While he has to figure out tedious details like wiring, roofing, and wall panel materials, I'm brainstorming ideas for the interior of our camper. I would LOVE feedback from some of you crafty, design savvy ladies out there. (Most of my friends are more talented at decorating than I am!)
We have decided to build our trailer into a mobile bunk house. We want to comfortably sleep a big family and be able to easily stow our camping gear, kayaks, and bicycles. Room for showering is not a priority, and even cooking is easier outdoors (when its for a lot of people. There will be some seating so that if it's cold or rainy we can get inside.
Here's our list of wants:
- Comfy beds
- bunks that fits lots of kids
- electric lighting (can run off battery/solar panel)
- microwave oven
- air conditioner (would need generator to run)
- seating area
- counter area for small meal prep
- storage custom designed to hold gear
Here's what we can go without:
- bathroom
- water lines (sinks)
- propane lines (gas cooktop or oven)
- carpet
- recliners and seating areas for smaller numbers of people
So our working design plans for...
A queen bed in the rear, over the trunk area. I want to use the original glass sconces and have retro light fixtures over the bed. I'm also considering a curtain that pulls across the bed to divide it from the other sleeping area.Vinyl faux wood floor.
Shelves along one wall fitted with custom cushions. The cushioned shelves function as small bunks for kids or cushions can be removed to use for gear storage.
Futon/couch that folds out into twin bed
Cabinets with storage for camping utensils, microwave oven overhead, and countertop workspace. I want to have a stow-able tin wash basin to use for washing dishes (and babies?) I have to decide what material to use for the countertop. If it's small enough I may be able to find a piece of granite. Would that be too fancy?
Folding picnic table in the front for dining seating. While traveling it could be stowed and area could be used for bicycles. Table could also be taken outside and kids could sleep on floor of area.
LED lights for interior. You can get tracks of LEDs that can do different colors. Would have dining and sleeping areas on different switches so they could be turned on/off separately.
DECOR to make trailer look cuter than typical campers. Why else do a custom redo??? I want to do an all white interior with a few accents in a pale aqua. I like clean, modern, simple decor. Not too much STUFF--the camper will already be filled with all kinds of gear (hopefully out of sight). I plan to sew pleated curtains for all the windows. I have to figure out how to install them (tracks, rods?) and what color of fabric to do. I've been saving ideas on my pinterest board.
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| white interior camper |
Of course as we go along we'll see what actually works. What excites me about building it is the thought of a cute space that doesn't break the bank to experiment with decor.
This trailer is going to make getting out with our big family easier--just pack food and clothes and the rest is already there. We can take it on multi-day trips and on longer road trips and avoid more expensive lodging like hotels. We'll still do tent camping for trailer-inaccessible areas. Plus we still LOVE backpacking. But when you have a bunch of kids its nice to have more ways to get outside. Our trailer is cheaper than a cabin and basically the same (no running water!). We can bring it to as many different locations as we can dream of to explore.
