidier.

Above: This enamel tray is by Japanese brand Noda Horo. For similar versions, see In Praise of Trays: 10 Trays in Fiberglass and Enamel.

4. Source dish, glasses, and other items that can stack.

When you’re lacking shelf space, it’s imperative that to prioritize dinnerware and food containers that can be nested and stacked. And choose pieces that can do double- or triple-duty. Petite glasses work for juice, water, and wine; nested ceramic baking dishes are attractive enough to go from oven to table.

Above: A tension rod keeps paper towels off the counter and at the ready.

5. Choose small whenever you can.

Note the compact drying rack; it’s Ikea’s Fintorp Dish Drainer, which has since been discontinued. So many stores sell housewares, like this dish rack, made specifically for small spaces; there’s no reason to have to buy a regular-sized storage product for your tiny kitchen. (See the drainer and other storage favorites in Editors’ Picks: 10 Storage Finds From Ikea That We Own and Love.) For a stylish, small drainer, try the Yamazaki Home Tower Wire Dish Rack; $88 at Williams-Sonoma.

For more inspired tiny kitchens, see:

• Trend Alert: 20 Well-Designed Kitchenettes
• Steal This Look: A Small, Chic Kitchenette for a Creative Studio in SF
• Expert Advice: The New Kitchenette: 11 Tips for an Efficient Small Kitchen

N.B.: This post has been updated with new links and prices; it was first published on The Organized Home in May 2020.

It wasn’t until recently that I realized another part of their world could also be visited: Rendez-vous sur la Côte, two apartments for rent tucked inside the family’s former seaside hotel in Bréhec, a five-minute walk from the English Channel. Built in 1952 by Louise and Jeanne’s great-grandparents, the building originally welcomed summer vacationers before gradually becoming the family’s own gathering place. Louise spent every childhood summer here with her siblings, and after her grandmother’s death in 2020, returned to live in her apartment. Soon after, her sister Jeanne took over the family’s former holiday apartment on the ground floor, their mother moved into another wing of the building—complete with a painting studio—and, in 2022, the family was able to purchase the final apartment, restoring the building to a single ownership for the first time in decades.

Today, the house serves several generations at once: Louise lives here with her partner, Renaud, and young son, her mother is a year-round resident, Studio de Lostanges is based here, and two apartments once again welcome guests, much as the building did seventy years ago. Louise and Renaud restored the apartments themselves, peeling back later renovations to reveal original hardwood floors, kitchen tile, glazed doors, and built-in cabinetry beneath layers of carpet and wallpaper. The rooms are furnished with family antiques, vintage household linens have been sewn into curtains, upholstery, and slipcovers by Louise herself. The approach is much the same as Studio de Lostanges: thoughtful, practical, incremental, and “far removed from industrial logic.” The house continues to evolve slowly, becoming less a restoration than an ongoing act of stewardship.

Photography courtesy of Rendez-vous sur la Côte.

Above: The whitewashed building was constructed in 1952 by Louise’s paternal great-grandparents as a summer hotel overlooking Bréhec Bay.
Above: With the English Channel just a five-minute walk away, nearby are a tidal sandy beach, a small harbor with cafés, and the coastal Customs Officers’ Trail.
Above: Rendez-vous sur la Côte comprises two rentals: a 592-square-foot (55-square-meter) apartment on the second floor for up to four guests, and a compact attic studio on the third floor for two.
The second-floor apartment follows the building’s original 1950s plan: two bedrooms, a sea-facing living room, a separate kitchen, and a central entrance hall connecting each room.
Above: Simple linens, table lamps fitted with custom shades, and a vintage photograph.
Above: Furniture has been gathered by the family over generations, with a particular concentration of French pieces from the 1930s through the 1960s. Chairs, tables, shelves, and smaller wooden pieces move between the apartments as they’re repaired, restored, or simply needed elsewhere.
Above: Louise and her partner, Renaud, carried out the renovation themselves, removing later additions to rediscover the apartment’s original kitchen tile, glazed interior doors, built-in cabinetry, and oak floors hidden beneath wall-to-wall carpet.
Above: Louise reinstalled a traditional stoneware sink in the kitchen after stripping away later renovations. Simple open shelving holds a collection of everyday French tableware.
Above: A painted wooden shelf displays vintage glassware, plates, and serving pieces—objects that feel collected rather than styled.
Above: Louise has a particular affection for modest wooden furniture from the 1960s. “Some are still waiting to be restored,” she says.
Above: Vintage household linens appear throughout the apartment as curtains, upholstery, and sofa covers, sewn or reworked by Louise herself. A pair of traditional clogs which Louise and Jeanne source and refinish in glossy lacquer for Studio de Lostanges.
Above: The attic studio occupies the top floor beneath the roofline, with oversized skylights framing views toward the Channel.
Above: A kitchen under the eaves with a rooftop casement window that opens to the sky.
Above: Rather than filling the rooms with mass-produced, newly purchased goods, Louise takes a sustainable and intentional approach, utilizing creative reuse wherever possible.
Above: Originally, there were only sinks in the bedrooms and a separate toilet. Today, the bathroom combines a toilet, sink, and shower. The spaces are connected by an entryway hallway.
Above: The garden continues to be planted and reshaped over the seasons. In summer, it becomes a shared space for family meals, guests, and whatever happens to be in bloom.
Above: The ultimate French country scene where outdoor tables come together via shared tablecloths and pair with a collection of mismatched chairs.

