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

Michael and Karlin Daffy know comfort inside out. The couple runs their own design studio Cedar & Suede, and in their spare time they buy old vans and turn 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 those the couple owns. It took quite a bit of time to renovate, and it's still not complete.

Winnie. The kids painted an old 60s van to give it a new life. An ideal choice for a forest retreat.

Bumble. At just 3.6 meters long, it includes 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 were purchased in good condition, so they didn'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 visualize 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 good working order.

Where to Find Inspiration?

"Pinterest and Instagram," the kids answer in unison. "You can make a mood board and sketch collages for yourself. First, plan sleeping areas — space in a van is limited, but rest should be comfortable. For their children, Paddy and Stella, the couple installed bunk beds — they take up less space."

When 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 Tiny Space?

Karlin and Michael are convinced that you shouldn't clutter the space. 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 drawers shouldn't look bulky. Each door should have special latches to prevent doors from opening during travel. For the same reason, it's better not to have open shelves — items can fall when turning sharply.

Do You Need to Replace the Entire Interior?

"Some interior items can be kept to add vintage charm," the kids say. For example, if cabinet doors are in good condition, they can be updated — by adding brass mesh. Or the kitchen bench seat can be reupholstered. 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 and paint the frame with bright colors yourself. The key is to create a setting where you feel cozy.

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