The latest stories from Remodelista

by Annie Quigley

The best kind of souvenir? A design idea to implement at home.

Today we’re taking a look at Parco dei Sesi, a “guest house, artist residency, and organic farm” with the dreamiest of interiors. It’s located on the island of Pantelleria, an Italian commune in the Mediterranean Sea, midway between Italy and Tunisia. Here are a few design lessons to apply at home.

Photography via Parco dei Sesi.

1. Design for the landscape.

Above: Parco dei Sesi is surrounded by the archeological Sesi park on the island of Pantelleria. It offers 26 rooms within 13 buildings, among them Il Grande Dammuso, built in the style of the dwelling on Pantelleria designed to work with the particular environment of the island, like a domed roof for collecting rainwater. (Read more about dammusi here.)

2. Mix materials.

Above: In Il Grande Dammuso, the kitchen is an appealing mix of materials: concrete, wood cabinet fronts, a generous marble sink, tile, and plaster.

3. Add practical decor.

Above: On display: Italian splatterware and a handmade broom. Note also the simple curtain for hiding kitchenware.
Above: The hoteliers Massimiliano Panseca, who spent childhood summers in the main dammuso, according to Departures, and Margot Panseca “have brought their love for raw materials, imperfections, curated objects, and art” to the interiors.

4. Choose a foolproof palette.

Above: Each guest house follows a striking formula: Black + white + one impactful color is a winning combination.

5. Rethink built-ins.

Above: Inventive, appealingly minimal built-ins appear throughout, like these stone sleeping alcoves (and stairs).

6. Embrace arches.

Above: Arches and curves are in; here, one sculptural niche hosts a guest shower.

7. Bring back the coverlet.

Above: A simple coverlet on the bed is pure summer.

8. Or make a monotone bed.

Above: Elsewhere, a built-in with a narrow mattress—dressed entirely in green—is always at the ready for an afternoon nap.

9. Eat outside.

Above: Meals are served at communal tables.
Above: Or in a tucked-away enclave.

Above: Or overlooking the Mediterranean Sea.

For more and to book, head to Parco dei Sesi.

And for more island stays, might we suggest:

• An Artful Hotel on the Swedish Island of Gotland
• The Monica Hotel: Flowers and Line-Dried Linens on an Island in Denmark
• Menorca Experimental: Summer Is Just Getting Going at this Chic New Island Resort

N.B.: This story originally ran on August 9, 2023 and has been updated.

by Janet Hall

Is there anything more versatile than the clip-on light? All of us on the editorial team use them in our houses for a quick and impermanent lighting solution. Here are our 10 favorites, ranging from industrial versions to more refined takes.

Above: From French company Tsé Tsé, the Cornet Clip Lamp comes in both glossy and matte porcelain; €232.41 at Tsé Tsé.
Above: The Hay Noc Clamp Clip Lamp in Dark Grey is $234 at Finnish Design Shop.
Above: The Normann Copenhagen Klip Lamp in Warm Grey is currently on sale for $238 at Finnish Design Shop.

Above: The w153 Île Multi Purpose Clamp Lamp, shown in Light Yellow, is $450 CAD at Mjölk.
Above: Ferm Living’s Ruuvi Lamp is available in cashmere (shown) and black; from $289.
Above: The Lumina Naomi Pinza Clip Light is $276 at 1001 Lights.

Above: Designed by Giancarlo Fassina and Michele De Lucchi for Artemide, the Tolomeo Clip Spot Light is $244 at Lumens.
Above: The Original BTC Natural White Hector Small Dome Clip Lamp is $485 at Horne.
Above: A budget option: The Ikea Hektar Wall Clamp Spotlight in dark gray is $22.99.
Above: And the Ikea Ranarp Wall Clamp Spotlight is $39.99.

For more lighting ideas, see our posts:

• 10 Easy Pieces: Classic Modern Bath Sconces
• 10 Easy Pieces: Adjustable Task Lamps (Under $500)
• 10 Easy Pieces: Remodelista’s Budget Lighting Favorites
• 10 Easy Pieces: Glass Table Lamps

N.B.: This post was originally published on July 14, 2010. We have updated it with new and additional product selections and current pricing.