Rendez-vous sur la Côte can be booked by emailing rendezvous.surlacote@gmail.com or by contacting Louise through Instagram @rendezvoussurlacote.

For more hotels and interiors in and around Brittany, see our posts:

• Sardineta: A Former Fisherman’s House Rebuilt as a Holiday Rental in Saint-Cado, Brittany
• Atelier Vime in Brittany: An 18th-Century Childhood Home Lovingly Updated

Above: From London interior designer Nicola Harding’s line NiX, the charming Dolittle Love Seat is available in a variety of colors, patterns, and mix-and-match options, like this blue/brown checkered option; $7,160. For more, see our post: Nicola Harding Launches NiX, a Considered Collection of “Just So” Homewares.
Above: A design classic, Børge Mogensen’s 1945 Spoke Back Sofa combines a sofa with a chaise via soaped oak frame and removable cushions. The cushions seen here are plaid wool, Cotil 863, one of two plaid patterns available via Fredericia.

Above: From interior designer Beata Heuman, the Frame Sofa is shown in a mid-blue gingham fabric. Available through Beata Heuman directly.
Above: The stately Carlisle Sofa from Pottery Barn is available in a variety of ginghams and colors; from $3,419.
Above: The Marlow Sofa in subtle Millie Sage checks has French seams and thick cushions; from $4,608 from Pepper Home.
Above: The Nickey Kehoe Low Back Settee starts at $5,000 from Nickey Kehoe.

Above: The Serena & Lily Spruce Street Sofa in Gingham Earth linen is one of a few gingham/check upholstery options for the model; starting at $4,998.
Above: A one off vintage option, the Bruno Mathsson T201 Checkered Wool Sofa is $3,200 at Hopp Home.
Above: The BDDW Abel Sofa has a Douglas fir frame, cast bronze feet, and is available in all BDDW fabrics including the red and white tweed shown here.
Above: The Layered Rosso 3-Seat Sofa is available in the EU in a checkerboard fabric, either beige or orange.

For more sofa styles see our posts:

• 10 Easy Pieces: Striped Sofas
• 10 Easy Pieces: Pink Sofas
• 10 Easy Pieces: Corduroy Sofas
• 10 Easy Pieces: Modern Leather Sofas

N.B.: This story originally ran on July 3, 2024 and has been updated with new links, products, and pricing.

The Sighting

Above: Spotted:A little yellow stool is the perfect use-anywhere perch in this artist’s studio (shown here alongside a stainless steel kitchen sourced from restaurant supply). Photography by Daniel Isayeff, courtesy of Kaminski + Pew (@kaminskipew).

The Source

Above: Ta-da: The stool is the Field Stool from Sundays, made from solid ash and painted a limited-edition yellow. The short stool is $290.

More details, revealed:

• Remodelista Reconnaissance: A Woven Pendant Light in a Paris Pied à Terre
• Remodelista Reconnaissance: The Nautical Brass Ceiling Light
• Remodelista Reconnaissance: A Swedish Rug in a Brooklyn Workspace

(N.B.: For more design destinations, head to our Travel Guides.)

Argentina

Above: Casa Helsinki: A Midcentury Guesthouse in Argentina.

