Airplane Home Interior: Complete Design Guide for a Unique and Stylish Aircraft Home
Transforming an airplane into a fully functioning home is one of the most innovative and eye-catching housing trends of the last decade. Known as airplane homes or aircraft conversions, this creative housing concept allows people to reuse retired aircraft and convert them into eco-friendly, compact, and futuristic living spaces. Whether it’s a full Boeing fuselage or a smaller private jet, the possibilities for designing an airplane home interior are surprisingly flexible.
In this comprehensive guide, we explore the best airplane home interior layouts, design concepts, renovation steps, cost breakdowns, and real-life inspirations to help you create a one-of-a-kind residence.
Why Choose an Airplane Home?
Airplane homes are gaining popularity for several compelling reasons:
- Sustainable and Upcycled Living
Many designers and homeowners are embracing the idea of using old aircraft as living spaces to reduce waste. Retired airplanes often end up in scrapyards, even though the fuselage can last for decades. Turning them into homes helps promote sustainable architecture.
- Futuristic and Unique Aesthetic
Aircraft interiors already have a sleek, aerodynamic form. With the right customization, you can create an interior that feels modern, innovative, and visually striking.
- Durable and Weather-Resistant Materials
Airplane bodies are designed to withstand extreme weather, high pressures, and temperature changes. This means your home will have a durable shell built to last for many years.
- Open-Concept Spaces
Once seats, storage bins, and cabin structures are removed, airplanes provide a long and open layout ideal for creative floor plans.
Airplane Home Interior Design Concepts
Designing an airplane home interior requires creativity and careful planning. Below are some of the most effective design ideas to make the most of the fuselage’s narrow but elongated shape.
- Open Living Room Layout
The cylindrical shape of the fuselage makes it perfect for an open living room concept. Homeowners often place a sofa along one side of the aircraft to maximize space. Built-in benches also work well because they follow the natural curve of the wall.
Tips for living room design:
- Add skylights or widen existing windows for natural light
- Choose slim or modular furniture
- Use LED strip lighting along the ceiling’s arch
- Install curved shelving to avoid blocking walkway space
- Compact but Functional Kitchen
Even though the space is narrow, an efficient kitchen is entirely achievable inside an aircraft home. Galley-style kitchens are the best fit.
Recommended layout styles:
- Single-wall kitchen for maximum walkway width
- Pull-out pantry systems to save interior space
- Under-window counters for natural light
Because airplanes often have built-in electrical wiring spaces, placing lighting and power outlets is relatively easy.
- Cozy Bedroom with Smart Storage
Bedrooms in airplane homes often sit toward the front or rear of the fuselage, where the curve of the walls creates a more enclosed and cozy atmosphere.
Effective bedroom design elements:
- Platform beds with storage drawers
- Soft LED lights for a warm ambiance
- Built-in closets shaped to match the fuselage curves
- Soundproof insulation for comfort
Some homeowners even convert the cockpit into a unique reading nook or compact bedroom.
- Modern Bathroom Solutions
Bathrooms can be engineered using compact fixtures, similar to RV or tiny home setups. Water lines can be installed beneath the fuselage, making plumbing easier than expected.
Bathroom ideas:
- Walk-in shower with clear glass
- Composting or compact flushing toilet
- Floating vanity to maintain floor space
- Skylight or frosted window for lighting and privacy
- Creative Use of Cockpit Space
The cockpit is a highlight of any airplane home interior. Homeowners often transform it into:
- A panoramic lounge
- A private office
- A studio reading corner
- A breakfast nook with incredible views
Keeping some of the original controls, levers, and dashboards adds a futuristic charm.
Airplane Home Interior Styles
Here are several interior styles that work especially well with aircraft design:
- Minimalist Modern
The clean lines of an airplane naturally complement minimalist aesthetics. White walls, built-in storage, and simple décor enhance the narrow layout.
- Industrial
Metal finishes, exposed wiring, and original aircraft components blend seamlessly into an industrial-themed interior.
- Futuristic LED-Driven Design
Neon LED strips, curved glass, and high-tech features turn the fuselage into a sci-fi-inspired living space.
- Scandinavian
Light wood, soft neutral tones, and natural fabrics contribute to a bright and relaxing Scandinavian environment.
How to Convert an Airplane into a Home
Below is an overview of the steps involved in creating an airplane home interior:
- Acquire a Retired Aircraft
Sources include:
- Airplane salvage yards
- Online aircraft auctions
- Private jet owners selling old models
Prices vary widely:
- Small planes: $5,000–$50,000
- Commercial fuselage (Boeing/Airbus section): $30,000–$300,000 depending on condition
- Transport the Aircraft
Transporting a fuselage is one of the most challenging—and costly—steps. Specialized trucks, cranes, and route planning are required.
Cost range: $3,000 to $50,000+
- Install Foundation and Support
Aircraft are typically mounted on:
- Concrete pillars
- Steel beams
- Custom platforms
This ensures the fuselage remains stable and level.
- Gut and Clean the Interior
Remove:
- Seats
- Storage bins
- Insulation
- Carpet
- Wiring
This creates a blank canvas for your interior renovation.
- Redesign Floor Plan
Common layout portions include:
- Living area
- Kitchen
- Bathroom
- Bedroom
- Cockpit lounge
Designers often use 3D modeling to optimize interior flow.
- Add Insulation and Utilities
Airplane walls are built for altitude, not temperature regulation at ground level. You will need:
- New insulation
- Electrical wiring
- Plumbing system
- HVAC installation
- Waterproof flooring
- Final Interior Construction
This is where style and creativity shine—furniture installation, lighting, wall panels, flooring, and custom cabinetry.
Cost of Building an Airplane Home Interior
Here’s a general breakdown:
| Component | Estimated Cost |
| Aircraft purchase | $5,000–$300,000 |
| Transport | $3,000–$50,000 |
| Foundation | $5,000–$20,000 |
| Interior renovation | $20,000–$120,000 |
| Utilities | $10,000–$30,000 |
Total estimated cost: $50,000–$500,000+ depending on aircraft size and design ambition.
Real Examples of Airplane Homes
Bruce Campbell’s Boeing 727 Home
A retired engineer in Oregon transformed a Boeing 727 into a fully functional home featuring LED lighting and minimalistic décor.
Airplane Home in Costa Rica
A developer converted a 1965 Boeing 727 into a luxury hotel suite, complete with balconies and tropical scenery.
These examples show how versatile airplane interiors can be, even with limited width.
Conclusion: Is an Airplane Home Right for You?
Airplane home interiors offer a thrilling combination of sustainability, creativity, and futuristic design. With thoughtful planning and innovative use of space, an aircraft can become a comfortable, stylish, and environmentally friendly home unlike any other.
Whether you’re seeking a unique living space, a vacation rental idea, or a highly customized personal project, transforming an airplane into a home is a rewarding and unforgettable design experience.
Sources
- Architectural Digest – Alternative Home Designs
- Dwell Magazine – Aircraft Conversion Homes
- Airplane Salvage & Recycling Industry Reports
- Sustainable Building and Upcycling Case Studies
