Personal Experience: How an Old Van Was Transformed into a Cozy Home

Michael and Karlin Daffy know all about comfort. The couple runs their own design studio Cedar & Suede, and in their free time they buy old vans and transform them into cozy homes on wheels. The family already includes Millie, Winnie, Dolly, and Bumble, who is soon heading to an auction.

Dolly is the largest van among all they own. It took quite a bit of time to renovate, and it's still not finished.

Winnie. The kids painted an old 60s van to give it a second life. An ideal option for forest retreats.

Bumble. It's only 3.6 meters long, but inside it has a gas stove, sleeping areas, and storage systems.

Millie is associated with the sea and relaxation. For the couple, this van became a country house.

How to buy a good van?

"Be attentive to details," warns Karlin. "All our vans are purchased in good condition, so they don't require additional painting or surface replacement. Often there's a film on the body of old vans that can't be removed by oneself."

The kids believe it's important to immediately imagine how the van will look after renovation and estimate how much you're willing to pay for it. A key point: there should be no rust on the frame, and wheel bearings must be in working order.

Where to find inspiration?

"Pinterest and Instagram," the kids reply in unison. "You can create a mood board and sketch collages for yourself. First of all, plan sleeping areas — there's little space in a van, but rest should be comfortable. For their children, Paddy and Stella, the couple installed bunk beds — they take up less space."

Once you've planned the content, choose a general color palette for the interior. Based on that, decide on materials. For example, Karlin is a fan of white glossy tiles and wooden floors. She's convinced that materials should be affordable and practical.

How to organize a small space?

Karlin and Michael are convinced that the space shouldn't be cluttered. If there's no room for standard beds, make custom ones with mattresses. Also, ensure everything fits the dimensions of the van — even a refrigerator.

Cabinets and boxes shouldn't look bulky. Each door should have special latches to prevent doors from opening during movement. For the same reason, it's better not to have open shelves — items may fall when turning sharply.

Do you need to replace everything inside?

"Some interior items can be left to add vintage charm," the kids say. For example, if cabinet doors are in good condition, they can be upgraded — by adding brass mesh. Or reupholster the kitchen bench seat. The only thing they always recommend replacing is plumbing.

Where can you save money?

On jobs you can do yourself: paint the walls, lay laminate, install cabinets. You can sew curtains yourself and brighten up the frame with colorful paint. The key is to create a setting where you feel comfortable.

What can you make on the countryside yourself?

Ideas we spotted in Scandinavian cabins