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Airstream Remodel Creates the Perfect Portable Getaway
A Wisconsin trailer waves goodbye to the 1970s and sets off for modern territory
Always up for a challenge, Aaron and Amy Carman went on the hunt for a vintage Airstream trailer to put their design and woodworking skills to the test. After scoring a 1971 Airstream Caravel on eBay, this Wisconsin couple spent four summers refashioning its outdated avocado-hued interior into a bright and modern space. Lightweight materials for easy towing — and a TV and Xbox — helped turn this Airstream into their perfect portable getaway. "I always saw it as a fort for grown-ups," says Amy.
Project at a Glance
What: Complete Airstream remodel
Owners: Amy and Aaron Carman
Location: Milwaukee
Size: 128 square feet
Time: Remodeled over four summers
Cost: About $6,800
Project at a Glance
What: Complete Airstream remodel
Owners: Amy and Aaron Carman
Location: Milwaukee
Size: 128 square feet
Time: Remodeled over four summers
Cost: About $6,800
They stripped the Airstream down to the structure, carefully removing each piece so they knew exactly how everything had been put together. The goal was to make the small space light, bright and chock-full of effective storage. "We put a drawer or door everywhere we could," says Amy. Extra cupboards were tucked under benches and sinks and above countertops.
Aaron designed the green sculptural wall by the kitchen using Paulownia, a lightweight, sustainable wood from Asia. Each piece was cut to fit in with the others like a puzzle. Sherwin-Williams' Grassland paint ties it in with the rest of the interior.
The orange sofa converts into a full-size bed. At first the Carmans wanted to have something custom made, but instead they came across a perfect and affordable model in Target's dorm room collection.
The orange sofa converts into a full-size bed. At first the Carmans wanted to have something custom made, but instead they came across a perfect and affordable model in Target's dorm room collection.
Aaron built the new cabinetry, furniture and wall paneling and installed the kitchen countertops. The bathroom countertop is bamboo parquet from Teragren. Strips of Paulownia line the vanity.
Besides the original stove and refrigerator, little remains of the 1971 kitchen. New Paulownia cabinets with bamboo accents make for a light and clean material palette. Both the refrigerator and the stove can be powered by propane or electricity — one reason the Carmans chose this particular model.
Flexible trim and laminate walls accommodate the curved walls on the trailer's front and back. Figuring out how to work with the Airstream's rounded shape took some work — the couple had plenty of strikeouts before they landed on this combination.
Aaron used Teragren bamboo parquet, the same material as the bathroom counter, for this custom flip-up breakfast table. The custom Crypton upholstery folds into a bed for the Carmans' daughter.
Accent pillows: CB2
Aaron used Teragren bamboo parquet, the same material as the bathroom counter, for this custom flip-up breakfast table. The custom Crypton upholstery folds into a bed for the Carmans' daughter.
Accent pillows: CB2
The Airstream's exterior was the only portion the couple needed help with. The aluminum siding had been treated with a clear coat commonly used on Airstreams in the 1960s and '70s. Although it protected the aluminum, the clear coating had started to decay and peel. The Carmans had a professional remove the coating and buff the exterior to a polished shine, which took about $2,000 of their budget. They keep the Airstream in covered storage during the winter to protect the aluminum, but they can always can have it repolished to remove stains or rust.
Do you have an Airstream? Please share your best photo below!
More: Haul These Fab Airstream Styles Home
Do you have an Airstream? Please share your best photo below!
More: Haul These Fab Airstream Styles Home
Here the couple's daughter stands outside the finished Airstream.
Photo by Doug Edmunds