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The Modern Caravan: A Vintage Airstream Transformed

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The Modern Caravan: A Vintage Airstream Transformed

March 31, 2017

Three years ago, Ellen Prasse, an art teacher, and her partner, artist and writer Kate Oliver, who were living in a small Southern town, found themselves in a rut. Looking to change the course of their lives (both literally and figuratively), they bought a vintage Airstream, documenting the yearlong renovation process via their Instagram account @themoderncaravan. During that time, and throughout their subsequent eight months of travel, the couple found a community of like-minded people looking to simplify life and reduce their carbon footprint, all while maximizing their freedom and experience by living on the road. They quickly realized that there was a potential business, but, as Kate noted, “We’d need to do a second one first.”

Now with their second Airstream under their work belts, Ellen and Kate are ready to take The Modern Caravan on the road. Their business, creating custom-crafted interiors for vintage Airstreams, officially launched this January. “Within the first week, we had a dozen inquiries for potential renovation jobs, and by the second, nearly 30. We’ve since booked ourselves through next summer, and have opened a wait list for autumn of 2018.”

Photography by Kate Oliver.

kate works in her airstream&#8\2\17;s new kitchen, featuring custom built w 17
Above: Kate works in her Airstream’s new kitchen, featuring custom-built walnut counters and painted cabinets.

Kate and Ellen gutted their current vintage 1977 Airstream, which they named “June,” after the month they will officially start traveling for their business. “Our current Airstream project came to us last winter in pretty rough shape,” they admitted. Doing all the work themselves—they don’t hire contractors—the couple stripped the trailer to its exterior aluminum skin and rebuilt the entire interior.

the design duo created a minimal kitchen backsplash using fire clay&#8\2\17 18
Above: The design duo created a minimal kitchen backsplash using Fire Clay’s 1×6 inch Tiles in “tusk.” The white paint used throughout the interiors is Benjamin Moore Simply White.

Kate and Ellen learned their construction skills as “little helpers” to their dads, both of whom built and/or renovated homes. But before launching their business, the couple used their second Airstream to really hone their skills. Working with Airstreams is different from any other kind of renovation, they say. “It involves an understanding of the way trailers shift and move as they are hauled, of electrical and plumbing systems, a careful consideration of materials and weight, as well as the nature and characteristics of old trailers.”

kate and ellen selected a single bowl granite composite sink in black by a 19
Above: Kate and Ellen selected a Single Bowl Granite Composite Sink in black by Alfi ($550) and a Trinsic Faucet in Matte Black by Delta; $642.

Kate, who acts as lead designer for the Airstreams, sees her “expensive tastes” as a challenge, not an obstacle. “I really wanted walnut countertops and surfaces for our Airstream, but readymade, they were out of our budget. We made our own, and they’re perfection—and we saved several thousand dollars in the process.”

the appliances include a 3.3 cubic foot built in fridge by avallon, a 20
Above: The appliances include a 3.3 Cubic Foot Built-In Fridge by Avallon, a Verona Built-In Oven, and a Dual-Burner Induction Cooktop by Furrion; $460.

“When crafting a design plan, I carefully consider how we behave in the space,” Kate says. “Tiny spaces are entirely unique in comparison to traditional homes I’ve designed. The practical aspects of the trailer interior are not to be ignored, and I begin by addressing the necessities first and foremost, such as the need for onboard water tanks and inlets.”

the dining area of modern caravan&#8\2\17;s vintage airstream features a cu 21
Above: The dining area of Modern Caravan’s vintage Airstream features a custom table made from salvaged boards and a marine pedestal leg. The cushions are custom designed with navy fabric from Instalinen. The throw pillows include Block Shop’s Dot Dash and Magnet; $85 each.

Working with small spaces, Kate and Ellen note, is like a jigsaw of the practical and the aesthetic. Clean, modern lines and a minimal palette keep the space from becoming too cluttered, while natural materials add warmth, texture, and personality to the space.

one of the benefits of an airstream is the communion with the outdoors it affor 22
Above: One of the benefits of an Airstream is the communion with the outdoors it affords. But this also means that rugged materials that wear well are a must. For the flooring throughout the trailer, the couple used Monterey Spalted Maple Laminate by Pergo.

Originally, the couple were planning to renovate an old tour bus or school bus. “We settled on an Airstream instead after sorting through all of our checklists: safety, accessibility to campsites and proper insurance, function, quality, and aesthetics. Airstreams are iconic: They are built to last, hold their value. We loved that we could unhitch our ‘house,’ leave it at a campsite, and go exploring or run into town for supplies, which gave us much more versatility while traveling.”

the built in bed is made with linens from house of baltic as wel 23
Above: The built-in bed is made with linens from House of Baltic as well as a vintage kilim and quilted pillow by Vacilando.
a walnut covered built in dresser provides compact storage for clothing (folded 24
Above: A walnut-covered built-in dresser provides compact storage for clothing (folded, we note, in the space-saving Marie Kondo style).
a row of vintage hooks provides more storage in the bedroom. 25
Above: A row of vintage hooks provides more storage in the bedroom.
opposite the toilet/shower, a small copper sink sourced on amazon sea 26
Above: Opposite the toilet/shower, a small copper sink sourced on Amazon seamlessly blends into another walnut counter.

Honoring the history and durability of the exterior, the designers select similar interior materials that mature with use and over time. “The materials we choose aren’t based on trend but chosen based on feeling.”

in the compact shower/bath, kate and ellen created a waterproof interior w 27
Above: In the compact shower/bath, Kate and Ellen created a waterproof interior with Porcelain Penny Mosaic Tile in Silk White; $7.45 per square foot.
the wood and clean lines of the interior contrast with the airstream& 28
Above: The wood and clean lines of the interior contrast with the Airstream’s sleek, silver exterior.

The couple notes: “There is a perception that campers are associated with retired people or backroad junkyards. The way we build them out is changing that perception. We are making mobile tiny homes for folks of all ages wanting more out of life—modern, current spaces that become vessels for transformative living.”

ellen admires her handwork. 29
Above: Ellen admires her handwork.

The Modern Caravan philosophy goes deeper than merely creating great spaces. “The progression to living tiny and creating a well-designed miniature space is a highly emotional, thought-provoking process that prompts us to reflect on how we live our lives and what truly matters. Our aim and hope is to inspire people all over the world to consider every choice we make, and to choose intentional and purposeful living. This starts with the design of the homes we inhabit.”

Dreaming of life on the road? Here are more inspiring mobile homes from modern designers:

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