Our Instagram feed has been torturing us all winter with the daily tales of other people's tropical getaways. This week, we're taking a series of vicarious vacations. And we want to see your own travel discoveries. Tag them #RemodelistaEscapes on Instagram—on Friday, we'll publish a reader roundup on Remodelista.

Above: A British Virgin Islands shelfie by @yolandaedwards, creative director at Conde Nast Traveler.

Monday

Above: CN Traveler's Yolanda Edwards's Instagram photos led Julie to Guana Island in the BVI, now at the top of our Next Stop list. Take a tour in today's Hotels & Lodging post.

Above: A lampshade you might actually want to wear? Jaunty, sun-hat-shaped lights are our latest High/Low discovery. (And this example is woven from a recycled soda bottle.)

Tuesday

Above: On Tuesday, we're making a return visit to the Drift San Jose in Baja, Mexico, a $75-a-night design resort that's filled with DIY ideas. Photograph by Maggie Davis and Vanessa Smith, courtesy of upstart travel journal Tiny Atlas Quarterly (@tinyatlasquarterly).

Above: The idea that "every home is a micronation, and every nation needs an emblem" inspired two designers in Paris to stitch a series of flags. Stay tuned for Tuesday's Art & Decoration post.

Wednesday 

Above: Late one night, photographer Rhiannon Taylor's Instagram feed @inbedwith.me transported us to Port Fairy, Australia, and this artfully revived Victorian. Check in with us on Wednesday.

Above: A perfect souvenir from Morocco, this week's Furniture find stands ready to be used indoors or out.

Thursday

Above: On Thursday, in Hotels & Lodging, Elizabeth Roberts of Ensemble Architecture, DPC leads us to her favorite island destination (not coincidentally, it's designed and owned by an architect). And in Remodeling 101, Janet explores the appeal of polished concrete floors, a material now having its day in the sun not just in tropical places.

Friday

Above: Been anywhere great looking lately? Share your travel finds with us. Use the hashtag #RemodelistaTravels to tag your adventures on Instagram. On Friday, we'll be spotlighting your finds.

It's also Instagram Inspiration week at Gardenista. Use the hashtag #GardenistaTravels to show off gardens from around the world—and watch for the most memorable shots to appear on Gardenista.

More Stories from Remodelista

• Paradise Found: Guana Island in the BVI
• Weekend Guide with Petite Passport: The Coffeehouses of Singapore
• Bed and Bike: The Ultimate Hotel for Cyclists

I've been following NYC-based Yolanda Edwards's Instagram feed (@yolandaedwards) for a while now; she's the creative director at Conde Nast Traveler, so I figured I'd discover some good insider-y travel tips along the way (her husband, photographer Matthew Hranek (@wmbrownproject) is another good one to follow). Best find so far: Guana Island, a serene and perfectly private retreat in the British Virgin Islands.

Guana is an 850-acre private island with seven beaches and a handful of cottages and villas for rent. Since 1975, the island has been owned and operated by Henry and Gloria Jarecki (they bought it from another adventurous couple, Beth and Louise Bigelow of Massachusetts, who took ownership of the island in the 1930s and lived in a tent before building six stone cottages for their friends and fellow artists to visit). It's laid-back, but not too laid-back: "Rooms have no TVs or telephones and cell phones may not be used within the sight or earshot of other guests. Guests who wear a bathing suit to breakfast or lunch are requested to wear a cover-up as well. In the evenings, dress is smart casual (slacks, sport shirts, dresses, skirts, or pants)." Sounds perfect. 

Above: A cottage with a view, via @wmbrownproject.

Above: The cottage porch, via @yolandaedwards.

Above: "Not sure what you call the room where guests have cocktail hour at 6:30, play games after dinner, read during the occasional tropical storm, and meet up with new friends to discuss the night tarpon fishing, but this is where that—and more—happens," via @yolandaedwards. 

Above: The library at the Guana Island Club. Photograph via Guana Island.

Above: Another corner of the library. Photograph via Guana Island.

Above: The simple spa, outfitted with Red Flower products and a Frette robe. Photograph by Rima Suqi for Insider's Guide to Spas.

Above: A feathery piece of coral at the beach bar, via @yolandaedwards.

Above: A whitewashed-stucco-walled bathroom. Photograph via Guana Island.

Above: Rooms are furnished with a mix of unfancy furniture. Photograph via Guana Island.

Above: A sitting area. Photograph via Guana Island.

Above: A whitewashed villa for rent. Photograph via Guana Island. For more details, go to Guana Island.

Take a look at Yolanda Edwards and Matthew Hranek's weekend escape in Upstate Style: A New York Prefab by Way of Austria. And peruse our Travel Guides for more vacation ideas. Thinking of renting a house? See Greatest Hits: 33 Top Rental Houses Featured on Remodelista.

More Stories from Remodelista

• Table of Contents: Instagram Escapes
• Weekend Guide with Petite Passport: The Coffeehouses of Singapore
• Bed and Bike: The Ultimate Hotel for Cyclists

This week's Instagram Escapes issue has us all packing our bags for a trip to the sun. Here are our 10 favorite carry-on pieces of luggage for speedy, check-in-free travel.

Above: Both Christine and Francesca are Rimowa devotees: "An architect friend introduced me to the line (very expensive but worth the investment," Francesca says. "We were traveling in Italy and all was fine until we got to Venice; there I was, lugging my duffle bag as she glided along with her Rimowa. I've been a convert ever since." Rimowa Salsa Air Ultralight Cabin Multiwheel Carry-On; $475 from Zappos.

Above: Sarah loves her Lipault Paris Trolley, made from water-resistant twill nylon with four multidirectional, 360-degree-rotation wheels; $200 in purple from Flight 001. "It fulfills two key needs, other than looking good: It's lightweight and expandable. I like to travel light but also have room to bring something back that I might have spotted on my travels."

Above: Gardenista editor Michelle is devoted to her Alpha 2 Continental Expandable Two-Wheeled Carry-On from Tumi; "I can pack a week's worth of clothes," she says; $675 from Tumi. (N.B. The Alpha 2 is also a favorite with our friends at Gear Patrol; they like the new 360-degree skate wheels and expandable storage sections.)

Above: Alexa is a fan of the well-priced Valise Hard Carry Travel Suitcase 33L from Muji; $164.50.

Above: I've been using the polycarbonate Victorinox Extra Capacity Carry-On for the past couple of years (it saved my life during the Remodelista book tour); $239.99 from Amazon. I second this customer review on Amazon: "Super lightweight; glides smoothly right alongside me while I'm walking or I can pull it behind me if I need to. I don't know how I ever used a traditional pull-behind-me rollerboard suitcase now that I have this."

Above: Meredith uses Beckel Canvas's Round-A-Bout Bag ($74 from Beckel Canvas) for overnight trips but is coveting a rugged, good-looking canvas Wheeled Carry-On Bag (shown here) with leather trim from Filson; made in the US and available in four colors for $545.

