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Before & After: A Cheap & Cheerful Makeover of a 1980s Caravan
Armed with an AU$1500 budget, a Melbourne couple rolled up their sleeves and transformed a caravan in just three months
In this Q&A series, we turn the spotlight on one thought-provoking renovation, redesign or new build each week. Here, Melbourne-based DIY specialist Christine Fuller reveals how she and her partner upcycled their dreary 1980s caravan in record time for just AU$1,500, resulting in a delightfully retro new look.
Before Photo
The sleeping area before works.
How did you plan to use it?
For now, we will just be enjoying short getaways on weekends around our work schedules, but we would love to plan something bigger down the track.
Our two cocker spaniels, Lilo and Stitch, are the biggest fans of caravanning, so they will always be by our side on our adventures.
Ready to redecorate? Find an interior designer near you on Houzz
How did you plan to use it?
For now, we will just be enjoying short getaways on weekends around our work schedules, but we would love to plan something bigger down the track.
Our two cocker spaniels, Lilo and Stitch, are the biggest fans of caravanning, so they will always be by our side on our adventures.
Ready to redecorate? Find an interior designer near you on Houzz
Fuller designed and crafted an arched bedhead in foam sheets finished in two coats of concrete render and two coats of paint for AU$150.
What was your budget for the makeover?
We set a rough budget of AU$1,500 and are sitting around this cost at the near completion of the project. I did not factor in the exterior paint job, which is yet to be done.
We saved so much money by doing the entire renovation ourselves. Even basic jobs, such as changing the tapware ourselves, saved the cost of calling out a plumber.
Another big money-saver was reupholstering the bench seats myself. Those sewing classes as a teenager came in handy! My only expense for the bench seats were the fabric and buttons as I was able to reuse the existing foam.
By shopping in Spotlight’s clearance section, I was able to score all the fabric for AU$70 and spent a further AU$16 on buttons.
What was your budget for the makeover?
We set a rough budget of AU$1,500 and are sitting around this cost at the near completion of the project. I did not factor in the exterior paint job, which is yet to be done.
We saved so much money by doing the entire renovation ourselves. Even basic jobs, such as changing the tapware ourselves, saved the cost of calling out a plumber.
Another big money-saver was reupholstering the bench seats myself. Those sewing classes as a teenager came in handy! My only expense for the bench seats were the fabric and buttons as I was able to reuse the existing foam.
By shopping in Spotlight’s clearance section, I was able to score all the fabric for AU$70 and spent a further AU$16 on buttons.
Before Photo
The kitchen before works.
What was the cost breakdown?
What was the cost breakdown?
- Bench seat: AU$86 for eight metres of fabric and buttons.
- Kitchen benchtop: AU$169.
- Sink: AU$106.
- Tap: AU$63.
- Kitchen cabinet handles: AU$125.
- Paint and primer: AU$295.
- Selleys Wet Area Matt White Silicone Sealant: AU$18.70.
- Flooring: AU$170.
- Bedhead: AU$150.
Self-adhesive stick-on tiles: Kmart; Saljan laminate benchtop: Ikea; Decaura brass mixer tap: purchased on eBay.
We were incredibly lucky to have purchased the caravan in excellent condition and to have knowledge of its history, as it was purchased from family. We were able to keep all the cabinetry, aside from the new wardrobe, which we built ourselves. A fresh coat of paint and new handles made a huge difference to their appearance.
We kept the original frames in the kitchen and dining area, and just replaced the old benchtop, sink and tap. To give the kitchen a crisp, elevated appearance, I finished the benchtop edges with Selleys Matt White Silicone Sealant.
I splurged a little on cupboard handles, purchasing Ruffle Clam handles from Pineapple Traders, paired with simple, low-cost drawer knobs.
Need a carpenter to realise your storage dreams? Find one on Houzz.
We were incredibly lucky to have purchased the caravan in excellent condition and to have knowledge of its history, as it was purchased from family. We were able to keep all the cabinetry, aside from the new wardrobe, which we built ourselves. A fresh coat of paint and new handles made a huge difference to their appearance.
We kept the original frames in the kitchen and dining area, and just replaced the old benchtop, sink and tap. To give the kitchen a crisp, elevated appearance, I finished the benchtop edges with Selleys Matt White Silicone Sealant.
I splurged a little on cupboard handles, purchasing Ruffle Clam handles from Pineapple Traders, paired with simple, low-cost drawer knobs.
Need a carpenter to realise your storage dreams? Find one on Houzz.
What did you upcycle and what did you buy new?
To keep costs down, we upcycled the majority of the front half of the van. This included keeping the kitchen layout and upcycling the cabinetry, as well as keeping the frame of the built-in bench seating and reusing the foam inserts.
There were two mustard night lamps above the bed – I liked their retro vibe, but not so much the colour, so I repainted them so they were a better fit for the new look of the van. I also salvaged the old hinges by giving them a light spray paint with White Knight Metal Guard in Brass. They came up a treat.
After ripping out the old wardrobe, vanity station and bed area, we worked out a new, more practical layout for the bedroom zone. We looked into purchasing a double bed frame, but due to the curve of the caravan walls, we opted to make the frame ourselves for a flush finish. I used a sheet of MDF, foam and concrete render to make the new bedhead. Absolutely not a necessity, but I love the final result.
