Dear Debbie:We have retired to an Airstream trailer so that we can travel around the country. We鈥檇 like to make it cheerful, but it also needs to be rugged enough to withstand constant use, including the grandkids, who love to play in it when we visit. Ideas?
Bonita
Dear Bonita: Your new adventures sound exciting. Living in a small space, whether on the ground or on wheels, takes some planning. You require both hard and soft materials that are practical, hard-wearing and easy to clean.
Look for fabrics that are manufactured to be tough, but are also bright and stylish. Sunbrella (sunbrella.com) has an excellent, longstanding reputation built on the versatility of their outdoor fabric lines. Designed to be resistant to moisture and sun damage, Sunbrella fabrics are a favourite practical choice for outdoor living.
They have also excelled at producing these fabrics in colours and patterns that fit a cross-section of styles that enhance urban, lakeside and country locales.
Recently, the company expanded its selection to fit a broader base. Projects include choices for indoor living, especially for kids鈥� rooms and rooms that connect indoor and outdoor spaces. These fabrics have a soft feel without sacrificing their practical nature.
And to answer your questions, they have transformed an Airstream trailer shown here that demonstrates how delightfully their colours and designs mix and match within a small space.
Patterns are forgiving and add texture and depth to a space. From their ROAD trip collection, cushions are Canvas Melon, pillows are Canvas Aruba, Makaw and Carousel Confetti. The contrasting piping on the cushions makes the colours pop and ties in the collection.
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Dear Debbie: We have been living in our 10-metre travel trailer (bunkhouse unit) for four years. Our son is getting bigger now; he鈥檚 six. Do you have any great space-saving ideas and advice? Help, please.
Paula
Dear Paula: As you know, kids of any age require space to expend energy by running and playing. When it鈥檚 time for indoor pursuits, tight quarters can pose a challenge. Books, puzzles, building games and miniature collections work well.
Concentrate on what interests your son has and don鈥檛 clutter with an excess of toys. Store in containers that stack and fit inside a cubby and secure so that they don鈥檛 roll around when you are on the move.
Ask your son to help you edit out any toys and books that he has outgrown. Invite him to help think up ways to keep his precious belongings in order so you can all share equally. Children are fair-minded and will come up with clever alternatives we might not think about, such as keeping his favourite books under his pillow.
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Debbie Travis鈥檚 House to Home column is produced by Debbie Travis and Barbara Dingle. Email your questions to [email protected]. You can follow Debbie on Twitter at twitter.com/debbie_travis