Above: Margot likes the lightweight Hideo Feather Trolley, made of waterproof-coated nylon and available in black or blue; $235 from Flight 001.

Above: Izabella, who travels frequently between her native Sweden and the US, swears by the Eagle Creek line: "We've used Eagle Creek luggage for several years now and wouldn't buy anything else. Excellent quality and great storage and packing solutions. For short trips I like the Travel Gateway Upright 22; $200 from Eagle Creek.

Above: We're all intrigued by this offering, currently on sale at Flight 001: The carry-on Spacepak Suitcase allows you to organize and compress two weeks' worth of clothes into "one cabin-friendly case." Bonus points for the exterior padded laptop case; $195, marked down from $325. (Any of our readers have any experience with this bag? We'd love to hear.)

Above: Finally, a recommendation from one of the most stylish travelers we know, Heidi Swanson of 101 Cookbooks: the Samsonite DKX Carry-On Spinner; $229.99 from Amazon.

For more packing secrets, see Style Counsel: Heidi Swanson's Travel Kit. And how about Erin's find on Gardenista: a $40 Suitcase that Evokes 1950s Road Trips in France.

This post is an update; it originally ran on April 4, 2014, as part of our India Song issue.

More Stories from Remodelista

• Valentine's Wish List: Editors' Top 10 Picks

How to bring a vacation vibe home? Install one (or a group) of these festive woven hanging lights designed and offered by two very different sources.

High

Above: Spanish designer Alvaro Catalán de Ocón's PET Lamp project turns empty soda bottles into jaunty wickerwork lights made by artisans in Chile and Colombia. Read about them (and see more subtly colored versions) in our post Fantastic Plastic. N.B.: All PET Lamps are available in a range of color combinations; see more at PET Lamp.

Above L: The Eperara-Siapidara L-B line, is €250 ($279.50) from PET Lamp and includes the lampshade, electrical parts, and 1 1/2 meters of cloth-covered cable. Above R: The Eperara-Siapidara L-C is €250 ($279.50). The collection is named for the Eperara-Siapidara people of northwest Colombia who have a long tradition of colorful weavings. 

Low

Above: The handmade Frida and Diego pendant lights from CB2 are made of palm fiber that's hand-dyed and braided by craftsmen in southern Mexico. See the work that goes into each light here.

Above L: The Diego Pendant Light is $129 from CB2. Above R: The Frida Pendant Light is $99.95 from CB2.

Have a look at more of our High/Low Design discoveries:

• The Modo Chandelier with Smoky Glass Globes (and Look-Alikes)
• The Half Moon Table Lamp
• The Marble Wall Clock at Very Different Price Points
• Fermob Garden Furniture for Less
• High/Low: Glamorous Belgian Planters

More Stories from Remodelista

• Current Obsessions: Worldwide Wanderlust
• The No-Cost Remodel: Carmella's 7-Step Plan to Clutter-Free Living
• 6 Simple Ways to Hang Art

If you've stayed at the Ace Hotel of Shoreditch, London, with interiors by Edward Barber and Jay Osgerby of Universal Design Studio, you're probably still reminiscing about the effortless cool of your surroundings. Barber and Osgerby, along with the Ace Hotel team, extended the laid-back Pacific Northwest vibe of the original Ace to the UK location, with a few updates: indigo patchwork, perforated metal storage cabinets, a custom raw denim headboard, and chalky black ceilings.

Ready to move in permanently? Re-create the look with the following elements.

Above: The rooms are set up for living as well as sleeping. The floors are finished in low-pile carpeting from UK company Brockway.

Above: A few carefully placed industrial elements keep the look subtle throughout the hotel. Note the handy headboard pocket for the remote.

Above: The Peterson Sofa by District Eight Design has a reclaimed hardwood frame with cast-iron adjustable feet and cream cushions; £2,950 ($4,537) from Such & Such. Another option? Pull out the power tools for a DIY: Instant Built-In Day Bed.

Above: Simple Burlap Throw Pillows in a deep mustard yellow are available in a 20-by-20-inch square (shown) and a rectangular lumbar size; $67.95 each through Zazzle.

Above: Bedroom quilts were custom made by A.P.C. using denim and fabric scraps from past collections; a limited number are available from A.P.C. in London. The Atlantic Pillow is hand-stitched in royal blue over a padded lining and is $125 at A.P.C.; read more about the quilt project in our previous post, Piecing Together an A.P.C. Quilt.

Above: From Normann Copenhagen, the Kabino Sideboard is made of perforated gray steel and ash (and is also available in white steel); $1,050. Alternatively, Strong-Hold Ventilated Storage Cabinets are $1,132 from Custom Equipment Company.

Above: From Original BTC of England, the BB1 Aluminum Pendant is spun aluminum and ceramic, and comes with 60 inches of black and white cloth cord; $395 from Horne.

Above: The Parker Mid-Century Round Dining Table is made of FSC-certified eucalyptus with a walnut veneer top; $599 from West Elm.

Above: Saarinen's Executive Armchair with steel legs and a bouclé or Rivington fabric upholstery is currently $1,320 (marked down from $1,553) at Design Within Reach.

Above: Farrow & Ball's Studio Green paint in an Estate Emulsion finish gives ceilings a chalky matte look; $97 for a gallon.

Above: Available at the Ace Hotel shop, the Ace Hotel x Billykirk "Change Is Good" Tray is made of vegetable-tanned leather that's molded and hand-stitched. Used at Ace Hotel in New York at the front desk, the trays also work well on a nightstand; $35.

Above: The Lampe Gras Model 304 Sconce Lamp has a cast steel body with a chrome (shown) or black or white powder-coated finish for $360 from Design Within Reach.

Above: DIY a fabric-covered headboard (including a pocket) like the Ace does using Vintage Selvedge Denim Fabric sourced on Etsy; $75 for two yards from Antique Jewelry Supply (find more by searching for denim fabric).

Above: For an Ace sleeping experience at home, the Suite Sleep x Ace Hotel Mattress is made of 100 percent natural latex rubber with wool batting and an organic cotton cover. Prices start at $1,749 for the twin mattress through Suite Sleep.

Above: Margaret Pritchard's wool Signal Blanket is designed on a dobby loom in London and woven at a traditional mill in Wales. It's shown here in midnight blue and white with an olive hem; £240 ($369.57). See more of the line in Material Girl: Margaret Pritchard Has a Way with Wool.

This isn't the first time we've wanted to re-create the look of an Ace Hotel room. See:

• Steal This Look: The Ace Hotel Bath in Portland, Oregon
• Steal This Look: The Ace Outdoor Lounge in Palm Springs
• Steal This Look: The Ace Hotel Bathroom in LA

Did you know there's an Ace Hotel in Panama City? Take a look at Design News: Ace Hotel Turns Tropical on Gardenista.

This post is an update. It originally ran on September 17, 2013, as part of our London Design issue.

