This post may contain affiliate links or mention our own products, please check out our disclosure policy.

New Airstream Book Has DIY Guides & Design Inspiration

This post was updated on March 15th, 2024

Tin Can Homestead: The Art of Airstream Living recently published in May 2018 and is a must-read for anyone who loves the classic silver bullet trailers.  This new book comes from two authors, Natasha Lawyer and Brett Bashaw, who renovated their own 1971 Airstream Sovereign.  It’s beautifully illustrated with photos as well as hand-drawn illustrations and diagrams.

Airstream book
Tin Can Homestead. Photos via @TinCanHomestead on Instagram

This 216-page guide includes tips for every step of an Airstream renovation—from the electrical work and plumbing to the interior design.  It has step-by-step instructions on how to build cabinets, install tiling, add a toilet, and polish the exterior.  They also share what tools they used, the best houseplants for your RV, and things to look for when you’re buying a vintage trailer.

Airstream book
Inside their remodeled Airstream. Photo via Instagram (by Sunset Mag)

The authors Natasha Lawyer and Brett Bashaw lived in an orange 1978 Volkswagen van before renovating their vintage Airstream.  In the beginning, they scoured classifieds and took time to plan and draw out their layout design, which they later included in the book.

Sign up for the newsletter today!

Please enter a valid email address.

An error occurred. Please try again later.

× logo

Thank you for subscribing to the Do It Yourself RV newsletter, keep your eye on your inbox for updates.

“Brett and I already knew that we did well living together in a small space; the Volkswagen was tiny, so the comparative size of an Airstream seemed huge.  As we traveled from place to place, I began my research. I read Airstream forums about renovations and common problems; I discovered Airstream classifieds and perused them daily.  We figured since we were heading back to Seattle in a couple of months, we could buy an Airstream where we found one and bring it back with us.

We spent a lot of time in coffee shops—and still do—as we’re both coffee addicts, and Brett was enrolled in full-time university online.  He would study, and I would endlessly scour the classifieds, drawing and redrawing Airstream layout plans.”

Airstream book

Tin Can Homestead: The Art of Airstream Living is available in bookstores and online from Amazon.  For more photos of their renovated Airstream, follow them on Instagram @TinCanHomestead

See also:




Leave a Comment

Welcome! Please follow these guidelines:

  • Be kind and respectful.
  • Keep comments relevant to the article.
  • Avoid insults, threats, profanity, and offensive remarks.
  • Refrain from discussing gun rights, politics, or religion.
  • Do not post misleading information, personal details, or spam.

We may hide or remove comments at our discretion.