You know this – otherwise you wouldn’t have bought, or thought about buying, an RV. Sometimes, though, RVs are just plain flat-out ugly. I’ve bought 2 in my lifetime. [types]. Both were under $200, though… So you get what you pay for. Not to mention that I didn’t even know about The RV Makeover Bible, at the time. This lifesaving book says that the most common remodeling projects to RVs are replacing the dinette, repainting walls, and upgrading the flooring and furniture and windows. So, everything basically. We want to be happy campers, right? But replacing and upgrading everything leaves little to the DIY free spirit that you are. You need secrets that not everybody knows about, to really make your RV feel more like you. Here are 6 of those secrets:
1. Tailour the Woodwork
The biggest complaint with RVs is no shocker: the woodwork. Why do RVS come with such laughable woodwork designs? They’re cheap, for one. Low cost. Saves time installing them. Maybe they were even vogue at one point during RV manufacturing. Whatever the reason – it’s likely that you want to replace the woodwork. How just do you go about doing that? Good ol’ fashioned interior painting. The next thing you can do is replace the windows yourself. You can check your local hardware store for windows.
2. Paint
I read in a home décor magazine, to find a design that’s totally you, to look no further than your wardrobe; your fashion colour and patterns should dictate your home colour design. Let’s take it one step further: extend your fashion/home sense to your RV. Look at the main colours of your wardrobe – what is it about this colour you like so much? Why not paint your RV in a lighter (or darker) shade of that? I personally love royal blue décor colours for my home and clothes. Finally, after you’re done repainting your new home-away-from-home, take it one more step further and think about silver/gold/platinum lever handles to your cabinets. Why not? There’s no drawback to replacing the plastic or wooden “bulbs” that pass off for handles in RVs. Everything we’re doing right now is for the benefit of radiating new and fresh in your RV.
3. Pets
I don’t know ANYONE who likes leaving their pets at home when they’re travelling, do you? I take my Suki (a 15 year old Siamese/Persian cat) whenever I’m gone for more than a day. For two reasons: 1) we’ll miss each other too much, and 2) I can’t trust my neighbours to refill her water dish. Animals are just like humans: going days without water will kill them. That’s why investing in TORUS, a water bowl specifically designed for RVs. Why? The bowl is high enough for your pets to drink, but low enough so it isn’t splashing everywhere. I didn’t even know about this time-saving bowl until I came across this comprehensive list of RV hacks.
4. Lights
Many pendants and small lightings add a whimsical aura of elegance to any space; be it home, an office, hallway, or RV. Some of the smaller ones are pricy, but are well worth every cent. I personally love chandeliers – they make family time so much more classy and elegant. Like we’re a luxurious family that can afford to travel each and every single day, forgetting about the drama troubles waiting back home. Something about low-hanging lights just adds a touch of… Something. I don’t know what, but I love it.
5. Exciting Colors and Patterns
Nothing brightens up a small space more than vibrant colors and fun patterns. If you don’t want to go as far as painting the walls of your RV, simply buy some pillows with bright colors, drape the sofa with a fun patterned blanket, or cover the floor with a rug. Earlier, we talked about painting, right? Right. But we didn’t talk about what to paint. Yes, you can paint the kitchen royal blue or paint the bathroom any exciting colour you want. Whatever colour you go with, be exciting! Something amazing. Colours that’ll make you want to stay in your RV and forget about camping altogether. For interesting patterns, rugs are a go-to necessity. Sadly, some rugs in some RVs are like wearing blue pants and a purple shirt – it just doesn’t work. Not to mention the practicality of rugs; people’s feet shuffling them everywhere, dirtying them up with good ol’ nature. It can be frustrating, and the more worn rugs get, the less attractive they are – defeating the entire purpose of buying them and ugh! (I love rugs. I have a [rug design] in my entranceway that just oozes relaxation out of me. So yeah – dishelveled, expensive rugs that serve no purpose irk me.) Thankfully, DIY projects are a lifesaver. With a wealth of DIY rug solutions out there, turning cheap rubber mats into expensive-looking, insanely-practical floor mats can be done in a weekend. You can even do it with the entire family, if they can be bothered to put down their phones and PS3 controllers.
6. Bedsheets
Bedsheets are the worst; they slip off constantly, they’re always getting dirty… It’s a chore just to keep them in the pristine condition I bought them in. Aside from the wheel, your family will probably be spending the most time on your trip in their beds. Make that time worthwhile and comfortable. And that’s not including the bedsheets in RVs – they’re even more terrible. If you’re an experienced RV’er, you know what I’m talking about. That’s why a fitted sheet and mattress protector all-in-one is vital for the luxury of your RV. It comes in four different colours, is non-allergenic (which was wonderful news for my spouse), and can fit the sizes of many beds. It’s something to think about.
Last Thoughts
I hope a dozen or more ideas have flooded your brain today – RV camping isn’t just about driving the entire family away for a getaway. It’s an experience. Most of the time, RVs bought from manufacturers are just plain boring. Sprucing up your own RV can take just a few days or an entire week. As always in life, you get out what you put into it. Safe travels out there. Featured photo credit: pixabay.com via pixabay.com