More Stories from Remodelista

• The $75-a-Night Design Hotel: Baja, Mexico, Edition
• Paradise Found: Guana Island in the BVI
• Table of Contents: Instagram Escapes

Jin Angdoo Lee and Mathieu Julien, freelance illustrators and artists who operate under the name Amateurs, describe themselves as "a happy couple based in Paris. We are lovers of new discoveries and endless artistic possibilities."

Their wall-hanging Flag for Every Family project is "based on the idea that every home is a micro nation with its inhabitants as its ruler. Therefore, every house needs an emblem." The wall hangings measure approximately 150 by 100 centimeters and are made from hand-dyed, bleached, and natural cotton pieces; they are 800 Euros each. 

Above: The Flag for Every Family project consists of six abstract designs.

Above: Contact Amateurs directly for ordering information.

Above: A detail of the creation process.

Above: Contact Amateurs directly for ordering information.

Above: The Tea Towels project is "a study of shapes in black, white, and blue. Instead of painting on framed canvases, a series of 33 original paintings are painted on handmade linen tea towels with a cotton hook sewn on the back. Each painting varies in size and fabric weight." The tea towels are 70 Euros each; contact Amateurs directly for ordering information. 

Above: A detail of a dish towel painting, via Angdoo's personal blog.

For vintage flags put to use as curtains, see our post on Guideboat Co. in Mill Valley, California. Go to Wall Decor for more ideas.

More Stories from Remodelista

• High/Low: The Jaunty Hat-Shaped Lamp
• Current Obsessions: Worldwide Wanderlust
• The No-Cost Remodel: Carmella's 7-Step Plan to Clutter-Free Living

We've been intrigued by the artful simplicity of the Drift San Jose in San Jose del Cabo, Mexico, for a while now—see The Handmade Baja Hotel. Maggie Davis and Vanessa Smith's photographs of the resort for Tiny Atlas Quarterly's Water issue are a reminder: Look no further for the perfect affordable escape. 

Tiny Atlas is an online and print publication produced by a Bay Area collaborative of photographers, writers, and artists: "It's where we share all the places we love to travel ourselves, as well as how we see our own backyards." #LOVEmytinyatlas, a show of its Instagram community's work, is currently on view at Alite Designs Outpost in the Mission in San Francisco.

Above L and R: The Drift's American owner Stu Waddell and his local crew designed and built much of the furniture on-site using concrete and leftover wood. He describes the look as "a combination Baja ranch and industrial loft." Photographs by Maggie Davis and Vanessa Smith via @TinyAtlasQuarterly.

Above: Even the resort's Acapulco chairs are partly homemade: "The steel frames were strung with black twine by our gardener, Benito, who grew up near Acapulco, where his father taught him how to do it." The coffee table is vintage and came from one of Stu's best sources, the Lagunilla Sunday flea market in Mexico City.

SF photographer Maggie Davis, who was recently at the Drift with her girlfriend, calls it "the anti-hotel: somewhere that embraces communal living and building friendships with fellow travelers." Photograph via @TinyAtlasQuarterly.

Above: There are eight rooms, no two alike, but each has a polished concrete floor ("a cool surface that looks warm thanks to its natural coloring," notes Stu), a concrete bed platform that appear to float, and an Acapulco chair. The sheets are 100 percent raw cotton from Bed of Vancouver. Photograph via @bajacowboy.

Above: A ledge desk made from a plank of wood. The lamp, stool, and lucha libre poster came from the Lagunilla flea market in Mexico City. Photograph via @TinyAtlasQuarterly.

Above: "What I loved most about Drift is that so much was custom-made by local artisans," Maggie told Tiny Atlas Quarterly." Even the carafe and glasses in the rooms were hand-blown down the street." To source your own, see 10 Easy Pieces: Bedside Water Carafes. Photograph via @bajacowboy. 

Above: The hotel's ingenious wall-hung closets—this one set in a niche—are made of welded steel with wooden shelves: "Just the right amount of space to hang a hat for a few days," says Stu. Photograph via @bajacowboy.

Above: The cast concrete bathtubs are modeled after water troughs found on local ranches. Photograph via @bajacowboy.

Above: A concrete shower with a cinderblock ventilation window and a custom rain showerhead made by Solis, the Drift's plumber. Photograph via @bajacowboy.

Above: The communal kitchen has a blackboard wall with a map of all the local things to see and do. The beach is the focus, but there's also a lively art scene in San Jose, and a hike that leads to a swimming hole with a 40-foot waterfall. Go to Tiny Atlas Quarterly to get the details. Photograph via @bajacowboy.

Above: The kitchen has a copper piping faucet, another Solis creation. Photograph via @TinyAtlasQuarterly.

Above: Guests are encouraged to cook their own meals on an Argentine-style grill stocked with mesquite gathered locally. Photograph via @bajacowboy.

Above: The swimming pool is "made of nothing more than poured concrete," says Stu. "The rustic quality of the concrete reflects light in a more beautiful and honest way than commercial finishes or ceramic tile." Photograph via @TinyAtlasQuarterly.

Above: The poolside fire pit and surrounding furniture are also concrete. Photograph via @bajacowboy.

Above: Clara, the Drift's dog, rests in front of a guest room rolling window that doubles as a door. Photographs via @TinyAtlasQuarterly.

Above: All the rooms have windows that open to the central courtyard. Photograph via @bajacowboy. 

Drift San Jose is located 20 minutes from the Los Cabos International Airport in the downtown art district of San Jose del Cabo, in Baja, Mexico. Rooms are $75 per night, and are booked through Airbnb. Go to Drift San Jose for more details.

More Stories from Remodelista

• Steal This Look: A Room at the Ace Hotel in Shoreditch, London
• Paradise Found: Guana Island in the BVI
• Table of Contents: Instagram Escapes

Why do hotel sheets feel so much better than the sheets at home?

Well, to begin with, hotel sheets are freshly washed, crisply ironed, and perfectly tucked—all by someone who is not you. These fine points go a long way to making hotel bedding a thing of desire. And beyond that, they're all white—according to some, the most restful color to sleep on—and often made to last with tighter weaves and higher-quality fibers than what's standard at home.

Thanks to the recent trend of the shoppable hotel room, some of our favorite places to stay have begun offering their own custom sheets for sale. Others don't bother with custom sheets but are happy to share the name of the linen brand they swear by. Here, we've rounded up 10 standouts.

N.B. Except where noted, prices are for a queen sheet set (one flat and one fitted sheet and two standard pillowcases).

Hotels' Own Sheets for Sale

Above: The Standard High Line in New York sells its own basic cotton sheets that are made in India; Francesca is a fan. A Queen Sheet Set is an even $100. 

Above: Hotel Saint Cecilia in Austin teamed with Italian manufacturer Rivolta Carmignani to create 400-thread-count sheets trimmed in the hotel's signature royal blue. Available only in king size, the Hotel Saint Cecilia Sheet Set includes four pillowcases, two flat sheets, and a duvet for $850. 

