While many people might steer clear of old, dilapidated travel trailers, Kerri Cole and Patrick Neely of Colorado Caravan prefer to do just the opposite—which is why we've long been a fan of their work. Last year, the Denver–based couple shared with us how they restored a 1969 Airstream Globetrotter on a lean $19,000 budget. Today, they're back to give us the lowdown on their latest revamp: the 1966 Airstream Safari named Margot.

Before:

For the past three years, the husband-and-wife duo have been remodeling Airstreams for people all over the country, converting them into sales offices, mobile nail salons, bars—you name it.

With Margot, their client wanted a transportable home for herself and her son to travel in when they came back to the states for the summers.

"Our biggest challenge during the project was the layout," explains Kerri. "We knew the client, a single mom, wanted two separate, semi-private bed areas for herself and her 11-year old son—not to mention storage, a place to eat, functional kitchen, and a bathroom with shower. That's a lot to fit into a small space."

"After a full gut, we were able to stand in Margot and take a look at the needs and wants on the list while asking ourselves: how can each person have their own space?," says Kerri. "How can they eat together without staring at a wall? Do we keep the existing bathroom? How do we fit in all of the storage necessary for full-time travel? How can we do all of this with only 22 feet?"

“We took the time on the floor plan for Margot, and all of the details, to make sure she felt large, bright, and airy.”
—Kerri Cole

After:

"I knew the client wanted a blue-and-white interior, along with a feeling of airiness and openness," recalls Kerri. "Being an interior stylist and designer by trade, I knew I wanted to pack a punch, so I kept the palette uncomplicated with a crisp white and a pack-a-punch blue."

More Before & After:

An Artful Update Streamlines a Portland Midcentury

A 19th-Century Row House Becomes a Boho Newlyweds’ Nest

A Brick Church in Quebec Becomes a Resonant Home

Project Credits:

Builder/general contractor: Patrick Neely of Colorado Caravan / @coloradocaravan

Interior design: Kerri Cole, Kerri Cole Design

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Before & After: A 1966 Airstream Gets Road-Ready For a Single Mom and Her Son