OBSESSION: The Airstream Dream
Source: thrillist.com //Photo: HDWPICS.COM
The Airstream. It's right up there with my Shipping Container obsession. I'm honestly not sure when this one began though. Maybe it was a year ago, maybe it's always kinda been there? It's hard to explain. All I know is, ever since I first saw one, the utter coolness has been stuck in my head.
Whether it's the dream of the open road, the allure of the transformation, or the unique challenges of the space, I squeal like a school girl every time I see one. OBSESSED to say the least...and L is there right by my side.
I've always been captivated with the idea of a quintessential American road trip. The opportunity to see your own country or that of your neighbour, and the unknown adventures that lay ahead. I have this vision in my head (thanks music videos) of sun drenched beaches, wide open spaces and endless adventures. A tad unrealistic I know but if McDreamy can do it why can I, right?
Now, naturally I would get an old one and renovate it (this is understood, no?) An opportunity like that, I wouldn't be able to refuse. Because for those of you that don't know me, or haven't watched me on Game of Homes you might not realize that I'm always down for getting dirty. Getting in there and into it, nurtures my soul in a way I can't even explain. There's something ridiculously satisfying about destroying and recreating something with your bare hands. Peeling back the layers first hand you get a snap shot into the space and it's story. It comes to life and you learn to appreciate it more.
Back in the 30's when Airstreams were first introduced, they've maintained that shiny, aerodynamic shape that sets them apart from the rest. You know, the one that gets me...Every. Single. Time. The sausage-shaped structures were first manufactured by Wally Byam from designs created by Hawley Bowlus who had over seen Charles Lindenberg's aircraft Spririt of St Louis. Even to this day some remain on the road.
1940's Airstream Clipper
Their design is versatile and unique. Even if you're not looking looking to hit the open road this might still be for you. The shell in itself offers up endless possibilities. A spare room. An office. Food truck. Mobile retail shop. Hair salon. Or collect them and open a hotel. The list goes on and on. You've only got to open Pinterest or Google and type the magical word A-I-R-S-T-R-E-A-M, to be captivated. I'd be lying if I said that L + I hadn't binged You Tube time and time again on the subject, especially in Little Man's early months. I think some where along the way, when life gets stressful (or sleep deprived in our case) one can't help but wonder what it would be like to sell it all and become a nomad. No?
Autocamp - Santa Barbara, CA // Source: autocamp.com
Autocamp - Russian River (Guerneville, CA) //Source: autocamp.com
Menagerie - Instagram @menageriepdx //Source: golddippedchaos.com
Interior //Source: Pinterest
Autocamp - Interior //Source: autocamp.com
Bloom Mobile - Abbotsford Tulip Festival //Source: Instagram @abbotsfordtulipfestival
The classic Airstream is a great example of "If it ain't broke, don't fix it" The shiny bullet with curved windows and visible rivets have industrial fiends like myself salvating. Whatever you decide to use it for, one things for sure, they've with stood the test of time and did so looking pretty amazing. So maybe this is where my obsession comes from or maybe it's just the opportunity to be untethered? Regardless I'm still gonna dream the dream if for no other reason than they're just so damn cool!
