How we spent our quarancation!
Quarancation – the term for being quarantined during the pandemic and being furloughed from work. When the CA “stay-at-home” order went into place, it required us to stay home to keep ourselves and everyone else safe. We got it and happily complied. The first time it was 7 glorious, relaxing weeks. We did some long-overdue projects on the house, lounged in the sun, played cards, watched Netflix, and savored being home. The downside was not seeing friends, eating out, visiting our favorite local breweries, or getting to take our quick weekend wine tasting trips.
By the second shut-down and subsequent furlough, we were getting restless. My gypsy spirit was itching to get out and do some traveling. One day a light bulb went off – let’s buy a travel trailer and find some places to go camping! On social media, we had seen ads for a company that has a network of wineries, breweries, distilleries, and farms throughout the US that you can visit and camp for FREE! Right up the alley of this “winepair”.
After a few weeks of hunting for the perfect trailer, we found it. A quick trip to the most southern part of the state and cash in hand we embarked on a new chapter in our lives. After a deep clean and a short weekend trip to get the feel of the functionality of the space, we jumped headfirst into a full remodel. We spent the next couple of weeks doing a little demo, painting, paneling, and more…. these were the results.
From the 1980s to bright, clean, and modern. The color palette I chose is blueish-grey, swiss coffee (off white), gold hardware and wood walls and flooring throughout.
BEFORE
The “master” was a tight space. This is how it looked when we brought it home, dark and cramped. The full-size bed was claustrophobic with a twin above it on one side and cabinet/closet on the other. {scroll}
DURING
After hitting our heads a couple of times on our first trip, we decided both need to go. Removing the bed and cabinet was more challenging than anticipated. We didn’t realize that cabinets and other items like the bed platform were installed using long staples through the paneling (behind). It took a crowbar and hammer to remove everything piece-by-piece. {scroll}
The final result.....
AFTER
The result is a space that is much brighter and more open feeling. No more feeling like we were sleeping in a cave. We replaced the cheesy shades with some room-darkening curtains and we put up molding across the middle of the wall, all the way around, to cover the holes from the staple removal. New, simple bedding finished out the space.
The most redeeming quality of the trailer décor was beautiful, rich wood cabinetry and it was all in perfect condition. We opted to keep the natural wood in some areas, paint over it in a couple of other areas and add more wood accents throughout to tie it all together.
BEFORE
Right inside the entrance to the trailer is a couch that pulls out into a bed. The beige walls and beige worn upholstery were very uninviting.
DURING
We knew the end wall over the couch was the perfect focal point to keep natural wood cabinetry and add wood paneling. We used thin, vinyl paneling specifically made for wall applications. The reclaimed wood look, in a variety of colors, matched the existing wood and the wood flooring we selected, tying it all together. We removed the panel under the couch and found bonus storage space next to the water tank. The painted the walls throughout the travel trailer a light gray to brighten up the dingy beige.
The final result....
AFTER
We added a futon cover on the couch to freshen it up and of course pillows and a throw to finish it off. Below the couch, we cut, painted, and reinstalled the panel leaving the right side open to accommodate a basket for shoes. Above, we installed new lights that I spray painted gold to match the gold hardware throughout. The artwork is inexpensive frames I also painted gold and I put my graphic design skills to work with “camping” art pieces. This is a cozy, comfortable space to hang out when the weather outside is cool.
BEFORE
The dinette was the least appealing area of the travel trailer. Beige, on beige, on beige.
DURING
We removed the cushions, curtain, blinds, and the table to give the space a fresh coat of paint. The wall behind the dinette was another great focal point for new wood paneling.
The final result....
AFTER
My favorite part of the project was refinishing the dinette table. I used the same blue as on the lower kitchen cabinets to give it a base coat. I found a pretty USA map with colors to match and decoupaged it on. I finished with several coats of polyurethane to protect it and give it a glossy look. The final touch was recovering the cushions with fabric to compliment the rest of the décor.
BEFORE
The kitchen – my favorite part of the space – left a lot to be desired.
DURING
The base cabinet got a coat of pretty blueish-grey paint and the upper cabinet we painted swiss coffee (off white). I decided to use black chalkboard paint on the refrigerator for a place to write notes or reminders. The backsplash was screaming for something new so we added white subway tiles. We used peel and stick vinyl which was easy to install and look realistic when complete. We covered the counters with contact paper in a faux Carrera marble to give it a more modern look.
The final result...
AFTER
We increased the counterspace by adding a folding countertop on the right end of the cabinet where there was dead space. We used folding brackets and a board painted to match the cabinetry. A couple of coats of polyurethane will ensure it’s durable. When not in use or traveling it folds down out of the way.
The finishing touches in the kitchen included:
gold hardware to the doors and drawers
a bottle opener painted gold to match
we replaced the metal stove cover with a cutting board for aesthetics and practicality
on the wall, we added a magnetic spice holder and spice jars and a holder for paper towels and napkins
mounted under the cabinet are hooks for coffee mugs and of course – a wine glass holder
BEFORE
The small bathroom sink area was dark and very dingy.
AFTER
A fresh coat of swiss coffee paint on the cabinet, tile backsplash (more peel-n-stick), and contact paper countertop turned this into a more appealing space.
Blood, sweat and tears over this project. It truly was a labor of love and we couldn't be happier with how it turned out. Looking forward to the adventures to come. Visit our resource page for links to some of our favorite accessories and décor items. {scroll for more photos}
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