A Re-Invented Mobile Home “Screws Convention”

Name: Rebecca Caridad Facteau (a photographer and artist) & Dustin Facteau
Location: Boulder, Colorado
Size: 750 square feet
Years lived in: 3.5 years; Owned

Stepping into the colorful, light filled space belonging to Boulder residents Rebecca and Dustin Facteau, you might be shocked to discover that you are actually standing in a mobile home (although it will probably take you a while to notice). What’s remarkable about this home is how successfully the Facteaus have created a beautiful and inspirational space in such an unconventional way.

After years of spending money on rentals that never quite felt like home, Rebecca and Dustin set out to find something to call their own without breaking the bank, in hopes of avoiding a life centered around paying down a massive 15-30 year mortgage. They started thinking outside the box, and we’re so glad they did. This unconventional thinking lead to the discovery of a small plot of land ten minutes from downtown, set on the Boulder creek, and just one block from Rebecca’s work. Yes, it was a trailer park. I understand that in many people’s minds the idea of living in a mobile home may come with certain preconceived notions. Well, all I have to say is get ready to have your expectations blown out of the water! You would not believe the brilliance that comes from breaking away from the status quo.

While this type of abode is not for everyone, the level of “hominess” and personality that Rebecca and Dustin have been able to create in their mobile home is unmatched in most traditional house choices I’ve seen. And with a price tag sitting at a fraction of the cost of any ordinary dwelling, this pair of adventurers are free to pursue a lifestyle centered on doing what they love, enriched by what means the most to them, creative business pursuits and overseas travel.

Dustin is a chemist currently pursuing a graduate degree in engineering, and Rebecca is a brilliant photographer and calligraphy artist, among other things. “I like to put all of my tools side by side to remind myself that I don’t have to ever choose one thing. I can be a little good at everything! This is why my cameras will always live on top of my books, my paints next to my crochet hooks, the glitter next to the ukulele tuner.” says Rebecca.

Over the last three and a half years, every square foot of this cozy abode has been personalized by their creative touch in one way or another. From the newly installed pallet wall in the bedroom to the custom beetle kill countertops in the kitchen, these two nesters are DIY experts. To top it off, Rebecca’s custom watercolor and calligraphy art beautifully balance the bright white walls and lend an inspiring air to the whole house. The walls of this home literally speak, urging one to be content, to treasure family, and most of all to hold defining moments and the pursuit of dreams as the most prized possessions over material goods. Rebecca and Dustin, thank you for the tour and for the much needed dose of healthy perspective.

My Style: Eclectic, Cottagey, DIY.

Inspiration: Small space tours and articles on blogs and websites. It is really easy for things to look cluttered quickly in small spaces. Even if there is just one thing out of place or one too many things, it can feel overwhelming.

Favorite Element: Our favorite element is how affordably we get to live in Boulder, CO. Also small spaces inspire you to be minimal, which we love. I think it emphasizes what is important.

Biggest Challenge: The hardest thing for us is that we have so many plans for our space and we don’t have enough money or time for them right now. We are learning patience with our home projects. One thing at a time!

What Friends Say: Our friends say that they feel like the space is a nice reflection of us and our everyday style. People definitely seem surprised with what we have done to a trailer. I think there is still quite a taboo when it comes to mobile homes. I hope that goes away, because any space can be made beautiful and homey.

Biggest Embarrassment: I would say our windows and our flooring. Cork floor is really pretty, but it is really soft and sadly we have pretty much destroyed it since we’ve lived here. The windows and floors are our biggest projects that we want to do, and they probably bother us more than anything else.

Proudest DIY: We have so many! Probably our proudest is our recent pallet wall project. We also really love our beetle kill pine counters in the kitchen.

Biggest Indulgence: Definitely our refrigerator. When we moved in the one that was here was the original fridge that was included in the home when it was built, at least that is what we assume. We knew that had to be our first big investment.

Best Advice: After trying to do a lot at once we realized that doing one project at a time worked a lot better for our sanity. I think it is important to have at least once part of your space sort of “put together,” so when the part you are working on is crazy you have somewhere to escape to when you need a break.

• MAIN SPACE-Behr: bright white
• DUSTIN’S OFFICE- Behr: precious emerald
• Kitchen- Behr: anonymous

• TV: Panasonic
• Fire Place: craigslist
• Mint Chair: Vintage, craigslist
• White Chair: Baxton
• Coffee Table: Vintage, garage sale
• Gallery Wall: Jordan Grace Owens, Girl and Parrot, Oana Befort, manzanita photo, Henri De Toulouse-Lautrec, For Like Ever
• Pillows: DIY
• Couch: craigslist
• Lamp: DIY
• Bird Cage: Thrifted

• Table: Ikea, craigslist
• Chair: World Market
• Shelving: Home Depot
• Record Player: Crosley
• Chest: Vintage
• Gallery wall: manzanita paperie, by rebecca caridad
• Crates: Home Depot
• Curtains: Elegant Comfort
• Lamps: Thrifted body and Target shade

• Beetle Kill Pine Counters- DIY
• Island: Painted craigslist find
• Knobs: World Market
• Dishes: Pottery Barn, craigslist
• Dish Rack: Vintage
• Fridge: Frigidaire

• Chair: Vintage, craigslist
• Table: Vintage, craigslist
• TV: Panasonic

• Bed Frame: Vintage Cast Iron
• Dressers: Both Vintage
• Photos: Live it Out Photo
• Moon Phases: manzanita paperie
• Bedding: Target
• Crate Tables: Home Depot
• Lamps: Target
• Chest: Vintage
• Chair: Baxton
• Rug: Target
• Fur Throw: Ikea

• Tile Counters: DIY with Home Depot Tile
• Bath Mat: World Market
• Shower Curtain: Gypsy Ruffled, amazon
• Towel Rods: Home Depot
• Shelf: Zenith Country Cottage Space Saver
• Moon Phases: manzanita paperie

Thanks, Rebecca and Dustin!

(Originally published 2.11.14 – JL)

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