Take just one look at this revamped 1973 Airstream Sovereign, and you might assume that the project’s mood board was full of airy Scandinavian spaces, or minimalist tiny homes.

You’d be wrong.

“When you see it, it looks all earth tone and neutral—it’s very desaturated,” says homeowner Kyle Krieger. “But the real inspiration is from Star Wars.”

The hair stylist and content creator loves the sci-fi franchise as much as beautiful design, and with his new home (named Tuba after his beloved late dog), he gets it all. Design team Anna Jacobs and Damian Schmitt of Mountain Modern Airstream were more than game; not only do the couple specialize in Airstream renovations—a talent they developed through painstaking research and experimentation while working on their own tin can years ago—but Schmitt is a passionate Star Wars nerd, too.

The three riffed endlessly on the unusual source of inspiration, and in the process, created a sophisticated homage in a beautiful, highly functional package.

The black-and-white garb of stormtroopers formed one part of the color-palette equation; the dusty tones of the ancient planets featured in the series were integrated, too. Elements of Nordic architecture—like plywood paneling—also made their way into the design. “Having wood in your space just makes it feel very comfortable, especially when it’s a small space,” says Kyle.

Though plywood is sometimes regarded as a “low-end” material, the Airstream’s maple-veneer finishes are elevated by precise joinery and artful millworking: refinement meets accessibility. Even the floor is made from plywood (epoxied to protect from wear and tear), and it actually introduces a subtle nod to Tatooine, Luke Skywalker’s home planet. A keen eye will detect two “suns” cut into the panels at the front of the Airstream, and waving lines that represent the hilly landscape. Different elements of the theme are revealed as cabinets and compartments are opened and shifted.

Though it’s only 31 feet long (and roughly 220 square feet) the trailer feels far larger thanks to the light and airy material palette. The spacious vibe could also be due to the slatted wall that divides the sleeping area from the rest of the hull, creating separation without closing things in.

It’s a space-aged home that feels welcoming, warm, and down to earth. Could the only thing more powerful than the Force be an agreeable and adventurous design team? “Every time I brought up an idea, I can’t think of a time they weren’t game to at least to try it,” laughs Kyle. “I didn’t hear no often.”

Related Reading:

A 1973 Airstream Gets an Organic Remodel Inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright

18 Airstream Renovations That’ll Make You Want to Hop on the Bandwagon

Project Credits:

Designer and General Contractor: Mountain Modern Airstream / @mtnmodern.airstream

Appears In

In an Airstream Far, Far Away…Lives a Star Wars–Obsessed Design Fiend