The latest stories from Remodelista

by Annie Quigley

You’d be forgiven for thinking this off-grid, on-the-water retreat is in some far-flung spot in Finland. But no: It’s just a hop, skip, and a jump—or car, bicycle, public transport, or boat jaunt—from downtown Helsinki. First imagined by Finnish architect Pekka Littow and launched as a three-month pop-up demo in Paris, the quartet of cabins called Majamaja has found its permanent home on the rocky outcroppings of the archipelago—and their books are open for stays.

Let’s take a short tour of this small spot:

Above: One of four cottages on the rocky outcropping. The buildings use a patented design to minimize ecological disruption on the land, and each makes use of green energy and rainwater collection to run completely off-grid.
Above: Inside the Black House, as with all the cabins, everything is designed for efficiency. The design is by interior architect Päivi Meuronen and the furniture design by industrial designer Joska Heikkilä along with Majamaja.
Above: A fold-down breakfast table, for example, has uninterrupted views of the Baltic Sea. Photograph by Chikako Harada.
Above: (So does a pull-down reading spot in the Grey House.)

Above: Well-equipped kitchenettes disappear behind closed doors when not in use. Majamaja also offers food packages—breakfast and picnics delivered by way of a basket—as an add-on.
Above: “Wake up to the subtle sounds of seabirds,” with the sea just steps beyond the front door. Photograph by Chikako Harada.
Above: The cabins are fitted with solar panels—and ample deck space for taking in the views.
Above: For more info and to book, head to Majamaja. Photograph by Chikako Harada.

More off-grid retreats to puruse:

by Margot Guralnick

What in the world does dad want? Since 2020, we’ve been turning to Remodelista contributor Myles Tipley annually for the answers. Like most fathers, Myles at first claims he can’t think of a thing. But then he shoots us an astonishingly specific, annotated wish list, all of which we immediately covet ourselves.

A DJ married to fellow DJ Lindsey Tipley, Myles is a former design blogger and a longtime car connoisseur (he’s currently a Porsche brand ambassador and Lindsey is a senior producer at global events company Tait). The couple have a 14-year-old son, Henry, and an 8-year-old daughter, Amel, and are New York transplants in North Atlanta where they’ve been fixing up a 1980s modernist house. Here’s what Myles suggests for discerning dads like him.

N.B.: Father’s Day this year is June 21.

Above: Myles and Henry. Photograph by Lindsey Tipley.
Above: The Studio Lima Y Stand TV Holder from On Shelf is currently on sale for $445 (marked down from $556). It fits TVs up to 65 inches.

“Mounting the TV above the fireplace has never been my favorite; I really like that there are now some great stands out there. I’m especially into this one—it feels like a much cleaner, more intentional setup, and if we’re trying to elevate dad’s experience of watching the Knicks win the finals, a properly placed TV seems like the way to do it.”

Above: The Bergs Potter Hoff ø30 Planter, $118, and Hoff ø30 Saucer, $48, both in Raw Rossa from Goodee. Featured image: the Hoff ø30 Planter in Raw Gray, $118, and Hoff ø30 Saucer, $60, in Emerald Glazed.

“Sunday mornings for me typically consist of brewing coffee, listening to music, and watering the plants. It’s my favorite few of hours of the week. I’m really liking this raw terracotta planter.”

Above: Haws x Gardenheir 1 Pint Watering Can in Shaker Beige; $78.

“I typically water the plants with the kettle that I use for coffee or the Vitamix pitcher. I think it might be time to have a proper watering can. This is a nice one, only in this color from Gardenheir.”

Above: Ceramic Incense Chamber by Apachaco from Lichen; $249.

“While watering plants I’m typically burning palo santo, a candle, or some incense. Something about it feels like a cleanse or a reset for the week. This incense chamber from the best shop in NYC, Lichen, caught my eye. It’s made in a pit-fired kiln and finished with beeswax.”

Above: Atlas Cedar Incense Sticks, $25, from Hello Yowie.

“Atlas cedar to go with the incense burner. It’s from Hello Yowie, a Philadelphia boutique hotel with a shop and cafe.”

Above: En Side Table by Makoto Koizumi for Miyazaki Chair Factory; $850 from Nalata Nalata in NYC.

“‘Not everything needs four legs to stand on,’ reads the description for this versatile design. ‘The offset support allows the table to tuck in close, extend out where needed, and slot into places where other tables wouldn’t fit.'”

Above: The Hanover Cap of broken-in cotton twill; $55.

“The perfect cap for beach days and for when dad has the top down on the 911. Hanover is a new brand by culture critic Chris Black of How Long Gone. Affordable classics all made in the US; I personally love Hanover jeans.”

Above: The Jack sunglasses in dark tortoise with black lenses by Thistles NYC; $380.

“Perfect summer shades from stylist/photographer Thistle Brown’s eyewear line. I picked up a pair last time I was at Dover Street. Love the shape and quality—they’re made of an eco plastic composed of wood pulp and cotton fibers.”

Above: Birdwell 300 Boardshorts from Pilgrim Supply; $125.

“Birdwell boardshorts looked good 20 years ago and they still look great today. Made in the US and such a good purple.”

Above: Terry Beach Towel of organic cotton from Tekla; $145.

“Danish bedding brand Tekla is a worthwhile splurge. Really into this olive-y taupe with fringed edges.”

Meal plan: “Bagels are perfect for Father’s Day. If you happen to live in Portland, Oregon, pre-order yours from Red Hen Bagelry, maker of some of the best bagels I’ve ever had—my sister Deirdre is the baker and owner.”

For more ideas, peruse our archive of Gift Guides, including Myles’s Father’s Day presents from 2025 and 2o24.