Tin Can Homestead: The Art of Airstream Living

by Natasha Lawyer

DIY enthusiasts, tiny house-lovers, and van-lifers will find inspiration and step-by-step instructions in Tin Can Homestead , the ultimate resource for living small in your own Airstream paradise.

The Airstream trailer is the ultimate symbol of vintage wanderlust-and the classic touring vehicle's resurgent popularity has dovetailed with the tiny house movement, resonating with design-minded individuals looking to live small. Tin Can Homestead , based on the popular Instagram of the same name, is the ultimate resource for these would-be DIY-ers, and the perfect coffee-table addition for anyone looking for streamlined, modern lifestyle inspiration.

Part practical how-to, part lushly illustrated design inspiration, Tin Can Homestead follows the story of one couple as they build themselves a new life in an old Airstream. Through personal stories and down-and-dirty checklists, this book guides readers through all stages of creating their own Airstream homes-from buying a trailer to plumbing and electrical work. With a hip, bohemian aesthetic and a fresh authorial voice, the authors pair their DIY knowledge with lifestyle advice-including dér, design, and entertaining-and abundant illustrations, from in-process photographs to hand-drawn illustrations.

Genres: Nonfiction

216 pages, Hardcover

Published May 1, 2018

Reviews

[Emily Duchon · Rating 5 out of 5]

so, i have this little camper that i just adore:

i picked up this book for some ideas on how to make some improvements on my 1984 uhaul that i somehow managed to fit a fiance' and four dogs in on the weekends from time to time. we just bought our first home and i'm really excited to get the camper out of storage and in the backyard where i can work on it regularly. i'm putting in hard wood floors shortly and plan on making it into my office space for my business (southwest picnic company). mamma's going to need her alone time, ya know?

this book gave me some practical advice on how to do the floors as well as the cabinets--and the fanciful pics just added to my overall reading joy. if you've ever considered buying an rv and fixing it up--this is a good one to have. cost estimations, tips and tricks, and so forth. i love my little pod but it can be expensive and i think this book doesn't sugarcoat that and gives really interesting advice on how to do adorable on a budget.

[Amy Hesterman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having just visited the Airstream Factory in Jackson Center, OH, this week, this book was even more interesting because of now knowing all that goes into creating these amazing pieces of Americana. While this book would be an excellent resource for anyone thinking about rehabbing an Airstream, I thoroughly enjoyed reading the careful process the authors took in bringing one back to life. The photos are beautiful and Natasha’s writing style is conversational, making the text a very easy read.

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was well done! Lots of pictures, easy explanations and instructions on the whole renovation.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have no desire to renovate an airstream but this book provided me with so much knowledge on what to look out for when buying one!

[Abbey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great read, but it did totally crush a few of my fantasies of owning an airstream. 😆 #highmaintenance

[Joyce · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book leapt off the shelf into my arms as I passed through Barnes and Noble. Okay, it really didn’t.... my husband had to point it out while I was distracted looking at meditation books and journals.... but it is THE book I have been looking for! We plan to RV live in approx four years when our kids have graduated. Most of the books, blogs, and forums are from, by and include people who aren’t ‘like us’ meaning they are either retired, live mobile because of financial issues, are 20somethings looking for a short term adventure lifestyle, or something else. We are professional, soon to be self employed, gypsys who are tired of being in one place. We are in love with the look and feel of air streams, but have read absolutely horrific tales of woe. We want to buy one, gut it, and renovate it to fit us. This book is (finally) our launching pad to having. Direction to do exactly that. If this is also you, get this book.

[Julianne · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book, with its gorgeous photos, illustrated tutorials, and personal anecdotes, definitely felt like reading a blog that miraculously didn't cause my eyes to feel strained. Living in an airstream is one of my more far-flung dreams, so it was cool to experience it vicariously through this book! :) (although, I will be 100% honest and say that when I first saw the title on the spine if the book at my library, I thought it was a gardening book. Somehow I missed the little airstream logo just above the title 😂). I also really like Natasha's design aesthetic on this project! Fun, quick read.

[Mark Nowowiejski · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's Ok, a pretty light easy read but the couple featured in the book don't take their tin can on the road they just enjoy tiny living. I didn't really find it that useful as I'd be buying one travel in. Still some good tips on what to look for in purchasing a used Airstream and rehabbing one if that's what you want to do (SPOILER: I don't)

[kerrigan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bright photos and cutesy illustrations make airstream living such a dream.

I must admit I did skip over the electrical and plumbing sections as I currently do not own a stripped airstream trailer and would hire a professional if I did, but I digress.

Disclaimer, this book is not a how to, but more of an about someone who converted an airstream. Nonetheless, I will be here daydreaming.

[Olympia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although it probably seems like a coffee table book, it’s packed with helpful information for renovating your own tiny space/ airstream.

This book really makes me want to pursue the tiny home/ creative path. 🤗

[Marmot · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the style they gave this airstream, the book had loads of nice looking photos. It’s not practical for folks who plan to have an airstream for travel, it’s more for if you want to renovate a stationary one to be like a tiny house.

[Angela · Rating 2 out of 5]

Compositions of photos and illustrations were lovely. The descriptions were well-written. Spoiler alert: I was shocked to learn at the very end that they were selling their Airstream. Then again, they finished the project and were moving on to a new challenge.

[Joanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful pictures of the conversion of a nearly-derelict Airstream to a charming movable family dwelling. Lots of suggestions on how to complete the work, which was not my intention in enjoying this book. I preferred the fantasy of living and traveling in this gem!

[BiblioBrandie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dreamy.

[Mollie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A light and informative read, beautiful photos.

[Lora Kathryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

A chronicle of a bumper-to-bumper rebuild. Really enjoyed it! Photos are very pretty but very instagrammy :)

[Ietrio · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very cute blog about a couple of rich white youngsters spending time and money on some sort of design project.

[Jaime · Rating 2 out of 5]

Great how to book if you ever want to convert an airstream.

[Rachel Wrubel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not sure I’m ready to sell all my possessions and move into an Airstream, but this was a fun, quick read!

[Relyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have long dreamed of owning an airstream - like for decades. I loved this book because it confirmed that, really, I love the style but it's not for me.

[Dawn Foster]

Fun read!