Off the rails! How would you fare in an unconventional home?

I'm currently sitting (facing backwards) on a very delayed First Capital Connect train from King's Cross to Cambridge.

I've been at the Ideal Home Show at Earl's Court to see some of the latest interior design trends and find out about some of the newest soundproofing and insulating tehniques... 

Whilst the show homes were fun to have a nosey around, nothing at the show made me think 'wow - that's different!' - in fact the designs and products on display were remarkably conservative (and, frankly, dull).

With the exception of a futuristic treehouse (which is being donated to a children's hospice following the exhibition - a worthwhile cause), all of the houses in display were typical (stereotypical) white, middle-class homes.

Sitting on this (...delayed...) train (...facing backwards...) has made me think about how to turn unconventional spaces (such as train carriages) into homes.

There are some fantastic examples of upcycling decommissioned carriages and, coupled with a fairly small plot of land you could have
yourself a permanent and creative home for a fraction of the price of
bricks and mortar. 

Dream Cottage

Source: www.dream-cottages.co.uk

This charming conversion is available to rent as a holiday cottage in Dorset, England. 

Check out the pastel coloured walls - using light and cheerful colours makes a space brighter and seem more spacious. 

Leaving some of the original train carriage features (such as the doors and the wide arching ceiling) gives this conversion character and lends the 'cottage' a sense of authenticity...

Down Under

Source: www.crystalwaters.org.au

The owners of this carriage home in Australia have adopted a completely different approach - this carriage looks lived in! The home is a First World War era railway carriage (circa 1915) and comes in situ with its own station.

The busy feel of this carriage helps make the carriage feel homely - I really like the 'managed clutter' look that the owners have gone for. 

However, whilst the original pressed metal ceiling has been preserved (and looks wonderful) using wood panelling darkens the space making the carriage feel smaller than it might otherwise seem. 

The Suite Life

Source: www.unusualhotelsoftheworld.com

This double bedroom onboard the 48ft long Travelling Post Office No.841 stays true to the old-school feel of the carriage with original features such as the carriage's number. The bed linen and curtains inject some warm colours into the space.

The carriage was first entered into service in 1889 and continued to be in operation until the Second World War. As a holiday home, this carriage can sleep six (with a combination of beds, sofa beds and bunks), so if you were to convert a carriage of this size into a permanent residence you would have ample space for a master bedroom, lounge/diner, kitchen and bathroom.