Help those who are interested in remodeling their RV interior, but don’t want to give up the look of their treasured furniture with this step-by-step guide on how to design an RV interior that looks professionally done without spending an arm and a leg on redesign services. You’ll learn how to find pieces that complement each other, as well as how to mix and match pieces between your RV and your home furniture if you don’t have enough room in the vehicle to fit everything you want. This guide also includes tips on accessories you can use to give your interior a more finished look.
Use your bed as a focal point
To some extent, it could involve physically removing your bed and replacing it with an alternate furniture set. But most often, it involves placing your personal assortment of home furniture into your RV design. If you’re handy with tools, have fun reusing or repurposing pieces like tables and dressers that are no longer needed in your home. If you lack carpentry skills, consider using strategically placed mirrors and light boxes instead. RVs come equipped with built-in storage space above beds; be sure to incorporate trunks, chests or baskets into your interior design scheme so it doesn’t look like unused cabinetry is cluttering up an otherwise stunning space. What works best is a balance between form and function. For example, having your family’s treasured dining room table as a focal point in your RV’s living area can add both meaning and memories to your traveling experience – plus, it might make you feel more at home when eating meals on long road trips! Whatever collection of accessories you choose, make sure they work well together – don’t try adding too many elements that clash stylistically! That said, making use of existing decor elements from one room to another (like those beloved handcrafted knickknacks) can also provide visual interest while unifying everything into a cohesive whole.
Add color strategically
Bright, dark or neutral: Before you paint, consider whether you’d like to add color to your RV’s interior and define space, brighten up a room, incorporate personal furniture (that is too big to fit in your tiny house) or if you just want to add pops of color. And yes, personal style also matters. If your treasured furniture is inspired by Miami Vice—embrace it!
Play around with layouts
Many recreational vehicle owners move their home every few months, which means they’re always looking for ways to save space. This can mean breaking down treasured furniture, but it doesn’t have to be that way. Play around with layouts and check out RV interior design blogs or other online resources for ideas; once you find a style you like, test it in your own rig! Alternatively, search online for existing RV decorating businesses that may be able to reuse or redecorate your furniture.
Mixing materials can make it look more expensive than it really is
To give your RV a makeover on a budget, start by mixing materials—wood and metal, or leather and fabric. You don’t need a designer home staging expert to tell you that mixing textures makes any room look more expensive. If you’re going with wood, stay away from darker stains (such as mahogany) in favor of lighter ones; beige-colored carpets are always popular as well.
Keep it minimal
Don’t forget that every unnecessary item that comes along in your RV will mean extra weight—the last thing you want on a road trip. So don’t go overboard with decorations, home-staging, or any sort of superfluous items that can be easily left behind. On top of keeping things light and simple, it will save you time (and money) when deciding what to bring along with you.
Use patterned fabrics strategically
Most RVs have limited storage space, and patterned fabrics can be a great way to maximize it without losing that homey feeling. Rather than shopping for whole new furniture sets, look for slipcovers or other fabrics that allow you to reuse your own furniture. You can also use accent pillows and other home-staging tricks that help turn an RV into a comfortable residence away from home.
RV remodels often get off track because they fail to take into account all of your personal belongings. Before designing a new RV interior, it’s important that you consider all of your favorite items, and if they can be reused in your new space. By thinking through each item and its value in your life, you may find that there are some treasures that simply cannot be replaced. In those cases, make sure to bring them along on your RV remodel!