I just returned to the east coast from a lovely week in the Southern California desert where I visited my parents for a little TLC and home cooking. One of my favorite things about the area (other than my parents, of course) is the incredible architecture that peppers this stark, sultry land like bright red cherries on vanilla ice cream. The dramatic landscape of the desert inspired a design aesthetic in the mid-20th century (now called Desert Modernism) unique for its use of glass, clean lines, natural resources and seamless blend between interior and exterior spaces. Now on the list of the National Trust for Historic Preservation and designated a Preserve America City (one of only 12 in America) Palm Springs has become a mid-century mecca, bringing tourists and fans of retro design from around the world to experience the incredible designs in person. This week happens to be modernism week and I'm probably most upset about missing the exhibit on vintage travel trailers, showcasing the spike in vintage travel trailers amongst thirty-somethings. Even the stuffy Wall Street Journal featured an article this weekend (top photo) on enthusiasts who've taken vintage trailers and transformed them into modernist show houses. Thirsty for a taste of the mid-century retro craze, two years ago I purchased a 1970's Serro Scotty trailer (bottom photo) online for under $500. With Kettle One taste but a Bud Lite income, I set out to transform my little gem into a grand office for under $500. While my results are a far cry from the examples on parade at the modernism exhibit or in the Wall Street Journal (where people admittedly paid upwards of $50,000 to restore and renovate their trailers) I was pretty happy with my project. I found inexpensive laminate wood floors at Lowe's for $99/square foot, purchased reusable wallpaper on Amazon for $65/100 square feet, hung a chandelier purchased at a garage sale for $5 (replacing lightbulbs with battery operated candles) and recovered the cushions with vintage fabrics found on ebay. While the right amount of money can get you just about anything, the real challenge (and fun) is creating something you love with next to nothing. See more pictures from my project at www.aquawithenvy.blogspot.com and pre-order my book on Serro Scotty's at Amazon TODAY!