Above: From 21C Museum Hotels—with locations in Louisville, Kentucky; Cincinnati; and Bentonville, Arkansas, each designed by Remodelista favorite Deborah Berke—comes bedding created with durability in mind. The cotton/polyester blend in solid white is $225 for a Queen Sheet Set. 

Above: Thunderbird Hotel in Marfa, Texas, offers its own, made-in-India, 100 percent cotton sheets. The Hotel Cotton Sheet Set includes four pillowcases and two flat sheets for $150. 

Luxe Linens on Hotel Beds

Above: At the Dean Hotel in Providence, Rhode Island, beds are outfitted with linens by Matouk, a family-owned company in nearby Fall River, Massachusetts, that Julie is a fan of. We like the Luca line made of 500-thread-count cotton woven in Italy. A queen-size set is $537. 

Above: A global name, Anichini is often mistaken for a European line. But the brand has been manufacturing luxe bedding in rural Vermont for nearly 30 years. Anichini is standard fare at premier hotels, including New York's Gramercy Park Hotel and the presidential suite at the Waldorf Astoria. For home, we like the Palladio Hotel Sheets, a 200-thread-count, Italian percale cotton with a narrow corded border that comes in four colors, including terracotta (shown here). Prices start at $315 for a queen sheet set. (Note: The sheets in terracotta are currently on sale for 30 percent off.)

Above: Luxury Italian bedding manufacturer Pratesi recently created a retail version of its hospitality sheets used at the St. Regis in Washington, DC, the Ritz-Carlton New York, and Washington School House Hotel in Park City, Utah (shown here). Pratesi's Hotel Semplice Sheet Set is $430 at Bloomingdale's. 

Above: Frette—founded in France in 1860, but now an Italian company—supplies bedding to the Savoy in London, the Ritz Paris, Claridge's in London, and Ruschmeyer's in Montauk. Its all-white, Italian-made Hotel Classic Sheet Set comes in a choice of five trim colors; $370. 

Above: Bay Area organic bedding favorite Coyuchi outfits top local hotels, including H2 Hotel (shown here) in Healdsburg, Calistoga Ranch in Napa Valley, and Manka's Inverness Lodge in Inverness. Coyuchi's 220 Percale Sheets are made of 100 percent organic cotton woven in India and available in five colors including the white shown here; $198 for a queen set.

Last: At the NoMad Hotel in New York, beds are covered in linens by Sferra—a nearly 125-year-old Italian company whose sheets have graced beds from the Vatican to the White House. Its 200-thread-count Grande Hotel Collection is available in ivory or white sheets with 16 stitch trim colors; a queen set is $363. 

There's still more to choose from. See:

• Editors' Picks: 10 Favorite Luxury Bed Linens
• 10 Easy Pieces: Simple White Sheets
• 10 Easy Pieces: Striped Sheets
• Domestic Dispatches: 7 Secrets to Make a Perfect Bed

More Stories from Remodelista

• 5 Favorites: Pale Pink Linen Sheets Roundup
• 10 Easy Pieces: Four-Poster Canopy Beds
• Steal This Look: A Moody Minimalist London Bedroom

Last week I had a surprise late-night visitor. I was in bed not wanting to call it a day, so I turned to Instagram, and at that very moment the mysterious @inbedwith.me ("expert on big beds and room service") signed on to follow me. Intrigued, I turned to her Instagram feed and found exactly the night-owl inspiration I was looking for. 

In Bed With is the just-launched site of Melbourne architectural photographer Rhiannon Taylor, who travels almost nonstop for work and decided to capture her favorite accommodations along the way. So far, she's presented bespoke guesthouses, spas, and resorts in Australia, Indonesia, Mexico, and the US. I like the look of all of them, but I'm particularly drawn to Drift House, a B&B set in a deftly remodeled Victorian in Victoria, Australia—added bonus: It's on the Great Ocean Road in a seaside town called Port Fairy, and Taylor classifies its interiors as "intellectually romantic." 

Photography by Rhiannon Taylor for In Bed With (@inbedwith.me), unless otherwise noted.

Above: Drift House occupies one of Port Fairy's most well-known historic residences; built in the 1850s, its many past occupants include an undertaker, accordion player, and captain of the militia. Owners Colleen Guiney and Jon Watkinson bought it in derelict condition and traded busy careers in Melbourne (she as a visual merchandiser/stylist, he as a sales and marketing exec) to become innkeepers. Over the course of several years (and many permit battles), they overhauled the property with architect Tim O'Sullivan and team at Multiplicity design of Melbourne.

Above: Wicker chairs that Colleen found on eBay stand outside the entrance to Suite One. There are four suites in total, two in the original house and two in a new addition. Each occupies its own floor.

Above: The interiors are also the work of Multiplicity in collaboration with Colleen, who sourced the furnishings. Suite One, which occupies the ground floor of the historic house, has a sprightly Scandi palette.

Above: Each suite has a kitchen and living area (and its own outdoor space). Suite One's sofa is the Nook by Jardan, the pendant light came from Spence & Lyda, and the green-and-white cotton blanket is a Country Road design.

Above: Next to the bed and fireplace, a stone bath from Roger Seller's Apaiser line. Photograph via Drift House.

Above: On arrival, guests are delivered a "breaky hamper," containing, among other things, eggs from a nearby farm (for cooking in the room), sourdough bread, yogurt, muesli, jam, and the inn's own lemons and dukka (a spice mix). "We top off the hamper during the stay," says Colleen.

Above: Suite Two has a moody, artist's atelier vibe. Colleen, who studied art (and formerly built sets and props), contributed the wall mural, which incorporates details about the house's past owners. The sofa is another Nook by Jardan. (Read about Jardan here.) 

Above L: The mural wraps around into the bedroom. Above R: The round table is Mark Tuckey's Tripod design. (We're longstanding fans of Tuckey's work; see A Sydney Surfer Sets Up Shop and Steal This Look: Mark Tuckey's Beach House Living Room.)

Above: The occupants of Suite Two have the upstairs veranda to themselves.

Above: For outdoor dining and people watching. The town of Port Fairy has been singled out as one of the world's most livable towns. It's home to famously beautiful stretches of coastline and is also known for its community-organized annual folk festival (this year's event takes place March 6–9).

Above: Located in the new two-story addition, Suite Three is a white cocoon with slatted partitions built from wood taken out of the old house during the remodel. The painting is by Colleen.

Above: The modern-cabin bedroom.

Above: "To be honest, you probably wont leave the room," says Rhiannon. "Periodicals, books, and movies will have you wrapped up on the couch."

Above L: Suite Three's floor-to-ceiling-tiled shower. Above R: A corner of the living room with a wall built from local stone.

Above: Suite Three comes with a private walled courtyard and giant fireplace.

Above: Multiplicity's finishing detail for the B&B: a backyard pool.

Above: The après-beach spot.

