Vintage Airstream Custom-Built for Modern Living on the Go
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. Photography by Kate Oliver. 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. 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 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 selected a Single Bowl Granite Composite Sink in black by Alfi ($550) and a Trinsic Faucet in Matte Black by Delta; $642. 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 Verona Built-In Oven, and a Dual-Burner Induction Cooktop by Furrion; $460. The dining area of Modern Caravan s vintage Airstream features a custom table made from salvaged boards and a marine pedestal leg 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 affords. For the flooring throughout the trailer, the couple used Monterey Spalted Maple Laminate by Pergo. 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, we note, in the space-saving Marie Kondo style). A row of vintage hooks provides more storage in the bedroom. 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 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’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. 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.