RV TOURS
Step inside A 1960’s Airstream reimagined by a textile designer
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about this RV renovation
Type of RV: 1962 Airstream Overlander
Renovated by: @bonniechristine / Timeline: 4 Months
Have you ever come across a photo and were instantly transported to another time and place? Where your body is suddenly overcome with a sense of peace and a feeling that anything is possible?
That’s how I felt when I first came across Marjorie, the renovated Airstream of Bonnie Christine. I love how the interior is whimsical, romantic, and reflects Bonnie’s personal style and passion for textiles. It was as though I stumbled into another world, one created by someone else I instantly felt inspired by and wanted to know more about.
Not only is Bonnie a wife, mother, artist and self-taught textile designer, but she’s also an online educator who’s passionate about helping others follow their BIG dreams. She lives in a beautiful farmhouse in North Carolina with her husband, David, and their two kids, Bear and Ollie.
Although they dreamed of owning an Airstream since they were married 10 years ago, it wasn’t until recently that their dream became a reality. They purchased a 1962 Airstream Outlander and named her Marjorie, after the original owner. And while she had already been restored with new axles, plumbing, electrical and cabinets, she was the perfect blank slate for this family to make their own.
Before Photos
Did you do everything yourself, pay a professional or do a mix of both?
The previous owner had done a complete shell-off restoration, so it already had new axles, updated plumbing and electrical, new cabinetry and several improvements. She was the perfect blank slate.
what’s your favorite project?
The tiny backsplash is perhaps my favorite addition. I think I did more research on flexible grout than I have on anything before. We ended up using Tec AccuColor Unsanded Grout mixed with Tec Acrylic Grout Additive for increase flexibility, and so far so great.
What project made the biggest impact?
As a surface pattern designer, I wanted to give a nod to the father of surface design himself by using a William Morris wallpaper. I find it so inspiring!
What was most challenging about your Airstream renovation?
Finishing the kitchen cabinets. I initially stained the cabinets a deep walnut color but when my plan for quartz countertops fell through I decided to use real walnut for the countertops instead. I deconstructed the cabinets (again) and began the process of sanding and painting over the stain. It was tedious, but I’m so glad I did it.
“I wanted to create a space that felt like a little secret oasis. A place that would allow us to explore the country and where we could rest and rejuvenate from our adventures. Creating a place where our children could nap during the day and workspace that I could use was at the top of our essentials.”
– BONNIE CHRISTINE
What piece of advice would you give someone about to start an RV renovation?
I always recommend creating inspiration boards for every space before committing to anything. I usually start with a digital inspiration board, then slowly pull together samples, colors and textures to make sure it’s all working well before making any purchases. There will inevitably still be some small changes, but this helps me pull together the overall look and feel early on in the process.
Photo Gallery
(This post was originally published in 2019 on mountainmodernlife.com)