Above: The new addition is sheathed in perforated metal. "When l first saw the building, it reminded me of an old TV series called The Ghost and Mrs Muir," writes architect Tim O'Sullivan, who chronicles the project (and the permit battles) on Multiplicity's site. "We came up with the idea of mimicking the original building's footprint in width and depth, and to sit [the new addition] back about a meter, so that it reads as a ghost of the front building, the silent twin brother who always lurks in the shadows." The trees are Norfolk Island Pines that predate the original house.

Situated at the end of the Great Ocean Road on Victoria's southwest coast, Drift House is about a four-hour drive from Melbourne. The B&B overlooks the Moyne River and is an easy walk to the beach.

Traveling in Australia? Take a look at the hotels, restaurants, and shops in our City Guides.

For another of our favorite B&B's, this one in Tielrode, Belgium, go to Surrealism Included.

More Stories from Remodelista

• The $75-a-Night Design Hotel: Baja, Mexico, Edition
• Steal This Look: A Room at the Ace Hotel in Shoreditch, London
• Paradise Found: Guana Island in the BVI

Bring the vacation home with a Moroccan zellij tiled table (works indoors and out), courtesy of online seller Mui Ma.

Above: The Moroccan Tile Side Table with a foldable black iron frame and inlaid cement tiles is €150 ($167.50). The tabletop is 15.8 by 15.8 inches and the legs are 15.8 inches.

Above: The Moroccan Zellij Side Table in pearl white is €150 ($167.50). The ceramic mosaic tiles are made in Fez.

Above: The base folds up when not in use. Shown here, the Moroccan Zellij Side Table in pink; €150 ($167.50). 

Above: The Moroccan Zellij Side Table in black; €150 ($167.50). Source more Moroccan Design in our archive. Considering a trip to Marrakech? See A Remodeled Riad for Rent and tour La Mamoumia's Royal Gardens on Gardenista.

More Stories from Remodelista

Our architect friend Elizabeth Roberts clued us in a while back to her (and many fellow designers') favorite winter escape: Hix Island House, a wabi-sabi, eco-friendly hotel in Vieques. Here's her account.

"Designed by Toronto-based architect John Hix, Hix Island House is a perfect blank slate for viewing the surrounding nature; the contrast of the rugged, natural landscape with the geometric forms of the hotel is simply lovely. Until recently, Vieques (a small island off the east coast of mainland Puerto Rico) was a US Navy testing site for bombs and missiles; now, the beaches are wildlife refuges. I suggest renting a jeep to explore; the Bioluminescent Bay and the beaches are a must."

Above: The hotel is set on a verdant 13-acre parcel.

Above: "The buildings are made of block and reinforced concrete and surfaced with plaster; the exteriors are clad in chain-link fencing, which allows vines to climb up the sides," says Roberts.

Above: "The bedrooms feature Marimekko bed linens and custom furniture."

Above: "There is no need for air-conditioning or heat—the concrete radiates the sun's warmth during the night and the winds keep the rooms feeling cool and practically bug free. I especially love sitting on my private terrace at dusk and listening to the transition from bird calls to insects and frogs after the sun sets."

Above: "Each room has its own kitchen; it's a nice change to cook simple meals while on vacation. I might stop for a few provisions at one of the bodegas on my way to or from the beach, but aside from that, there's no need to shop."

Above: "The windows are free of glass and are situated to align with the prevailing winds and the sun's path."

Above: "The hotel's cotton robes are available for purchase. When it's snowing and miserably cold in New York, we're reminded of tropical evenings spent on the hammock at Hix."

Above: "Among the many design details I admire: The custom wood furniture. I love the contrast of the rough-hewn, natural wood against the smooth, polished concrete."

Above: "Early morning yoga in the open studio is a good way to start the day, followed by an outdoor shower."

Above: "The simple modernist pool is defined by a slab concrete wall." For more information, go to Hix Island House.

Go to Hotels & Lodgings to see more destinations with notable designs, including A Ski Cabin by a World-Renowned Swiss Architect and Fontevraud Abbey in France.

This post is an update; the original ran on January 13, 2012, as part of our Salle de Bain issue.

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• The Upstart Victorian B&B, Australia Edition
• The $75-a-Night Design Hotel: Baja, Mexico, Edition
• Steal This Look: A Room at the Ace Hotel in Shoreditch, London

The homemade concrete furnishings at Drift San Jose hotel on Mexico's Baja peninsula have us ready to try making our own. We plan to get going with this inexpensive DIY pendant light by designer Ben Uyeda for online maker community Brit + Co.

Photography from Brit + Co. (@britandco).

Above: The finished product, a DIY concrete pendant light hung from an Ikea wood bracket.

Above: You likely already have on hand half of the required materials, such as empty plastic bottles, a drill, and sandpaper. You'll need to shop for concrete mix, a few pieces of hardware, and an electrical socket and switch. Uyeda points out that you can make more than 15 lamps with a $6 bag of concrete.

Above: The basic concept: Create a bell-shaped mold by inserting a plastic bottle inside a plastic bottle. Fill with concrete and voilà.

Above: Once the pendant has dried and been sanded, you'll learn to do some (very basic) electrical wiring. 

Above: Uyeda wrapped the pendant's cord around a simple concrete wall hook. For a similar look, see the designer's DIY tutorial on Faceted Concrete Hooks and Shelves.

Above: Uyeda used bottles of different shapes and concrete of different colors to add variety to his DIY lamp mix. For full instructions, visit Brit + Co. 

And as long as you're buying a bag of concrete, check out:

• DIY: A Concrete Stool for $5
• DIY: Concrete Block Planters
• DIY: Wood and Concrete Task Lamp—for Under $10
• DIY on a Budget: $30 Mini Concrete Planters

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• Remodeling 101: Polished Concrete Floors
• Remodeling 101: All You Need to Know About VOCs in Paint
• DIY: A Color-Blocked Wall Clock for $25

Concrete is the Cinderella of flooring materials. Long relegated to life as a subfloor—and covered up by a host of materials deemed more suitable for display, such as wood, tiles, and carpeting—it's currently having its day in the sun. Hardworking, low maintenance, versatile, affordable, and in it for the long term, polished concrete is an undeniably appealing floor choice—but, like everything, not without its faults. Is it the one for you? Let our guide help you decide.

Above: Architects Specht Harpman installed polished concrete floors across the expanse of a 19th-century gambrel barn that they renovated in Connecticut. Expansion joints are incorporated into the floor to control and minimize cracking. Photograph by Michael Moran. 

What is polished concrete?

Concrete is a natural composite material made from an aggregate (typically rocks, river stones, and granite chips) combined with a cement binder (such as limestone and calcium sulphate) and water. For those wondering what the difference is between concrete and cement, the simple answer is that cement is a component of concrete: Sidewalks are made of concrete, not cement.

