With more than 30 years of experience, Sondra Phillips has built a reputation for transforming spaces of all kinds. As founder and owner of SKP Design in Kalamazoo, Michigan, her firm focuses on hospitality, office, medical, and residential interiors—but occasionally her design work extends to something a little more unusual: vintage campers.
Phillips has developed a passion for restoring classic trailers and now owns eight of them, including two Little Gem campers, a Concord Traveler, a Chateau Traveler, a Shasta, a Vagabond, the Go-Tag-Along, and a 1956 Spartan Imperial Mansion. She regularly shows her campers at events such as the Gilmore Red Barns Spectacular, the Vicksburg Old Car Festival, and the Turkeyville Vintage Camper Rally in Marshall, Michigan, hosted by Terri Lynn Hall of Tin Can Tourists.
When Phillips and her partner discovered the 42-foot Spartan Imperial Mansion for sale, she couldn’t resist. While the interior initially appeared salvageable, the trailer was ultimately taken down to its structure to address leaks, update the electrical system, and allow for greater design freedom. The demolition phase even revealed a few surprises, including a giant beehive and the skull and skeleton of a raccoon.
Careful planning guided the rebuild. Measurements were taken and recreated in AutoCAD to plan the layout, furniture placement, electrical systems, and materials. While the original floor plan was largely preserved, the kitchen was redesigned from an L-shape into a two-sided galley, improving flow while adding cabinet and counter space.
Phillips describes the finished design as “resto-modern,” blending vintage character with contemporary style. A corrugated galvanized ceiling adds visual height, while stained wall paneling and wood-look LVT flooring create a clean, modern feel. A blue IKEA kitchen brings color to the space, while a restored vintage Westinghouse refrigerator—painted bright orange—serves as the room’s focal point.
Additional vintage touches include an orange chenille bedspread from the Netherlands, an antique typewriter cart from Katydid’s in South Haven, and the original Spartan serial number tag. Whimsical patterned curtains and a translucent Lumicor panel in the bathroom pocket door add texture and personality throughout the interior.
Modern upgrades were also added, including all-new electrical systems and a heater/AC unit for year-round comfort.
Today, the restored Spartan serves as both a vacation home in South Haven, Michigan, and a unique meeting space where Phillips can connect with clients along the lakeshore.
To see more of Sondra Phillips’ work, visit www.skpdesign.com.
