Jul 4, 2015 3 min read

Q. We have retired to an Airstream trailer so that we can travel around the country. We’d 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

A. 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, www.sunbrella.com, has an excellent, long-standing reputation built on the versatility of their outdoor fabric lines. Designed to be resistant to moisture and sun damage, Sunbrella fabrics are a favorite practical choice for outdoor living. They also have exceled at producing these fabrics in colors and patterns that fit a cross-section of styles that enhance urban, lakeside and country locales.

Recently the company has expanded their selection to fit a broader base. Projects include choices for indoor living, especially for kids’ 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 colors 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, the cushions are Canvas Melon and the pillows are Canvas Aruba, Makaw and Carousel Confetti. The contrasting piping on the cushions makes the colors pop and ties in the collection.

Q. We have been living in our 33-foot travel trailer (bunkhouse unit) for four years. Our son is getting bigger now; he’s 6. Do you have any great space-saving ideas and advice? Help, please. – Paula

A. As you know, kids of any age require space to expend energy by running and playing. When it’s 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’t clutter with an excess of toys. Store items in containers that stack and fit inside a cubby and are secure so they don’t 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 favorite books under his pillow.

Email your questions to house2home@debbietravis.com.