Transforming concrete into a smooth and decorative surface for flooring requires treating it with a concrete densifier, a chemical that's applied over the concrete surface to fill the pores. Once the surface is prepared and dried, it's then ground with grinding tools that get progressively finer to achieve the desired finish. Polished concrete is measured in grades and finishes: the higher the grade, the larger the exposed aggregates; similarly, the higher the finish, the shinier the polish. 

Above: Diamond-polished concrete floors in the Amagansett, New York, home of Tiina Laakkonen and Jon Rosen. Tour the whole house in the Remodelista book and Rhapsody in Blue. Photograph by Matthew Williams.

Why are concrete floors in vogue?

Like all things utilitarian, concrete floors are having a moment. Thanks to the stalwarts of modernism and their form-follows-function mandate, the material has become synonymous with honesty and integrity. When working with large open spaces, concrete floors are an easy and cost-effective way to achieve a unifying aesthetic—one that offers a seamless transition from interior to exterior. And with its thermal conducting properties, concrete works particularly well with radiant floor heating systems, warming up large swaths of floor space efficiently. (Like the idea of cost-effective warmth underfoot? See Remodelista 101: 5 Things to Know About Radiant Floor Heating). 

Above: Concrete floors combined with radiant floor heating are welcome anywhere in the house, particularly in the bathroom (as seen in this Hokkaido house by architect Jun Igarashi). Photograph by Daci Ano via Dezeen. 

What are the challenges involved in installing a concrete floor?

Just because concrete implies utility doesn't mean that working with it is simple. “I love polished concrete for its visual appeal and its performance as a floor," says London architect Johnny Holland of Hacket Holland (a member of the Remodelista Architect/Designer Directory), “however, I have a few words of cautionary advice. The process is not as simple as it sounds, and because the material is wet at first, the timing of all the steps is critical and must be carried out by a specialist." Here's what some of those specialized steps involve: Before pouring, the concrete has to be vibrated to remove air bubbles. During pouring, the concrete must be leveled perfectly and expansion joints must be incorporated to avoid cracking after it's in use. To create a smooth surface, a trowel machine known as a power float gets run over the concrete at exactly the right moment in the curing when it's still quite wet. "The entire process from start to finish occurs over a matter of weeks, and the surface must be protected against potential damage while it dries," continues Holland. "The specialist contractor then returns to polish the floor, which is done mechanically with abrasive grits—usually with a diamond content. This is not a job for a DIYer—or even most ordinary builders.”

What kinds of textures, colors, and finishes are available for concrete floors?

If you're installing a new concrete floor, the choices of textures, colors, and finishes are nearly limitless. Texture and finish are determined by the grade of concrete used, how it's poured, and the polishing process. Color can be introduced in several ways: Pigment can be mixed into wet concrete to achieve any desired color (colored aggregates, too, such as stones, marbles, and pieces of glass, can be added), or an acid- or water-based stain can be used to color dry concrete.

Above: A stair that's a red ribbon of concrete runs through this London House designed by architect Jonathan Tuckey. 

Do concrete floors need to be sealed, and what sort of maintainence is involved?

Concrete is susceptible to oil, water, and pet stains, so sealing is recommended—and an easy process (use your installer's recommended sealing product). Your floors will need to be resealed every two to three years to keep them looking as fresh as when they were installed. Maintaining a concrete floor is simple: Once a week or so, run a dust mop over it to pick up dirt and fine particles, and then mop with a gentle cleanser. Your installer may have products to recommend.

Can you change the finish or color of an existing concrete subfloor?

You may be living with concrete floors and not know it: Concrete subfloors often exist beneath another flooring material, so all you have to do is remove the top layer. The exposed concrete floor will likely have a rough finish that requires polishing. The possibilities depend on the quality and condition of the concrete; check with a specialist to find out what can be achieved. Options for changing the color of an existing concrete floor are limited to what you can apply on top: concrete stains or paint.

How much does a concrete floor cost?

A polished concrete floor is an attractive option for many reasons, including the price. The average cost is $4 to $5 a square foot. 

Above: Amanda Pays and Corbin Bernsen opted for a polished concrete floor when they transformed a workshop/shed into a bunkhouse for visiting children and guests. For the full tour, see Backyard Bunkhouse, Hollywood Royal Family Edition.

Polished Concrete Floor Recap

Pros:

• Strong and durable.
• Affordable.
• Little maintenance required.
• Good thermal conductor for radiant floor heating.
• Develops a rugged patina. 

Cons:

• Uncomfortable to stand on for long stretches.
• Can be cold without radiant floor heating.
• Concrete isn't for perfectionists: It cracks and stains easily, but that rugged look can also be considered charming.
• The material has less give, which means dropped items often break.

Another flooring material that has a lot going for it? See The Mystery of Bamboo Floors Revealed. Embarking on a kitchen remodel? To get started, read Questions to Ask When Choosing Your Kitchen Countertops and Questions to Ask When Choosing Your Kitchen Cabinets.

For more advice, go to our Remodeling 101 archive.

This post is an update; the original ran on February 20, 2014, as part of our Great Danes issue.

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• Remodeling 101: All You Need to Know About VOCs in Paint
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When the New York Times launched the Home section in 1977, it was a controversial move (an entire section of the paper of record devoted to the home?). But by the time we started Remodelista in 2007, the Times Home section was the standard bearer; a mention drove sales for merchants and conferred prestige on designers. Less trend-oriented than the glossy design mags, the Times Home section had a more down-to-earth approach to home life. We're grateful to have been recognized in its pages. Here are nine ways the Times has changed our lives at Remodelista/Gardenista:

1. If you are an upstart online design publication, there is nothing more life-affirming than a write-up in the New York Times. See: Miss Your Decor Magazine? Click Here.

2. If you have something new to announce, you pray that the Times will take interest. See Taking Its Design Eye Outside.

3. If your site is mentioned in the NY Times Home section on the day before Christmas, you have arrived. Shown above is the dining room in a Cobble Hill house by Elizabeth Roberts of Ensemble Architects, whose clients told the Times they discovered her firm on Remodelista. See the full house tour at Spies Like Us. 

4. The Times always gets first dibs. A couple of weeks before our book, Remodelista: A Sourcebook for the Considered Home, was due to launch, we got a call from a young architect—whose house we had scouted, styled, and photographed to include in our upcoming tome—that the Times was interested. The Times published the project first, but in the end, we didn't mind. Laws of the universe. Photograph via Bloesem.

5. The Times Home section kept us on our toes. They got the scoop on the Roman and Williams redesign (shown above) of the famous Jenna Lyons' Park Slope brownstone (see It's Mourning in America).

6) If you are profiled in the Times, the reporter (or more likely, the fact checker) will ask how old you are. If you demur, you will be identified as someone who "declined to give her age" (see: Better Home and Hipsters). Which is possibly worse.

7) If you meet a reporter from the New York Times Home section for a drink, you will find yourself, in a bid to sound interesting, revealing more than you intended (and Annette Bening will be at the next table). See A Childhood Home, and Poet's Muse.

