Remember we once did a DIY caravan renovation? Took an ugly little beige van and turned her into something lovely? Well, last month, I mentioned that we’d traded our beloved caravan — Dolly 1 — in for a ‘new,’ larger model.
I use the term ‘new’ very loosely. The new van may have preceded her chronologically but certainly not in any other areas.
If Dolly needed a bit of updating when we first bought her, this new van needed an entire facelift.
Pretty she aint.
Another caravan makeover was definitely in order!
**grim interiors warning — the following shots are not for the faint-hearted**
Quick View of What You'll Find on This Page
Caravan Renovation Project: Before Pictures
As you can see, pre-renovation, she wasn’t a pretty sight.
A sea of horrible red carpet (this was changed in favour of laminate flooring). Orange-coloured wood everywhere (painting the caravan cupboards got rid of a good proportion of this!). But the cabinetry wasn’t the only thing to get a coat of paint.
We painted the walls and ceilings — and it created a real feeling of spaciousness.
Caravan Renovation Project: During Pictures
I have got LOTS more ‘before’ photographs that I could show you.
But I’ve always tried to maintain my blog as a happy place; a collection of beautiful things.
The pre-makeover photographs set my teeth on edge (and make me feel a little bit queasy) so I think I’ll leave it there.
Little by little over the summer months — with the help of some lovely paper from Wallpaper Direct — my boy and I transformed the very ugly little tin box, you see in the snaps above, into something rather lovely.
No mean feat when you have twin toddlers in tow, I can tell you ;)
We wanted something a little different from our first van, which was a vision in Cath Kidston.
For her successor, we wanted something bright and fresh and a little more graphic.
Wallpaper Direct has literally got the best choice.
Whatever your taste — or style — they’ve definitely got something to suit.
Initially, I was thinking along the lines of Orla Keily but ended up being swayed by the gorgeous designs of Verity Wilkinson’s Layla Faye range.
For the living quarters of the van, we chose ‘Daisy Chain Small’, a gorgeous yellow and white graphic print with a retro edge.
We’ve also chosen a coordinating print for the bathroom/toilet area but I’ll keep that under my hat until we’ve finished those renovations! One thing at a time — that may be a job for the spring ;)
We’ve no curtains, blinds or proper cushions in the lounge area — those things aside — this little van is well on the way to becoming a perfect little home from home.
A warm and cosy little space. The perfect tiny home on wheels for us to enjoy camping trips and festivals.
Caravan Renovation Project: After Pictures
It looks like a totally different caravan now. We recycled and repurposed where we could. For example, we painted the light fittings and the vintage door handles rather than buying new ones.
Simple things like that make a world of difference to the final look. The devil’s in the detail, as they say!
We didn’t change the work bench top in the kitchen at the back of the van either, but giving the cupboards and sink a fresh look with paint has made it look brand new.
Little tricks like that will save you money and time. There’s no point ripping everything out if you can reuse it.
Vintage Caravan Renovation
It just goes to show that wallpaper is so versatile.
It really shouldn’t just be restricted to the walls of a house — it can be used on furniture, ceilings — even an ugly little caravan can benefit from a little bit of pattern and colour!
There’s still a LOT to do.
Lots more finishing off inside — plus I have some very ambitious plans for the outside of this funny little box on wheels. I’d like to paint the caravan exterior and add some vinyl decals. Bear with me, as I can foresee there may be a fair few ‘caravan related’ posts coming up over the next few months ;)
For anyone wondering what we’ve christened this little van?
Well, initially she was Lionel (don’t ask).
Then she was Wendy (Wendy-House — on wheels).
But for two little boys — who have only ever understood that a caravan is called ‘Dolly’ — it was very, very difficult to persuade them that this new van had any other name.
So everyone, please be upstanding for…
‘Dolly Too’.
PS — ‘too’ is not a spelling mistake. It’s a play on words!
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Originally published 20 October 2015
Caro Davies is a former art-director turned writer and content-creator, and editor behind UK lifestyle blog The Listed Home. She writes about home-related topics, from interiors and DIY to food and craft. The Listed Home has been featured in various publications, including Ideal Home, Grazia, and Homes & Antiques magazines.
Found your post on Oi retest and just had to read your post! Love it! You’ve done an awesome job remaking Dolly Too yours! Looks so inviting and cheerful ?.
Would you tell me, is the wallpaper a special type? Vinyl? Prepasted? Did you need any special adhesive? We’re in the process of updating a 1999 30ft Dutchman Classic Lite and I’m so loving your idea for wallpapering a wall. I’m thinking kitchen area.
Wishing y’all many happy years of camping! Time with our babies passes way to fast!
Aaah thank you SO much; that’s lovely of you to come and read my blog — and to leave a comment too! :) I have written another post outlining everything I used to decorate the interior of the van. Pop and have a look — https://thelistedhome.co.uk/tips-for-decorating-a-caravan-interior/ — if you have any questions, please let me know! I’d be more than happy to help.
Good luck with your van makeover! xx
PS — yes, I absolutely agree!! Time goes SO fast!! My babies are growing up way too quickly! Happy, happy camping to you too :)
Hi caro,
I love how you have done the caravans up. I have one and am struggling on how to change the fabric on the curtains and on the seats any tips or guidance on this?? Xxx
Thanks so much Shannon :) I didn’t change the curtains on Dolly 1 — they were plain and I didn’t mind them. And with Dolly 2, I removed them completely!! They were so horrible and I decided that — as we have blackout blinds on most of the windows — I’d just get rid of the curtains, as it looked much cleaner and simpler!
I have made loose covers each time for both Dollies — they were really, really simple to make! I don’t have amazing sewing skills so I promise you, if I can do it, anyone can!! I plan to write a post showing how I did it. Watch this space! x
Hi Cara, we have just taken charge of our caravan. I am looking at wallpapering the ” walls”. They are cureently covered in a vinyl type covering. Any advice as to how to get make sure my Orla Kiely wallper will stick?
Hi Rona! I literally wallpapered straight over ours!! Both Dolly’s had wooden effect vinyl walls and I pasted the walls AND the paper, really well, and it stuck a treat!! If you’re really worried — particularly as the Orla wallpaper is pricey — I would suggest buying a roll of lining-paper and using that to test it out. Once you’re satisfied that it’s stuck well, you can literally wallpaper over the top! Let me know how you get on!! xx
Hi Caro,
I realise this is a very old thread but hope you’re still there for some advice!
I’ve been studying your caravan posts as we work out our own project with an old van. Please can I ask for two tips – what did you do about the plastic joins between wallboards and ceiling boards – ours are orange and I want it all white; can I paint over them or will the paint not stick to the plastic – I can t find new white joins so think we are going to have to keep the old ones?
Also can you make a recommendation. For the best paint to use for interior that’s available in the UK?
Thanks so much in advance, and really, congratulations again on your amazing work – it’s so inspirational!
Emma x.
Hi Emma, thanks for your message! Even though this is an old post, the blog is still very much live! I’ve just written a post on painting the exterior, funnily enough.
Re the plastic joins — I painted them all. You can see pics in the Tips For Decorating a Caravan post. I used cupboard makeover paint and emulsion.
Hope this helps! Caro xx