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.
Caro I can’t actually believe I am looking at two pictures of the same caravan here – this is the best makeover I’ve ever seen! It’s utterly gorgeous, just perfect, the wallpaper is spot on and I love all the little details that tie it all in. You are going to have so much fun in Dolly Too next summer! #HomeEtc xx
Thanks so much Poppy!! Cannot WAIT to go off on lots of adventures!!! Absolutely loved the original Dolly — we’re going to have SO much fun in Dolly Too :) x
Wow!! You have worked SO hard! It looks amazing. I can well imagine how many hours of labour that transformation took which, like you say is a herculean task with two little ones to accommodate! I absolutely love the yellow. Were you able to buy the co-ordinating mugs from the same designer or was that just a happy co-incidence? Well done you two! That is an outstanding update. #HomeEtc xx
Thanks pet — it has been a labour of love that’s for sure. Wallpapering so many small, fiddly walls is pretty hard. But hey! It’s done now :) Mugs were from elsewhere — I’ve just been picking up bits and pieces from all over the place as we go along! x
Just realised I’ve used the wrong hashtag in my comment!! Gah! Sorry! You can tell it’s early, I’m obviously still thinking it’s Tuesday! Are you able to edit the comment? D’oh! xx
Hahaha!! I didn;t even notice!! LOL! Have been in and changed it now — thanks for letting me know!! ;) x
love love love this makeover! what a huge difference. I love yellow and have been sneaking it in wherever I can. (I’ve just bought a yellow graphic print shade from john lewis which will look perfect in Dolly Too ( I quite liked Lionel but he definitely looks like a she!) #HomeEtc
HA! We were totally set on Lionel but everytime the boys saw her they shouted ‘IT’S DOLLY!!’ — so that was that!! You can’t argue with a 2 year old. And especially not TWO two year olds!! ;)
This is amazing Caro! Whenever I see these it reminds me of what great things can be achieved with a bit of hard work.
I love the wallpaper and the white paint changed the whole feeling of the caravan! I cant wait to get well and be able to do more decorating etc. I was going to do my daughter’s room but decided to leave it for now as I’m actually thinking of looking for a new home- with better wheelchair access etc so will wait until we move to do up the rooms (or get someone to do it for me) as i obviously cant do it myself.
Angela x
The white paint is the thing that really changes the feel of it. Particularly painting the ceiling — you suddenly feel that the whole space it so much lighter and brighter! You’ll get there with your decorating pet :)
Sorry I’m a bit late to the party on this one but I’ve just bought an ugly duckling ‘fixer upper’ – Dolly Too is a thing of beauty, what paints did you use to freshen the ceilings/walls that weren’t papered and to cover the mass of wood effect?
Hi Louise! Aaah exciting times ahead for you! This post has the answers to your questions — https://thelistedhome.co.uk/tips-for-decorating-a-caravan-interior/ — good luck!! :)
Dolly Too is totally adorable – you are just such a clever lady you really are. She looks amazing and so bright and vibrant you couldn’t help but have a wonderful happy time every time you take her away. I bet you can’t wait. Well done on achieving all of that with your twins in tow!!
Linking up with #HomeEtc linky
Sammy xxx
Thanks lovely! I associate Dolly with adventures — whenever Dickie used to pull up outside with her in tow I’d get SO excited! I’m SO looking to making lots of happy memories for us and the twins with Dolly Too :D
Wow, this is AMAZING! I would never think to use wallpaper in a caravan, but you have totally transformed it! What a fab space for holidays – so bright and cheery, I absolutely love it. Loving all of the little details you’ve added too, you really do have such a talent x
Thanks pet! I was so sad when we said goodbye to Dolly but am loving this new van! Can’t wait to have lots of adventures in her! x
Caro, lovely lady, this is absolutely stunning. Beautiful. The transformation is amazing!!! It can’t be the same caravan. Can it?! The original looked very much like the interior of the caravans my parents had when I was a child. You are so talented. I love the freshness and cheeriness. And it is so YOU. The wallpaper makes it for me. And you have given me hope that we can transform are very dated and disgusting kitchen. How did you do that seating? It is fab! Hugs Mrs H xxxx
Aaah thanks lovely :) It doesn’t look like the same van does it?! I’m looking forward to doing the exterior next — then it really will look like a totally different caravan! ;) xx
Oh Caro this is gorgeous! I feel compelled to go and buy a caravan immediately. Amazing work! x
DO IT!! Honestly. Initially we were looking at motorhomes but you have to pay tax, mot and insurance on them. PLUS they’re mega expensive! Caravans are cheap as chips and you don’t pay anything to keep them, as they’re classed a trailer and not a vehicle. PLUS you can turn them into a cute little house ;) xx
This transformation is quite unbelievable! What a massive achievement Caro, you must have worked so hard I just don’t know how you do it but looking at these pictures it must be worth it. It all looks so beautiful and the wallpaper is just perfect, really lifts the whole thing (and sits nicely with your lovely Home print) I look forward to more caravan posts! I’m going to send this to my mum, her and her partner are thinking of getting a caravan and I think this might just inspire her! xx
Thanks lovely!! It seemed like a lot more work, this time round, as we had the boys with us! When we first did the original Dolly, we were on our own and it only took 2 or 3 weekends. Dolly Too has taken the whole summer!! That said, it’s a bigger van and we did a LOT more wallpapering too! Tell your mum to go for it — honestly — buying a caravan is one of the best things we’ve EVER done. Festivals and camping trips are SO much fun :D xx