I will be the first person to admit that I am not really the camping in the great outdoors, spend the night in nature, let’s go rough it for the weekend type of person. I have in fact been camping a few times, but the last time was many, many years ago. The longest camping trip I have ever been on was 2 entire nights and really, I never have wanted to go on a camping trip that long again. However, I would be more inclined to go if I could go in my very own vintage Airstream.
A little bit of history. The first time an Airstream ever went out on the open road was in 1929, built by Wally Byam. It began as a tent like contraption, and then evolved into a teardrop-shaped permanent shelter and then on to what you think of when you think Airstream today. Airstream then began officially as a company in 1931 and was quickly popularized throughout the 1930’s. Some of the trailers from the 30’s are still on the road today. They got so popular in fact that Airstream ended up with around 400 competitors and of those, Airstream is the only one that remains today. If you want to know more about the history of this great company you can read all about it on the Airstream website.
Now back to my dreams of one day owning an Airstream, one I would like to redesign and refurbish myself of course (with the help of my other half of course). There are many camping trailers out there and if you like you can get incredibly fancy with the options you have with RV’s today, but I still think nothing beats camping in a vintage trailer. It just adds a little more fun to the trip, looks great in all your vacation photos, and of course it adds a bit of convenience to camping, but still without all the luxuries you would find in your home or a fancy hotel, this way it still seems like camping. That being said here are some of our favorite Airstream renovations that we found on the web.
Vintage Airstream: Bambie – We found this one on www.getcampie.com with the images originally featured on Gray Likes Weddings, styled by Wendi Nordeck. These images make you want to take your own seaside getaway right this second. We love the cute vintage feel this camper still has, but with some modern touches that give it a slightly updated style for today. It has an overall clean and relaxing feel to it.
The Grand Daddy Boutique Hotel, Cape Town – Sky Bar – An Airstream Rooftop Trailer Park – We absolutely love the idea of this. This hotel has seven airstream trailers parked on its roof for you to enjoy. Each trailer interior is designed with a different theme, designed by local artists. At this time the trailer park is currently closed for renovations, but get excited because it will be reopening on August 28, 2014. The image of the fun polka dot interior named Dorothy and designed by Sarah Pratt that we love will be history as they will have newly themed interiors in all the trailers. You can see all the old interiors here.
Retro Airstream – Newly refurbished by ARC Airstreams – I fell in love with the vintage look of this trailer. This keeps a classic feel to it and makes you feel like you are back in the 50’s. Love the great use of black, red, and white and the amount of chrome details. It really lets you know that you are in an Airstream.
Wedding Airstream found on the Phoebe Joy Photography Blog – We love this one because it has kept the vintage charm that we love about Airstreams. The smaller ones are my favorite, just enough space that there are so many possibilities for how you can refurbish it, but not too large that it gets out of control. A simple interior with wood details gives it a homey, comfortable feel to the space. And we love the string lights hanging from it at night. When I get mine it will most definitely have great vintage lights hanging to light up at night.
1954 Airstream Restoration – Lastly we have this fantastic 1954 Flying Cloud. If you are going to refurbish one, take notes because this one was done beautifully. This was meticulously restored by Timeless Travel Trailers. The wood and metal details on the interior walls and ceiling are what really make this design pop. There is a lot of wood in this interior with the cabinetry, walls, floors, etc., bu it all meshes together in the most perfect way making this one of the most eye catching Airstream interior renovations we have seen. Anyone would be lucky to camp a few nights in this.
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