A film family’s vintage Airstream gets a second take as a cozy on-location retreat.

With its swoopy spaceship-like body, the Airstream trailer is totally alluring.

As such, Robin Daprato – pictured above with George, an Irish Setter – was excited to overhaul one. The interior stylist and movie props specialist behind Toronto’s Roses on Adelaide remodelled the cool 1990s capsule alongside her dad, mom, sister and brother, all of whom – other than her mom – work in film. The crafty crew turned the van into a modern mobile retreat, though they’ve only taken it out to glamp once: “We park it at the film and TV complex, Pinewood Studios,” says Robin. “We unwind there between filming. It’s great for storing props, and my dad also uses it as his office.” And, hey, a fully equipped kitchen makes it handy for throwing together lunch for the whole family!

Compact Cuisine

“As a family, we love to cook. The original kitchen was absolutely horrendous,” says Robin, whose dad designed and built a lightweight galley kitchen. Keeping components lightweight is a key consideration in a mobile vehicle. “There’s a locking mechanism to prevent the cabinetry from opening while driving,” says Robin of the space, which is also fit- ted with a gas stove and a combo microwave/convection oven.

Divine Details

A thin strip of tiled backsplash, a magnetic knife holder and accessories with a natural feel lend panache to the kitchen. A light-grade plywood oak countertop, meanwhile, warmly complements the laminate wood floors.

Cushy Quarters

Hits of green in the bedding and the branches in the vase pull nature indoors – Robin’s signature move. “Greenery makes you feel good,” she says. “I wanted the interior to feel earthy and organic with a California vibe.” Amber-glass sconces over each perfectly styled bed make for cozy reading spots. The custom caramel-toned leather dining banquette at the other end of the cabin also doubles as sleeping quarters: the pedestal part of the dining table serves as an anchor for a king-size bed.

In-Tune Storage

“My dad is a musician,” says Robin, who displayed his 1988 acoustic Johnson guitar as a piece of art and – bonus – her solution keeps it safe and off the floor. “Storage is essential in a small space, which can easily get cluttered,” she says. The roomy closet hides less pretty belongings, while open cubbies offer more display and storage space.

Tidy Loo 

The shipshape bathroom has a soft blue penny-tiled wet room with lovely rose-gold bronze plumbing, yet it also continues the wood- and-white colour palette that unifies the trailer’s interior. “It’s a tiny space but it feels livable and beautiful because of the good-quality materials,” says Robin of the loo, and the family retreat as a whole. 

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