Australia

Above: Lumière Lodge: A Couple’s Thoughtfully Hued Antique Cottage Down Under.
Above: Ellis House in Kyneton, Victoria.
Above: An Australian Idyll: Estate Trentham Near Melbourne.
Above: A Young Australian Designer’s Inventive Cabin Makeover, Ikea Upgrade Included.

Belgium

Above: Angle of Repose: A Restored House in Tielrode, Belgium, Available for Rent.

France

Above: La Vie en Rose: A 12th-Century Poet’s Villa in St.-Paul de Vence, Restored for Modern Living.
Above: The Six-Month Remodel: An Airy Flat in Nice Gets a New Lease on Life.
Above: The Chicest New Guest Pad in Paris.
Above: French Idyll: A Design Couple’s Soulful, Rustic Holiday Home.
Above: A Paris Pied-à-Terre by Ishka Designs of Brooklyn.
Above: An Antiques-Filled Apartment at Maison Empereur.

Germany

Above: A Suite of Guesthouses in the German Countryside by Two Copenhagen Transplants.
Above:  Strandwood House, in a lively marina on Rügen Island in the Baltic Sea; see more in Escape to the Hinterland: 12 Vacation Rental Homes in Germany.
Above: A Modern Houseboat in Berlin.

Greece

Above: A Rustic Idyll for Four in Mykonos, Greece.
Above: An Idiosyncratic Urban Getaway in Greece.

Italy

Above: A Revived 16th-Century Farmhouse in Puglia.
Above: A Romantic Monastery-Turned-Vacation Rental on the Amalfi Coast.
Above: A Holiday House in the Italian Alps.

Indonesia

Above: The Insta-Famous Airbnb: Villa Arunja in Bali.

Ireland

Above: Stilt House: A Raised Contemporary Cabin on a Lakeside Farm Retreat in Connemara, Ireland.

Japan

Above: Kamanza-Nijo house (#2), as seen in Design Travel: Artful Hotels in Tokyo and Kyoto.
Above: A Memorable Place to Stay in Kyoto: A Historic Textile Factory Newly Open as a Guest House.

Mexico

Above: Casa Tiny, a Walden-Inspired Getaway in Mexico.

Morocco

Above: Marrakech Modern: A Remodeled Riad for Rent (an old favorite; alas, it’s no longer available).

New Zealand

Above: An Off-the-Grid Cottage in New Zealand, Available for Rent.

Portugal

Above: Baixa House in Lisbon.
Above: A Family House in Porto Restored.
Above: A Family House Turned Rural Retreat in Portugal’s Algarve.
Above: Cucumbi: A Rustic Guest House in Portugal, Suited for Autumn.

Scandinavia

Above: For Aesthetes and Surfers: A New Vipp Guest House in Denmark’s “Cold Hawaii”.
Above: The Latest Lodgings in Copenhagen by a Danish Design Favorite.

Scotland

Above: A Luxe Nature Retreat from a Danish Billionaire.

South Africa

Above: A Whitewashed Villa in the Western Cape Province of South Africa.

Spain

Above: Casa Josephine: A Design Couple’s Country House and B&B in Rioja, Spain.
Above: Alemany 5 in Girona.
Above: An Artful Apartment in Palma, Mallorca.

Sri Lanka

Above: The Birthplace of Tropical Modernism: Architect Geoffrey Bawa’s Country Estate.

Switzerland

Above: An Alpine Remodel by Jonathan Tuckey.

Taiwan

Above: Shu Shu House: A Serene Mountain Retreat in Jiufen, Taiwan.

United Kingdom

Above: A Seaside Loft in Cornwall.
Above: Little Mill Abergavenny: A Once-Upon-a-Time Holiday Cottage in Wales.
Above: The Off-the-Grid Riverside Cabin, Rental Edition.
Above: A Design Shop by Way of Love in Somerset.

Consult our City Guides for shops, restaurants, hotels, and other design-worthy destinations wherever you go. And for tips for the holiday renter (or letting out your own place), see:

• Expert Advice: The Ultimate Rental Checklist, Landlord Edition
• Editors’ Picks: 15 Favorite Vacation Rental Resources
• High/Low: 6 Essentials for Stocking the Rental House

N.B.: This story originally ran on July 11, 2014 and has been updated with new images and links.