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**
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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.
Caro it is stunning you have such an incredible eye to detail I love the style the colour , I felt so sad when you said goodbye to Dolly, but I love the new Dolly she is beautiful xxx
Aaaah ME TOO!!! I was so gutted when we waved goodbye to Dolly but I can see I’m going to LOVE this new van just as much!! We have already had one outing — albeit, it was half decorated — but there was so much more space!! Can’t wait for next year’s festival season!! :) xx
I love Dolly Too! What a project, that wall paper is rather stunning. I’ve actually got Dolly envy – I’m seeing the benefits already. I can see how handy it’s going to be with the festivals. Not to mention kids and caravans – they are the holidays that I remember fondly from my childhood. You must feel very rewarded with your efforts. Nicky #twinklytuesday
Thanks so much Nicky — it was a labour of love, that’s for sure!! The first van was a lot faster to complete as we didn’t have the twins then! Can’t wait for festival season to come round again!
Wow! Amazing! Your caravan looks superb i love what you have done. So inspiring #twinklytuesday
Thanks so much lovely :) It was a labour of love — really pleased with how it’s turned out!
Wow what a transformation!! It looks absolutely incredible and beautifully sunny. I’m looking forward to seeing the bathroom bit!
Thanks Carie — I’m delighted with it. It took SO much more work than the original caravan makeover. Things take four times when you have little ones to manage!! No free time to crack on and decorate!! ;)
Oh my goodness, it looks amazing! I’m not usually a wall paper fan (we have some spectacularly awful ones in our house that I am desperate to get rid of), but this works so well. It looks so bright and cheerful :) #twinklytuesday
Thanks Sara! Wallpaper can be amazing when used in the right place :) A caravan isn’t the first place that springs to mind but it just goes to show that it can work! ;) xx
How much wallpaper did it take?
Hi Dee! We used just one roll of wallpaper for both vans. Almost ran out on Dolly Too and had to be a little bit creative with my joins!! ;)
Wow! This looks absolutely amazing!!! I absolutely love it, what a tremendous job you have done, you clever lady you. Never thought I’d say this, but you’ve actually got me wanting a caravan (that isn’t of the gypsy variety). X
Aaah thanks so much pet! I absolutely HATED caravans before we bought Dolly 1. Having her transformed our lives!! Festivals and camping are a LOT more lovely when you have a comfy, cosy little crash pad to come back to! I’m not a fan of tents — or grim, dirty old caravans either!! ;)
Did you wallpaper under the window seals or just too them?
Hello Sarah!!! So sorry — I’m so behind on my replies!!! I just wallpapered up to the seals and cut up to them with a scalpel to get a neat edge. To be honest, I think the window seals in Dolly are fixed, so we wouldn’t have been able to paper underneath. Hope that helps! :) Apologies for the late reply!! xx
Wow that looks fantastic! I’ve only ever stayed in dated caravans at holiday camps so had no idea you could make one so cute and stylish. Great job :)
#twinklytuesday
Thanks so much pet — that’s lovely of you :)
Wow that looks fantastic! I’ve only ever stayed in dated caravans at holiday camps so had no idea you could make one so cute and stylish. Great job :)
#twinklytuesday
Thanks Laura! I’m really not sure why they’re always so revolting inside! Even fairly modern ones look dated! ;) x
Oh wow that is amazing! I so need some help with sorting out my caravan you would go mad if you could see it! I absolutely love the yellow and now a thinking of painting my caravan cupboards white. Absolutely tremendous work love! x
Do it. Honestly pet — it’s a lovely, lovely project to have on the go. Initially it seems daunting but you just can’t go wrong. Really! Cos, at the end of the day, nothing can be as grim as how they look to begin with!! ;) Any questions ever, just holler!! xx
You are a genius hun. Absolutely stunning. I want to stay. I love your love for yellow. I love how clean and fresh you have made this caravan yet super warming and welcoming. Xxx
Thanks lovely :) It’s take a LOT longer than Dolly 1! It’s a lot bigger but trying to decorate with twins is IMPOSSIBLE!! A word of warning for any future wallpapering you may have!! ;) xxx