SubscribeSign In
Collection by Diana Budds

Airstreams We Love

In our September 2012 "Open House" issue, we covered the renovated airstream of Austin, Texas's Stubb's. With the help of designer Burton Baldridge, the renowned concert venue received a new green room in which their performers can kick back and relax before a set or wind down afterward. As a complement to the story, we've rounded up seven of our favorite Airstream flips and facelifts.

View 7 Photos
Before the 1969 Airstream was home to Local 123, it belonged to Oakland's Remedy Coffee. Hoffman and her team of helpers worked for three months to revamp the interior and bring it up to Alameda County's rigorous health code. "We enlisted the help of our artist friend and Local 123 Gallery curator Alex Case to fix the shoddy cover-up work, build out a proper hand sink, add storage shelving and stereo cabinet areas, install aluminum cove base, clean up and seal existing wood finishes, repair plumbing lines, reroute the precariously hung electrical conduit, and rodent- and weatherproof the trailer's floor. Friends and family helped repaint, deep clean the interior and aluminum exterior, and adorn the trailer," recounts Hoffman.
Before the 1969 Airstream was home to Local 123, it belonged to Oakland's Remedy Coffee. Hoffman and her team of helpers worked for three months to revamp the interior and bring it up to Alameda County's rigorous health code. "We enlisted the help of our artist friend and Local 123 Gallery curator Alex Case to fix the shoddy cover-up work, build out a proper hand sink, add storage shelving and stereo cabinet areas, install aluminum cove base, clean up and seal existing wood finishes, repair plumbing lines, reroute the precariously hung electrical conduit, and rodent- and weatherproof the trailer's floor. Friends and family helped repaint, deep clean the interior and aluminum exterior, and adorn the trailer," recounts Hoffman.
An enormous slide out drawer was necessary to create a storage area for clothes.
An enormous slide out drawer was necessary to create a storage area for clothes.
Here's a view of the interior, which houses a fireplace by the contemporary fireplace company Focus and custom furniture (including the workbench) built by the L.A. firm Environment. The floor is made of reclaimed oak from Carlisle Wide Plank Floors. In keeping with the vagabond adventurer, Gaugain told me that the workbench is the kind of place where he might repair his motorcycle or wax his skis.
Here's a view of the interior, which houses a fireplace by the contemporary fireplace company Focus and custom furniture (including the workbench) built by the L.A. firm Environment. The floor is made of reclaimed oak from Carlisle Wide Plank Floors. In keeping with the vagabond adventurer, Gaugain told me that the workbench is the kind of place where he might repair his motorcycle or wax his skis.
Inside the renovated Airstream, a woman prepares a meal. The skylight above the cook top lets fumes escape the small space. Photo by Sadamu Saito.
Inside the renovated Airstream, a woman prepares a meal. The skylight above the cook top lets fumes escape the small space. Photo by Sadamu Saito.
Airstream partnered with Victorinox Swiss Army—the same company that makes the iconic pocket knife—to commemorate the tool's 125th anniversary. Only 125 of the special edition trailers were produced.
Airstream partnered with Victorinox Swiss Army—the same company that makes the iconic pocket knife—to commemorate the tool's 125th anniversary. Only 125 of the special edition trailers were produced.
Architect Christopher C. Deam, Dwell founder Lara Deam's husband, designed Airstream's newest travel trailer, the International Sterling.
Architect Christopher C. Deam, Dwell founder Lara Deam's husband, designed Airstream's newest travel trailer, the International Sterling.