Simple Ideas For Renovating Your RV

Do you have an RV that feels dated, generic or boring? Here are some simple ideas for renovating your RV that will make it feel fresh and homey.

Steve and I bought our first RV in 2006, long before we even thought about becoming The Traveling Locavores. Way back then our 35-foot Damon Intruder was brand new and, although everything was well coordinated, it was very beige inside. But at the time we had just finished completely renovating our home so decorating our RV was the furthest thing on our minds. We were also in the throws of planning our son’s wedding and that was all consuming.

When the wedding was over we began a 7 month trip that covered 23 states. Our catering days were behind us and we were doing Art Shows each weekend and “playing” during the week. At each show we seemed to pick up something colorful that we would display to add some character to our home on wheels. Then we added framed photos to our walls and suddenly our RV really felt like our home.

A few years later, in 2011, we bought an older 40-foot Newmar Dutch Star and realized that we could truly make it a home away from home by painting the walls and adding some colorful artwork. Now we are looking for another RV that we can potentially live in full time. We know that this one must have a dedicated place where I can work and it has to have a large pantry so that I can store my kitchen gear and photography props. We also know that we will do some renovating so that when people enter our roving abode they will find it welcoming, bright, cheerful and artistic.

If you are at all into RVing you have to be aware of how many RV are traveling the highways and byways. With so many different types of RVs available RV life has something to offer everyone. We’ve noticed a trend of more and more young families RVing full time while working remotely and home schooling their kids. And right alongside them are older couples like Steve and I. But for some reason RV manufacturers have not kept up with home interior design trends. But have no fear. Here are many simple ideas for renovating your RV!

You may not have considered this but RV interiors are customizable and can be completely renovated. The idea of renovating an RV may seem rather daunting and difficult to a first-time owner. However, certain small adjustments can make a huge difference, especially in a tiny space. A little goes a long way, and just a few weeks of work can have your RV looking bright, cozy and modernized in no time. After all, traveling in your tiny home on wheels is much more fun when done in style. The following are suggestions from RV Trader and me for simple projects that will make the biggest changes in your RV.

1. Decorate

Decorating can completely transform your space without requiring a complete renovation. Simple changes like fresh throw pillows, bedding, curtains, decorative blankets, wall hangings, area rugs, photos and plants can add a ton of character with only a bit of work. Decorating is all about personal preference and taste. Find items that make you happy and incorporate them throughout your RV. You can even utilize items found on your travels to remind you of the places your tiny home as taken you. When decorating a tiny space, it is usually best to keep the same theme and color scheme for the entire RV. Be sure to choose a theme that matches your personality, and the rest is up to you! Remember that a little goes a long way in a small space, and just a few items can make a big difference.

2. Add new window treatments

Swapping window treatments is one of the simplest things that makes the biggest difference. Window valances in older RVs are typically covered in busy patterns and cover a large portion of the windows. Removing these can instantly brighten up the space, let in more light, and create a much more modern look. They can easily be replaced with roller shades, accordion blinds, or curtains. You could even go with a combination of curtains and shades. If replacing the window valances entirely is outside of your comfort zone, they can easily be removed and recovered with a simpler fabric, then returned to their original position. This will allow you to choose a color scheme that matches your new RV design without overly changing the space, if that is what you prefer.

3. Change furniture

Replacing furniture is another fairly easy task that can change an entire space. Sofa beds can be easily replaced with a new futon, and recliners are easily swapped with an accent chair. IKEA has a great line of furniture geared towards small spaces. Be sure to bolt any new furniture to the floor to keep it from sliding around when you are on the move. Dinettes can also be transformed fairly easily. If yours is the type with a table and chairs, these can be easily replaced with a modern set. If you have a dinette with a table and benches, consider painting the benches and recovering the cushions. You can even add throw pillows to the dinette benches for extra comfort. This will completely change the overall look and feel of your living and dining room space.

4. Paint

Painting an RV is no small task. However, the reward is a beautiful space that will feel much more bright and airy. Many RV renovations are completed with white paint because of the openness it allows the floor plan. However, other neutral colors such as gray and beige also look nice and often stay cleaner-looking. If you are thinking about painting with bright colors, consider utilizing accent walls as a pop of color, while keeping the rest of the walls neutral colors. Remember that very bright colors can sometimes feel overpowering in a small space, so they are often best in small doses. Before you paint, there is a bit of prep work involved. First you need to decide if you want to paint the walls only or both the walls and the cabinets. Wallpaper and wooden surfaces should then be lightly sanded to remove the outer coating. Next, you should clean the walls and cabinets thoroughly. It is best to use TSP (trisodium phosphate), as it is best at removing all dirt and debris, allowing paint to better adhere to surfaces. Finally, you should begin with a coat of primer before painting with at least two coats of the final color.

5. Replace the flooring

Replacing the flooring in an RV is another task that is time-consuming yet very rewarding. Over time, the carpet in RVs becomes very worn and often somewhat dingy. If you remove the carpet, you are free to install a new floor. The most popular option is wood-look laminate flooring. Real hardwood floors are beautiful, but they are typically too heavy for a standard RV weight limit. Laminate floors are made to look like wood at a fraction of the price and weight. When choosing flooring options, you must decide between peel-and-stick floors and click-and-lock floors. Each of these types of flooring has different pros and cons, so you will need to do your research to decide which type is best for you and your RV.

6. Countertops

Replacing the countertop in the kitchen will make the area stand out. The possibilities are endless but be aware of the weight of what surface you choose. You don’t want something that will be too heavy.

7. Sink and faucet

As a chef my personal preference in sinks is the single bowl sink. However, most all RV’s come with a divided sink; and neither side is big enough for my pots and pans. So one thing I know for sure – we will be putting in a new single bowl sink when we finally buy our next RV. And along with that a commercial style faucet will be installed as well.

8. Cabinet and drawer handles

This is such an easy fix! Home improvement stores have hundreds of designs of cabinet hardware. You could make each area of your RV unique by simply changing out the hardware. Just measure the distance between the two screw holes and select handles that match up with that measurement.

There are so many more changes that can be made to RVs, but these are some of the most basic concepts. If you are new to the world of RV renovation, the idea alone may seem daunting. But have no fear, if you begin with these steps, you are sure to create a beautiful space that you will love with lots of personality..

I’d like to thank RV Trader for an assist on this post! RV Trader is the premier online classifieds site for buying and selling recreational vehicles. With over 160,000 new and pre-owned units for sale by dealers and private sellers across the country, RV Trader attracts millions of active buyers every month who visit the site in search of their next unit. To help sellers capitalize on this targeted audience, RV Trader offers a comprehensive suite of digital marketing solutions to help advertise RVs for sale to active buyers across all devices.