Design Bucket List #1 - Remodel an Airstream!

Number one on my design bucket list is to decorate the inside of a travel trailer, preferably an Airstream.

Airstreams have been around since the 30's and have recently seen an increase in popularity. Movie stars and designers have snatched up these vintage trailers and turned them in to works of art. Ralph Lauren acquired 4 vintage Airstreams from the 60's, decorated them and auctioned them off to benefit his Polo Ralph Lauren Foundation.

Each of the four trailers had its own theme. This is the "Nautical" trailer with mahogony paneling and an all American decor.

This is the inside of the "Western" Airstream.

The third Airstream is called the "Utility/Surplus," a nod to post WW2.

The last one, and my personal favorite of the four trailers is the "Adirondack." It's like a traveling hunting lodge, which would be great if you are a hunter or fisherman.

As you can see, we're not talking about "trailer trash" here! These vintage, one of a kind Airstreams were $150,000 each!

Mackenzie-Childs also decorated an Airstream. It was available for $195,000 in the 1996 Neiman-Marcus Christmas catalog.

While the inside was just a tiny bit overdone for my taste, it piqued an interest that I have had since to remodel an Airstream or travel trailer.

I found this photo of a Ralph Lauren inspired Airstream. Sorry, I can't remember where it came from, but it is also a favorite. I actually have those blankets, so am off to a good start!

Then there is the tartan caravan!

The husband and wife team of Scotland's ANTA lined the walls of their camper with their own ANTA tartan fabric and took it to a textile trade show where they displayed their fabrics and wares.

There are a few books available about Airstreams. One is Airstream Living by Bruce Littlefield. The quintessential coffee table book that you won't be able to put down.

Airstream, The History of the Land Yacht is filled with vintage photos. A must for the Airstream lover.

I grew up camping. First in tents, until my parents bought a tiny camper. Eventually, they purchased a travel trailer. I still remember wanting to redecorate the interior as a kid. It had ugly brown Herculon fabric upholstery, paneling and hideous curtains! I wondered why couldn't the inside be aesthetically pleasing and beautiful? Why did the manufacturers pick such tacky interiors?

On my bucket list of life, I would love to travel across the United States with Mr. A and the dog and see this country--hopefully in an Airstream! Hopefully in an Airstream that I got to decorate first!

I'm joining Susan at A Southern Daydreamer for Outdoor Wednesday.

Light Filled Rooms with a Rustic Touch

Do you have the January blahs?

Here are some light filled rooms to brighten up your day.

Since this is when we can end up with "cabin fever," these rooms also have a slight rustic touch.

I love this potting room with its confit pot collection and wonderful natural light. The butter colored subway tile was the inspiration for my kitchen backsplash.

White walls and white slipcovers brighten this room with rustic elements.

It's all about the light!

More rustic here with the twig beds, yet still bright and cheerful.

Love the paint-by-number collection on the wall!

As light filled as can be, this room is sure to beat the January blahs!

My Design "Bucket List"

#1 Totally gut and decorate the inside of an Airstream travel trailer.

Then travel across the United States!

#2 Transform a mid-century rancher into a quaint cottage.

Then live in it, in all its single story glory!

Polished Pebble

#3 Pull up the front lawn in #2 and plant a raised bed vegetable garden, with stone walls.

#4 Design a chicken coop for the backyard of #2 and #10 and finally have chickens in my life!

#5 Decorate a rustic cabin in the woods.

#6 Decorate a cottage by the sea.

#7 Design, build and decorate a house from scratch, complete with guest cottage for resale.

#8 Have a store that sells both new and vintage furnishings and accessories.

#9 Travel to Europe, buying for #8!

#10 Live in Europe and remodel a French mas in Provence, or a villa in Tuscany, just like Peter Mayle and Frances Mayes did! Oh, and have chickens in the yard there too!

I realize everything on my design bucket list is for the last half (or quarter) of my life. Creative adventures to keep busy with while enjoying the golden years! While I will probably only check a couple of boxes on the list, like gardening and chickens, it's good to keep dreaming, right?

I plan to elaborate on each item, so be sure to check back for more details, starting with #1, Remodeling an Airstream!

