Design Expert Transforms Travel Trailer with Stylish Equestrian-Inspired Makeover
Design guru Virginie Martocq has unveiled a comprehensive guide to revitalizing travel trailers, drawing inspiration from the luxurious world of equestrian aesthetics. In response to a reader's request from Oakville, Ontario, Martocq demonstrates how to transform a lackluster mobile space into a stylish retreat perfect for summer adventures across the country.
Equestrian Elegance Meets Mobile Living
Martocq found creative inspiration in the reader's mention of using the trailer for daughter's horseback-riding events. "I discovered a whole world of luxury horse stalls that can be beautifully decorated when owners need to live in them during competitions," she explains. This unique perspective informed her approach to creating a sophisticated yet practical design scheme that balances aesthetics with the practical constraints of mobile living.
Flooring Solutions for Lightweight Travel
Addressing the challenge of weight restrictions in trailers, Martocq recommends against traditional vinyl plank flooring. "From what I understand, it's important not to add a lot of weight to trailers," she emphasizes. Instead, she proposes removable carpet tiles from Flor as an ideal solution. These tiles offer multiple advantages:
- Available in numerous colors and patterns
- Exceptional durability and wear resistance
- Easy installation with double-sided tape dots
- Adds coziness without significant weight
Martocq specifically suggests a modern black and white plaid pattern that combines preppy equestrian charm with contemporary style while creating an illusion of spaciousness.
Kitchen Transformation with Strategic Color Choices
The kitchen area receives particular attention in Martocq's redesign plan. She recommends painting all kitchen cabinetry black for visual unity, or at minimum the refrigerator and oven column along with lower cabinets. To prevent the space from feeling too dark, she suggests pairing black lower cabinets with cream-colored upper cabinets.
For the backsplash, Martocq proposes peel-and-stick tiles in a deep green finish arranged in a stacked pattern. Countertop options include simple cream Formica or, preferably, butcher block that can be sanded and stained to a darker walnut color to complement the new cream and black color scheme.
Lighting and Wall Treatments for Atmosphere
Martocq emphasizes the importance of lighting in creating the right ambiance. She recommends the Pixii cordless wall sconce in brass, which features several practical benefits:
- Rechargeable operation requiring no wiring
- Versatile placement on tables or hooks
- Built-in dimmer switch for mood setting
For walls typically made of melamine, Martocq suggests removable wallpaper as a superior alternative to paint. She particularly favors Photowall's Cicuta mural with its pastoral scene that evokes the feeling of looking out from an English manor onto expansive lands. "The colour tones are right for the overall look here," she notes, suggesting application in either the main living area or bedroom for maximum impact.
Hardware and Finishing Touches
To complete the transformation, Martocq recommends adding antique brass hardware to cabinetry. "Nothing too large, but a simple hit of old-style metal would add a touch of luxury," she advises. This subtle metallic accent complements the overall design while maintaining the practical considerations necessary for mobile living.
Martocq's comprehensive approach demonstrates how thoughtful design choices can transform functional travel trailers into stylish mobile homes that reflect personal interests while remaining practical for road travel. Her equestrian-inspired makeover proves that even compact spaces can achieve sophisticated aesthetics through strategic material choices and color coordination.