8) The Times Home section pioneered the high/low approach, reporting on everything from Anti-McMansions to Newport Palaces.

9) The very fact that the Times published a section devoted to the house and garden made the pursuit of domestic bliss seem less shallow, more noble, even newsworthy.

Over at Gardenista, Michelle shares her reminiscences in Farewell, Friend: 5 Things I Learned About Life from the NY Times Home Section. 

More Stories from Remodelista

• #RemodelistaTravels: Instagram Escapes from Remodelista Readers
• A Virtual Trip to the Maldives with Cereal Magazine
• The Architects' Choice: Hix Island House in Vieques, Puerto Rico

Rosa Park (@rosaliapark) and her partner, Rich Stapleton (@rvstapleton), launched Cereal ( @cerealmag), a quarterly magazine about travel and lifestyle, in 2012. We've been following them on Instagram for a while now and they seem to float from one beautiful place to the next: from Copenhagen to Lisbon to London and back home to Bath, England. Their recent trip to the Maldives in the Indian Ocean had us in full envy mode.

Above: They started at the Lux Maldives.

Above: "Our bedroom."

Above: "Checking out of Lux Maldives."

Above: Next, they alit at the Conrad Maldives on Rangali Island.

Above: "Lunchtime at the Mandhoo Restaurant," set on stilts 100 yards out in the Indian Ocean.

Above: The interior at Mandhoo Restaurant at the Conrad Maldives.

Above: The outdoor lounging area at the Conrad Maldives. 

Above: "Our bedroom at the Conrad Maldives."

Above: The dock leading to the Conrad Maldives spa.

Above: "The path to the beach."

Above: "Postcard palm tree."

For more beach getaways, see:

• Paradise Found: Guana Island in the BVI
• The Upstart Victorian B&B, Australia's Great Ocean Road
• A Hidden Beach Hotel in Oaxaca, Mexico
• A Pair of Fisherman's Cabins in Portugal
• Stealth Luxury at a Greek Eco-Resort

More Stories from Remodelista

• #RemodelistaTravels: Instagram Escapes from Remodelista Readers
• Good Night and Good Luck: 9 Reasons We're Sad to Bid Farewell to the NY Times Home Section
• The Architects' Choice: Hix Island House in Vieques, Puerto Rico

I first got to know Heidi Swanson of 101 Cookbooks and culinary shop Quitokeeto on a flight to Portland, Oregon, where she was heading to a book signing. She was decked out in a navy pea coat and riding boots; her hair was tied back and her luggage consisted of a single black valise on wheels. It was immediately apparent that she'd worked out the art of traveling. Here she shares with us her essential travel kit.

Photography by Heidi Swanson.

Above: Swanson strolls through the Place des Vosges in Paris. She's currently putting the finishing touches on her next book, Near & Far, a travel-related cookbook due out this summer. Photograph by Wayne Bremser.

Remodelista: How do you wrangle your luggage?

Heidi Swanson: I use a compact black Samsonite carry-on with wheels.

Above: Swanson's go-to uniform is built around a Sofie d'Hoore dress from MAC (Modern Appeal Clothing) in San Francisco. N.B.: We, too, are obsessed with d'Hoore's designs. See Fashion's Accidental Designer and There's Something About Sofie.

Above: Instant evening outfit: a Sofie d'Hoore dress with gold sandals from the Gap and an Erica Tanov gold wallet.

RM: What's your approach to packing?

HS: I'm a big believer in the Russian doll system—lots of bags within bags. I lay everything out on the bed and put together an outfit for each day. I'll make a sketch of what I'm going to wear beforehand; I flat-pack my outfits in compact Travel Space Bags from the Container Store with all the air squished out. It makes dressing on the road super easy.

RM: Wardrobe basics?

HS: I have a few key pieces, such as a pair of riding boots from Corso Como (this is my fifth pair, I've worn them forever and they've become my uniform). I always pack some fingerless gloves as well so I can shoot a camera, work an iPhone, and stay warm.

Above: I like to sketch out the outfits I'll be wearing each day; it takes away the guesswork.

RM: What's in your travel make-up bag?

HS: Frazer Parfums Rose and Tuberose Solid Perfume in a compact, which we sell at Quitokeeto, MultiplEYE Mascara from Tarte, a Taupe Lipstick from MAC, a Nars lipstick in Jungle Red, a Nars lipstick in Schiap, and clear Butter Nail Polish. (Read about Quitokeeto here.)

RM: Beauty essentials?

HS: I bring two small Malin + Goetz bottles of shampoo and carry a comb instead of a brush. I'm addicted to Korres Pomegranate Wipes; I use them to cleanse at the end of the day and to freshen up after a flight. Other essentials: Boots' Organic Day Cream from the Botanics line, Aesop Lip Balm, and Weleda Wild Rose Deodorant.

Above: I pack a vintage Bakelite bracelet and other simple pieces when I travel since I like to get through airport security quickly.

RM: Analog or digital?

HS: I bring a Kindle Fire in a felt pouch for reading and movies; I don't take my laptop unless I really have to. I love Moleskin notebooks for travel notes and recipes worth remembering. The pink diary is from J Crew—I still like to write down appointments. The Micron Pens are Japanese and have an extra-fine tip, which I use for book signings, and the pink MT tape is my way of making sure they don't disappear.

Above: Heidi's pinboard displays story ideas for her next book and photos from her travels.

RM: Favorite places to stay when you travel?

HS: Hotels are not so important to my partner, Wayne, and I; we’d rather spend the money on other things. We've have good experiences with Airbnb stays. Last time we were in Paris, we did a house swap with Clotilde from Chocolate & Zucchini, which was great. We'll also rent if we are in a place for a while. We're pretty casual travelers.

RM: Airline food?

HS: Never. I always bring my own food in a DCI Collapsible Lunch Box. These Golden Pot Stickers are a favorite for long-haul journeys because they're full of protein. I also drink plenty of water on a flight, nothing else.

RM: Travel tip?

HS: My friend turned me on to a small Tumi Just In Case Tote that slides on the top of the suitcase handles and stays fixed in place. I'll wrap my cameras in a cloth and keep them there. It's fudging the carry-on, but I've never been called on it yet.

RM: Next destination?

HS: I'm going to Hong Kong in June. I want to go back to Tokyo soon, and India is on the list. I would love to cook there.

For more advice, go to Bon Voyage: 10 Prep Tips for the Intelligent Traveler, and consult our guides: 

• Expert Advice: 11 Under-the-Radar Parisian Dining Spot
• Cool Girl Natasha Figueroa's Guide to Copenhagen
• Beatrice Venezuela, A Cult Shoemaker in LA's Echo Park
• An Insider's Guide to Delhi from Fashion Designer Monica Patel-Cohn

This post is an update; it originally ran on January 27, 2012, as part of our Rustic Life issue.