What's on your design "bucket list?"

Living With Dogs

It's no secret that Bunny Williams is one of my favorite designers. Not only do I love her style, but I also love how her homes are dog friendly.

Like me, she allows her dogs on the furniture, but also provides stylish throws for them to sit on and their own beds in every room.

Her adopted dog Charlie sitting on a kitchen chair.

There is so much I love about this room! The majolica, the fireplace, the painted floor, but mostly Charlie!

She suggests keeping interesting water bowls in the kitchen, like the bottom to a soup tureen.

Great idea!

Charles Faudree is another favorite designer and dog lover. I'm wondering if he actually designed this sofa and pillows around the dog!

Same with this little dog. He looks like the ottoman was designed especially for him!

Designer Michael DePerno let's his dogs Niki, a terrier mix and Sticks, a whippet lounge on the chaise.

Designer Michael S. Smith's dog Jasper, a labradoodle has his own matching bed.

Bunny Williams suggests: "Save some extra fabric from a piece of furniture in your room and have a cover made for a dog bed."

Dexter's friend Miss Molly, a yorkshire terrier loves "her" new Pottery Barn comforter on Mom's bed!

Do you let your dog sleep with you? They should still have their own bed. Dog beds have come a long way. They can now have their very own sofa too!

A dog this big definitely needs its own sofa!

Hazel, a Bernese Mountain dog and Dexter's cousin is being a good girl and staying off the furniture!

Not Dexter, the Tibetan Terrier though! He thinks he is a person and my furniture is his furniture!

Bad Dog! This is a joke, right? Has this ever happened to you?

I guess it is one of the risks we take living with dogs!

A Luncheon at Bluxome Street Winery

It was an honor to be asked to help with daughter Ashley's last catering job, held at Bluxome Street Winery in San Francisco. Since cooking is her forte and not tablescapes, she let me have creative license to do what I wanted to create a table setting in the huge warehouse winery.

The event was a gentlemen's luncheon for 12.

Everything had to be brought in. We rented the tables, chairs white linens, silverware and wine glasses. Her catering company, Tourshi Catering already had simple white plates.

I needed to warm up the all white look, yet keep it appropriate for men, so I just grabbed the newest burlap runner from my dining room table and my mercury glass accessories. For the centerpiece and inspiration for the table, I chose this silver wine bucket and filled it with white mums.

The thought at first was to have one long 16 foot table, but I ended up putting the tables side by side. The runner hid the seam. By doing this, twelve people can talk to one another easily, almost like a round table arrangement.

Wine barrels were moved closer, surrounding the table and creating a more intimate space.

Leather chargers make a nice contrast to the white plates and linens.

Lots of candlelight was necessary for ambiance and warmth.

Speaking of warmth, we also brought in a space heater!

Each plate got a menu.

While I was setting up the table, Ashley and assistant Amy were busy in the winery's kitchen preparing the meal.

I had planned to leave after setting the table, but was asked to stay and photograph the event for the winery.

After the gentlemen arrived, appetizers were passed and wine was poured.

"Ham and Cheese Hors d'oeuvres!" Caramelized onions, Iberico ham, Manchego cheese, on a toasted baguette.

Tuille crisps with beef tartar and wild arugula.

First course:

Wild mushroom risotto, mascarpone quinelle, white truffle drizzle, walnut and herbs.

Second course:

Braised beef short ribs on stone ground grits, garnished with horseradish, braised winter lettuces, pancetta.

Dessert:

Aaron's Mascarpone Cheesecake with poached quince.

Wine from the owner's own vineyard, a lovely Russian River Valley pinot noir.

The chef describing the menu.

Bluxome Street Winery is not open to the public yet. Scheduled to open in spring, they will be the first urban winery in San Francisco in 100 years! Located only two blocks from the SF Giants ballpark, it is an actual winery with tasting room and retail sales. It is also the perfect venue for catered events. For more information, please check out their website.

Also, be sure to check out Ashley's new website too, Tourshi Catering.

I'm joining Susan at Between Naps on the Porch for Tablescape Thursday.

On Friday, I'll join Designs by Gollum for Foodie Friday, and Cindy at My Romantic Home for Show and Tell Friday.