To keep costs down, we upcycled the majority of the front half of the van. This included keeping the kitchen layout and upcycling the cabinetry, as well as keeping the frame of the built-in bench seating and reusing the foam inserts.
There were two mustard night lamps above the bed – I liked their retro vibe, but not so much the colour, so I repainted them so they were a better fit for the new look of the van. I also salvaged the old hinges by giving them a light spray paint with White Knight Metal Guard in Brass. They came up a treat.
After ripping out the old wardrobe, vanity station and bed area, we worked out a new, more practical layout for the bedroom zone. We looked into purchasing a double bed frame, but due to the curve of the caravan walls, we opted to make the frame ourselves for a flush finish. I used a sheet of MDF, foam and concrete render to make the new bedhead. Absolutely not a necessity, but I love the final result.
Cabinetry painted in Fuzzy Peach: Dulux; walls painted in Natural White: Dulux.
Rebuilding the wardrobe was a bit of an expense, but the layout made more sense for our needs and we were able to customise it to what we liked.
Finally, there were some brand new, non-DIY purchases we made. To bring the van from vintage to modern retro, we replaced the kitchen handles, benchtop, tapware and sink. I also used stick-on tiles to modernise the kitchen splashback, which were also a great option for keeping the weight of the van down.
I am a sucker for good bed linen, so I made the most of the Black Friday Sales and purchased new bedding from I Love Linen and retro cushions from Society of Wanderers. I love mixing splurge and save items to create a unique space.
Browse images of retro mid-century Australian kitchens on Houzz
Rebuilding the wardrobe was a bit of an expense, but the layout made more sense for our needs and we were able to customise it to what we liked.
Finally, there were some brand new, non-DIY purchases we made. To bring the van from vintage to modern retro, we replaced the kitchen handles, benchtop, tapware and sink. I also used stick-on tiles to modernise the kitchen splashback, which were also a great option for keeping the weight of the van down.
I am a sucker for good bed linen, so I made the most of the Black Friday Sales and purchased new bedding from I Love Linen and retro cushions from Society of Wanderers. I love mixing splurge and save items to create a unique space.
Browse images of retro mid-century Australian kitchens on Houzz
Clearance fabric: Spotlight; vinyl flooring: Bunnings.
How long did the makeover take you?
The interior makeover was sporadically completed during weekends over a three-month period.
What took the longest?
Painting the walls, ceiling and all the cabinetry. Between drying times, I worked on upholstering the new seat cushions.
How long did the makeover take you?
The interior makeover was sporadically completed during weekends over a three-month period.
What took the longest?
Painting the walls, ceiling and all the cabinetry. Between drying times, I worked on upholstering the new seat cushions.
What inspired the colour palette?
I wanted to create something very different to the vibe of our own home. The goal was to create a caravan that paid homage to its retro quirks, but with a fresh new lease on life.
Peach is one of my favourite colours, so when I sold my fiancé on the idea of a peach kitchen, it was full-steam ahead on the Palm Springs vibe.
When finalising the finer details, I went with a low-sheen paint, matt flooring and matt benchtop.
I wanted to create something very different to the vibe of our own home. The goal was to create a caravan that paid homage to its retro quirks, but with a fresh new lease on life.
Peach is one of my favourite colours, so when I sold my fiancé on the idea of a peach kitchen, it was full-steam ahead on the Palm Springs vibe.
When finalising the finer details, I went with a low-sheen paint, matt flooring and matt benchtop.
What advice would you give others undertaking a similar project?
Depending on your level of experience, choose a caravan that will challenge you, but that you also feel comfortable completing. We knew we wanted a quick turnaround for the reno, so we were looking for something that needed minimal layout changes and with existing cabinetry in good condition.
And get involved in the online caravan-renovating community. You’ll find so many people are willing to share their tips and experiences.
As for my final tip? However long you think something will take to complete, add a little extra time.
Your turn
Do you dream of undertaking a caravan makeover? Tell us in the Comments below. And don’t forget to save these images for your own renovation inspiration, like this story and join the conversation.
More
Like to see another caravan transformation? Don’t miss this funky Before & After: A ’70s Vintage Caravan Gets a Delightful New Look
Depending on your level of experience, choose a caravan that will challenge you, but that you also feel comfortable completing. We knew we wanted a quick turnaround for the reno, so we were looking for something that needed minimal layout changes and with existing cabinetry in good condition.
And get involved in the online caravan-renovating community. You’ll find so many people are willing to share their tips and experiences.
As for my final tip? However long you think something will take to complete, add a little extra time.
Your turn
Do you dream of undertaking a caravan makeover? Tell us in the Comments below. And don’t forget to save these images for your own renovation inspiration, like this story and join the conversation.
More
Like to see another caravan transformation? Don’t miss this funky Before & After: A ’70s Vintage Caravan Gets a Delightful New Look
Who owns this caravan: Christine Fuller and her partner
Location: Melbourne, Victoria
What made you want to tackle a caravan makeover?
My fiancé and I grew up caravanning as kids and loved it, so it was something we always wanted to do together when the timing was right. It wasn’t long after buying our forever home that we were on the hunt for the perfect van project.
We bought this 1984 Jayco caravan, which came with all its original fixtures, in early 2022.