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.
This looks amazing! And so much bigger now, its incredible what a difference you’ve made! I love the yellow too :)
Aah thanks so much Nancy! I’m so pleased with it.
Amazing work. I would’ve taken one look at that caravan and run a mile. The wallpaper is fabulous!
Thanks Lianne — if I hadn’t done it once before I think I WOULD have run away when we saw the second van!! Luckily I felt fairly confident that we could make a difference! :)
Love the colours and sentiments you’ve used on Dolly Too. Thanks for hosting #HomeEtc
Thanks so much Helena :)
What an amazing transformation! Dolly Too looks so bright and comfy now! Id certainly be happy in there #twinklytuesday
Thanks Jodie :)
Oh WOW Dolly too is absolutely gorgeous! It doesn’t look like the same van. She is so bright and cheery. I love that wallpaper and I am starting to plan for when we can properly decorate, I will have to pop over to the website. I also love the floor, it makes such a massive difference. It’s a fab job Caro xxx
Thanks lovely :) I’m so pleased with it. Still a lot to do, but we’re getting there!
Wow, Caro! What an amazing transformation – Dolly Too is beautiful!
I know what you mean about them typically being grubby and generally a bit chappy – we had three caravans when I was younger. They were awful beyond measure. I would have enjoyed our weekend trips a lot more if our caravan looked like Dolly Too.
Can’t wait to see what else you do with her! Xxx
Thanks lovely :) I wouldn’t have had a good night’s sleep if we’d have left either van in their original states!! It’s just not my bag AT ALL!! There’s no need for them to be brown and horrible is there? I certainly wouldn’t want my house to look like that — not sure why they’re still made with brown wood panelling these days…!
Oh my gosh this is incredible! What an amazing makeover. I need you to do my house haha. This is so, so beautiful. I love the colour scheme, I love the prints on the walls, I love the light, I love the fabric on the chairs. It’s so perfect. Well done! xx #twinklytuesday
Thanks so much Chloe! Got to get cracking on the exterior next year — really looking forward to doing that! :)
Oh wow, its amazing, I loved Dolly and Dolly Too is beautiful too. You clearly have a good eye for creating a great caravan. x
Haha! Thanks so much Caroline!! x
My word, I had never actually realised you would bother with updating the interior of a caravan. This, however, looks magnificent. Great work. Thanks for hosting #TwinklyTuesday
Haha! I couldn’t have slept in it, looking like it was in the beginning!! Our first van was the same — I couldn’t wait to get the paints out!! :)
You have done such an amazing job it looks amazing!! You can really see how much work, time, effort and thought you guys have put into it! Love that it’s called Dolly too very cute! Xx
Thanks so much pet — it really did take a lot of time, this time round! Everything takes five times as long when you have little ones in tow! :)