The latest stories from Remodelista

by Annie Quigley

A light led us to Hotel Wren—to be specific, the sculptural yet airy pendants by a Sydney-based artist that hang in the guest rooms (which Margot wrote about here). Muted, earthy, and serene, the newly renovated 1940s roadside motel in the high desert, “amidst the blooming ocotillo and palo verde trees,” is filled with considered, artist-made details like that. Have a look:

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.

by Janet Hall

Consider this: Most people purchase cars more frequently than they do refrigerators. So while a high-end refrigerator may seem like an extravagance, over time, it pays off. Here are our top picks based on personal experience, consumer ratings, reader comments, and recommendations from kitchen appliance specialty stores.

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.