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• 10 Favorites: Editors' Wheeled Carry-On Luggage Picks
• Valentine's Wish List: Editors' Top 10 Picks

Move over, winter. The Gardenista crew are filled with finds and tips to help you get growing. Here's what not to miss.

Above: Welcome your visitors with a bower of flowers. Explore how in 9 Ways to Create Curb Appeal with Flowering Vines and Climbers. Shown here, fragrant Sally Holmes roses that "make your fortress look charming instead of reclusive."

Above: Facade facelifts are the subject of this week's Hardscaping 101, no surgical skills required. See all of Gardenista's favorite paint colors in Palette & Paints.

Above: Save yourself from stooping—Elevated Planter Boxes kick off the Gardenista 100, a get-ready-for-spring guide to the best 100 outdoor products. The design shown here stands ready for tomatoes and other plants with deep roots.

Above: How does an environmentally conscious royal go about creating a garden? Explore the grounds of Prince Charles's Gloucestershire estate Highgrove in Required Reading, a review of Bunny Guinness and Prince Charles's Rizzoli-published portrait of the garden: "a remarkable four-season record of one of the most lavish organic gardens created in any century," writes Michelle. 

Another showstopping garden? Visit Belgium's Most Beautiful Edible Garden.

Above: "Writer Michael Pollan advises: 'Don't eat anything your great-grandmother wouldn't recognize as food.' To that, we would like to add: Don't grow anything your great-grandmother wouldn't recognize as a seed," says Michelle. In 10 Easy Pieces, she rounds up the best sources for organic and heirloom vegetable, flower, and herb seeds.

Above: Learn how stylist and world adventurer Chelsea Fuss of @frolicblog makes a $46 Airbnb rental feel like home. (Between trips, Chelsea offers a four-week online Flower Arranging 101 class; Erin signed on with impressive results.)

Watch for readers' best Instagram garden photos later today on Gardenista. 

More Stories from Remodelista

• Trending on Gardenista: The Power of Scent
• Trending on Gardenista: Drought Gardening Tricks
• Trending on Gardenista: The Best Sources for Valentine's Flowers

To cap off our week of exploring design-worthy travel destinations via Instagram, we asked you to share your own adventures by tagging photos with #RemodelistaTravels. After combing through 600-plus submissions, we've corralled the 15 best of the bunch. Join us on a world tour. 

Above: A light-filled corner at the Amangiri Resort in Southern Utah by @cyncyncynsta. (Diane Keaton told us the hotel is her dream destination.)

Above: On the snowy Quebec slopes with @alicia_magnuson. 

Above: The Wythe Hotel in Brooklyn via @daytripperphotos. 

Above: A look at Restaurant Lou Marques inside Paris's Hotel César via @un23ilaria. 

Above: An Airbnb villa in Tulum, Mexico, by @jesszwo.

Above: Surveying Madrid with @cynthiavmorales.

Above: @aquahaus captured the oldest pool in Iceland, built in 1923.

Above: Spiral staircase at the Tonic Hotel Du Louvre in Paris by @vestigehome.

Above: Camouflaged by greenery: a treehouse in Maui, shared by @itsmeliap. 

Above: A backyard view of the Charles and Ray Eames house in Los Angeles by @jasonleonard.

Above: @leeridder's snapshot of an outdoor patio at Green Tangerine Hotel in Hanoi, Vietnam. 

Above: @wandering_in_wonder shared a snap of La Colombe d'Or, a hotel and restaurant in Saint-Paul de Vence, France.

Above: A snapshot of Hotel Praktik's bakery in Barcelona by @un23ilaria. 

Above: Roadhouse Relics, neon artist Todd Sanders' Austin studio and gallery, as seen by @elizabeth_boyette.

Above: A contemporary Airbnb rental in New Orleans via @caseykeasler. 

Planning a trip? Consult our City Guides for where to stay, eat, and explore. To see gardens from around the world, take a look at #GardenistaTravels.

More Stories from Remodelista

• A Virtual Trip to the Maldives with Cereal Magazine
• Good Night and Good Luck: 9 Reasons We're Sad to Bid Farewell to the NY Times Home Section
• The Architects' Choice: Hix Island House in Vieques, Puerto Rico

Take a look at a few things grabbing our attention right now. 

• Above: We're heading into a week of California Cool. First stop: Morris House in Highland Park, Los Angeles. Photograph by Eric Staudenmaier. 
• One more reason to reserve the first Sunday of every month for the Alameda Flea Market. 
• The Doers' motto.

• Above: Coming soon: wireless-charging lamps and side tables from Ikea, available mid-April. 
• Recent Grammy winner Beck buys a fixer-upper in Santa Monica. 
• Ikea comes to the rescue in yet another kitchen renovation. 

• Above: Architect Ray Kappe takes Nowness on a tour of his Southern California home. 
• On our wish list: a rose carafe. 

Instagram and Pinterest Picks of the Week

• Above: What could be better than an Instagram feed dedicated to cabins (@cabinlove)? 

• Above: Mochiko M's Home & Interior board has 3,000-plus captivating pins.

See more from this week in our Instagram Escapes issue, and head over to Gardenista to read about Instagram Inspiration for the garden. 

More Stories from Remodelista

• A Flag for Every Family from a Pair of Paris Artists
• High/Low: The Jaunty Hat-Shaped Lamp
• Current Obsessions: Worldwide Wanderlust

We're a far-flung team here at Remodelista, but at this time of year, we're all ready to relocate to California. You, too? Join us as we head out West this week to look at new design, miraculous transformations, and the myriad ways to channel that enviable laid-back look.

Above: Welcome to the land of indoor-outdoor living. Photograph by Laure Joliet for Remodelista.

Monday

Above: The coolest new place to stay in LA? Julie leads the way through the just-opened Hotel Covell's golden door in today's Lodging post.

Tuesday

Above: In Tuesday's Object Lesson, Megan fills us in on the story behind one of California's greatest hits. Stay tuned to find out how director Billy Wilder had a hand in the design of the Eames lounge. Photograph of the Joan at Home Loft by Laure Joliet for Remodelista.

Wednesday

Above: Handmade black-and-white-patterned tile is back in a big way. Meredith rounds up standout sources in this week's 10 Easy Pieces. (And if you're thinking of tile for your backsplash, take a look at Remodeling 101: 5 Questions to Ask When Choosing a Backsplash.)

Thursday

Above: Living large, Sonoma-style: In Thursday's Architect/Designer Visit, we explore a new wine country ranch by ARC architecture and Jute design.

Friday

Above: Stay tuned for eye-opening Before and After shots of this LA kitchen newly overhauled by Project M+. (And take a look at An LA Cliffhanger by Project M+.) Photograph by Mimi Giboin.

Bowers of flowers: It's California here we come at Gardenista too.

More Stories from Remodelista

• The New Mod: Wallpaper from Kismet Tile
• New Rugs from Rodarte (California's Coolest Sister Designers)
• Born to the Trade: LA Designer Michael Felix's Handmade Furniture