Airstream Mania

I once wrote a post about restoring vintage Airstreams.

It was number one on my "Design Bucket List," and although I haven't found one yet to restore, I'm constantly looking for one.

Mr. A and I dream about touring the country after retirement, pulling our Airstream behind us.

I've been seeing a lot more Airstreams on the road lately--people doing exactly what we dream of.

In the meantime, we could stay in one of the new and trendy Airstream hotels that have been cropping up everywhere.

We discovered Caravan Outpost last summer on a trip to Ojai.

Caravan Outpost finds vintage Airstreams and restores them, giving each one its own look and feel.

So far, they have eleven trailers!

This one is called "Perla."

 This one is called "Audrey."

Isn't she cute inside?

I love the ticking upholstery mixed with the tribal blanket.

Another Airstream hotel, Autocamp is closer to home in Guerneville.

Autocamp is nestled amongst the redwoods and close the the Russian River, featuring all new, luxuriously decked out Airstreams.

Imagine waking up here!

Can you tell I'm obsessed?

What is it about these iconic trailers that makes me all giddy?

Is it their sleek and shiny exterior?

Or is it the possibility of what the interior could look like?

Be it Pinterest, Instagram or sites that feature Airstreams, I'm always looking for ideas for their interiors.

There is so much that you can do with them, but I'm particularly fond of a rustic interior like the one above.

One of my favorites is this interior by Ralph Lauren.

Reba McIntire's rustic 1988 Airstream is a heart stopper!

I follow Tin Can Homestead on Instagram--about a couple who restored an Airstream and live in it with their two dogs in Seattle.

Their style is rustic, yet clean and organized.

Notice how they took out the built ins and created their own floorplan.

Recently, we met our new neighbors down the road and up on Pine Mountain in Cloverdale.
They have created a compound of vintage Airstreams for their personal retreat.


They found this one already gutted and paneled in pine.
They hauled it all the way from Seattle and parked it on their property to be used as the "dining car."
A couple of army cots take care of extra guests.


I was hyperventilating when I saw the inside with antique leather Swedish chairs.


Their guest trailer is totally different inside and has a modern, contemporary vibe.

After visiting our neighbors, Mr. A and I were even more inspired.
He even suggested we create a similar caravan of Airstreams on our property for guests.
Not so fast I told him.  We haven't even found one yet, let alone gutted and remodeled it!
I know it will happen someday--down the road.
No pun intended!

Looking for more Airstream inspiration?
Instagram:
Airstream Dreams
Airstream Classics
Mavis The Airstream
Tin Can Homestead
Mountain Modern Airstream

Facebook:
Airstream Tours
Airstream Classifieds
Airstream Addicts

Be My Guest--The Tartan Room

 The Tartan Room was originally going to be my mother's room.

A tiny little room, but with its own bathroom and very private, it would have been perfect for her.

Unfortunately, she never even got to see it as she passed while it was just studs and only a vision in my head.

This room is so tiny, only a full size bed fits, so I wanted the bed to be the focal point.

I chose this blue and green tartan bed from Ballard Designs.  The fabric is a Suzanne Kasler print and I love the detail of the white grosgrain studded ribbon.

A blue and white stripe duvet cover and white shams let the plaid take center stage.

This room could also be called the "Nautical Room" with the ship paintings and anchor pillowcases. 

 

My new love of blue and white porcelain is finding a place in this room too with a pair of Ralph Lauren lamps.  They're too short, so I used books to elevate them.

 The ensuite bathroom is super tiny so I kept it clean and simple.

It also has the only bathtub in the house.  I gussied it up with a marble surround which matches the sink.

I used every bit of that marble slab!

 This area went through the biggest change in the house.  Originally, there was a door to the outside where one of the windows are now and the only entrance to the room was from the family room.

Not an ideal set up. 

 

The doors to the outside and family room were closed up.

 Now the entrance to the room is at the bottom of the stairs, creating a private suite.
 The architect wanted a closet on the right side of the little hallway, but I opted to put an armoire here instead. 

There's no room for a dresser, so the bedside tables stand in with four drawers of storage available.

Our granddaughters love sleeping here when they visit because they get to watch cartoons in bed when they wake up!

I repurposed a sofa table to anchor the television and provide more storage. 

The botanical prints on either wide of the bed were my grandmother's.

 I kept the walls white, but am so tempted to paint or wallpaper one wall!

I think instead of wallpaper or paint though, I may end up with drapes on either side of the windows in the matching Suzanne Kastler plaid. 

 That same fabric could also replace the toile fabric in the armoire.

There will be no question then about this being the Tartan Room!

Oscar definitely likes the Tartan Room, and sometimes when I can't find the kitty, she is in here curled up on the blanket, asleep.

I have a confession.

I love sleeping in here too!

Sources:

Upholstered bed:  Ballard Designs 

Bedside tables:  Pottery Barn

Sheets and shams:  Pottery Barn

Duvet cover:  Ikea

Pillow cases:  Ralph Lauren

Blanket:  Ralph Lauren

Lamps:  Ralph Lauren

Window coverings:  Presidio Classics

I'm linking up to Savvy Southern Style

Ralph Lauren In Paris, The Best Of Both Worlds

Isn't it ironic that we would find Ralph Lauren to be one of the highlights of our trip to Paris!

Located on Boulevard St. Germain, I was inspired immediately with the beautiful wool plaid and leopard pillows in the courtyard.

Although the courtyard was tempting to sit outside, the weather didn't permit it.


More leopard and plaid in the dining room!

Of course I love the chargers!


The menu is all-American.  Hamburgers and fries!


After lunch, we explored the four floors of the magical world of Ralph...


...What's not to love about this world!


It's easy to forget you're in Paris while at Ralph Lauren.
Everywhere, on every surface is the American influence.


But look out the window and make no mistake, you're in Paris.
It's the best of both worlds!