Picture
Lest you are sick of posts about what I'm buying for my Spartan, I present to you a post about what I *wish* I was buying for my Spartan. 

While flipping through a magazine I absolutely froze at the most amazing picture of a collection of vintage enamelware, most of it mid-century Scandinavian. Hours spent down the internet rabbit hole later, and I have to say I'm especially fond of Cathrineholm Lotus. 

I think I'm a straggler to this party, but, I ask you: How delicious would a few of these bowls look in the Spartan?

 
I think we need to move this camping--> glamping phenom to it's next logical conclusion: Vamping. 

Crushed velvet dress, askew from the shoulder, satin curtains, boudoir lamps, vase just awaiting for roses from admirers, and red vixon nails. Add a "Hello Sailer!" and a wholesome all-American smile and you are doing it right!! 
 
Having recently decided to keep free standing chairs (vs. booth seating) in the galley, it's time to start the wish list of furniture. I also thought it was time for a little eye candy, so: you're welcome. 

This, at least, is an easy choice for me. I grew up with Series 7 chairs in our kitchen, and it's time to go home again again. Sadly, those are looong gone, distributed to the universe many a moon ago. 
Picture
They still make them, but they are $600 per chair, and spending that seems unreasonable when I do want them hauled into the woods and outdoors regularly. Vintage ones can be found, too- will be looking at prices/ condition. There are also various knock offs- see the red example from Crate and Barrel- which might be more practical, less precious, and a spot of color. 

Round Top is this week-end and I was tempted to go check it out and start hunting, but I restrained myself and will focus on the trailer itself first. 

Regardless- this is the chair idea I'm going for. Stackable, clean lines, comfortable, easy to wipe clean and vintage without being campy. 

The Series 7 debuted in 1955, making it timely for my trailer. You can read more about Arne Jacobsen and see more of his work if you are interested. 

See why I am seduced out of a booth? 

 
Picture
Remember the Great Marmoleum Mind Blow? Where I dashed all over town AND all over the internet to agonize over a Skittles rainbow of choices, each seemly more God-awful expensive than the last? We were into the $1,000 plus before installation, and besieged with dire warnings about "Authorized" installers? Worst of all, my fickle heart just did not fall in L-O-V-E with any of the choices. RISKY. 

Picture
You see, I kept getting confused by the fancy colors and forgetting that I want neutral. I like to mix things up- and hard coding in a vibrant floor choice does not achieve that. Fabric and throw rugs achieve that. So, I tossed my hands up and went whining to the good people of the Spartan chat board. And, some lovely genius posted a link and a testament to cork flooring. 

And, you know, it instantly made sense to me- visually, design-wise, cost, use. How much more organic can you get than tree bark? And it's much less expensive; about half the cost. Options for both glue down (non-toxic glues) and "click" style. AND... if I don't love it, I think I can even use it as a sub-floor for one day when the Marmoleum of My Dreams shows up, hubba hubba. And there's MORE! It's a sound and thermal insulator. It's "soft" and forgiving on the back. It's "sealed" so it does not require much maintenance and from what anonymous internet reviewers say (what? you don't consider the unwashed masses to be a reliable source of data?) it's not delicate. What could possibly go wrong here??? (Don't even think about telling me anything that can go wrong now that I can finally sleep through the night again.) 

And to my DELIGHT, it turns out that my cork was actually a popular material in the mid-century modern movement and was even the default in Eichler houses. 


Yeah. I know! B-I-N-G-O, we have a winner!!!

While no one is ever going to accuse me of running anything other than my own damn opinion on this blog, I feel compelled to tell you I Did Not Make This Up: 

"Cork was not a highly advertised material during the postwar era, but it was amply used. Builder Joseph Eichler automatically included it in all of his postwar modern tract houses in California, thanks to cork’s functional and aesthetic appeal. ... The natural, resilient material coexists well with modern furniture and accessories, and is easy to install and maintain. It is reminiscent of the look of some linoleums and vinyl flooring styles, and is considered rapidly renewable, therefore makes the greenies’ seal of approval. Cork is offered in a variety of patterns and colors... and is an excellent option in a postwar ranch home... It is less expensive, easier to maintain, sound absorbing, and striking in a modern interior." 

See? Someone else made it up!! How 'bout that fer fancy? Regardless, it's very satisfying to have a decision made. I feel like a detective; and for once I'm glad my project is moving slowly so I can research and agonize on my own timeline. 

What do you think of a cork floor for my Spartan? I'm feeling GOOD about it, guys. 
 
...from these vintage red glass beehive tail lights I bought on Etsy! I had one original glass one identical to these, and one plastic, more square-ish one on the other side that had been replaced later. Now I will have a set and a spare. Any vintage trailer person will tell you that having a spare part is true luxury. 

These have been sitting on my bookshelf like little sculptures. They make me smile while I walk by. Their day is coming! 

The seller has a small, well-curated shop of vintage trailer lovelies. Worth a peek. I love to think of all the mysterious people in the background of my trailer project... cool people out there doing cool things, and we intersect, briefly. Thanks for rescuing these for me, Etsy guy! 

 
Picture

Here is a picture of Roger with the trailer circa 1972. 
Thanks Susan!