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.
Just amazing. Literally amazing! A new career for you??! ha ha. You talented thing…superb post and love this. Can I move in???? Fab post xxx
#HomeEtc
Haha! If we had more space — and a drive — I’d definitely consider caravan renovation as a career!! LOL!! I absolutely love it!! :)
So bright and cheerful. I must search for photos of Dolly 1. I love how bright it is and look forward to seeing the bathroom project in the future. Thank you for sharing!
Aah thanks lovely! There is a link on the post for the original Dolly! It’s in the first paragraph! Pop along and have a look at her :)
She looks amazing, that wallpaper is the perfect choice, how bright and sunny xxx
Aah thanks so much lovely! A bit of a different feel to our original Dolly, but lovely nonetheless!!
totally madly in love with your caravan!
considering to do something similar :) :)
just a little question: what kind of brand and type is this caravan and where do your 2 children sleep in it?
Hi Ellen! Aaah thanks so much :) Dolly 2 is a 4 berth ABI Tristar. We used to have a 2 berth ABI Transtar but when the boys got a little bigger we upgraded to the larger version. Dolly 2 has a double bed and bunkbeds for the boys. You can pick them up for an absolute bargain. Just make sure you pick one up that doesn’t have damp :)
wow! absolutely stunning difference! Can i ask what paint you used? I have just bought my first caravan and desperate to paint all the cabinets/shelves!
Thanks so much Laura!! That’s lovely of you! I’ve just written a blog post on exactly this, funnily enough!! Due to be published in the next couple of weeks, so stay tuned and watch this space! ;) xx
Wow amazing. My house is very shabby chic which is the style that reflects my personality and makes me feel good. So when I’m in a caravan I really struggle with the dated design, even new caravans seem dated to me. You have inspired me so much. I’ve decided to buy a cheaper caravan now instead of newish and invest in redesigning it. Can’t wait to see the blog regarding the paint you used. Also did you set a budget? I’m worried costs might spiral out of control. And has dolly 2 stood the test of time? Many thanks x
Thanks so much Deanne! I totally agree — not sure why all caravans are brown and beige inside. Even the brand new ones are so uninspiring. Dolly 1 was more shabby chic! Pop and have a look — https://thelistedhome.co.uk/caravan-makeover/ — you can see the before and after pics on that post too.
She stood the test of time for 6 years until we outgrew her and we’ve had Dolly 2 for a couple of years now. The wallpaper and paint still looks as fresh as the day we did it. We bought Dolly 2 for £750 and the renovation cost a couple of hundred pounds — plus our labour. The main things you need to budget for are paint/wallpaper/flooring/fabric (assuming you’re going to cover the seats). All the accessories can be picked up along the way! I’m working on my makeover post now — watch this space!! :)
Oh this is so inspiring – we’ve just ‘acquired’ a tired 80s/90s van with all that beige interior and I thought we were going to have to gut everything and start again, but you’ve shown how a pot of white paint, some wonderful wallpaper and laminate flooring can transform the interior with minimum ‘invasive surgery’.
Thank you
Aaah your message has made my day!! Thanks so much for getting in touch Alexandra. Apologies for my delayed response too — I’m so behind on my comments.
I’ve ‘almost’ finished a post which outlines the kind of products we used on both the caravan makeovers — I’ve just got to edit my photos and then I’ll be ready to publish :) watch this space!
This truly is a thing of beauty a joy forever! My favourite colour has always been red but now I seriously considering switching to yellow….
Aaah thanks so much Julie!! :)
Hi Caro, I’m also doing a mega caravan makeover and it’s lovely to see someone else using wallpaper – funnily enough I’ve also used Wallpaper Direct. Ha ha it must be a thing.
Exciting times Nicky!! Renovating a caravan is such good fun.
I’ve done both of my caravan makeovers with papers from Wallpaper Direct! The first was Cath Kidston, the second by Layla Faye. They definitely have the best range of wallpaper that I’ve come across — such a fabulous range; there are hundreds. Good luck with your caravan makeover!
Beautiful job! What is the shelf for that is holding the yellow pot for and what is it made from please?
Hi Susan, It’s made from glass and is integral to the caravan. We haven’t added it :) It’s so useful for increasing worktop space. Best, Caro
Wow this is absolutely stunning work, I have no idea how you have managed to do this will toddler twins! I take my hat off to you! We are looking at getting a caravan and my question would be gout to recover the seats, I love the fabric you have chosen for these they make it look beautiful, many thanks Heather x
Thanks so much Heather! That’s lovely of you!! I have a post to write on how I covered the seats! Stay tuned!
Oh I will be doing, we purchased out first ever caravan on Saturday I can’t wait to pick it up and I will be keeping my eye out for your post! Many thanks Heather
So excited for you!!! :)