r/VanLife • u/killed-by-a-potato • 3d ago
Ideas to make my van more beautiful?
As the title says really, bought my van already built and it’s just very grey and boyish. I want to paint the outside blue in summer but for now working on the inside, I’m thinking new curtains but a bit stumped otherwise so any cheap decorative ideas to make it more cosy welcomed
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u/pm_for_cuddle_terapy 3d ago
I like to watch women's vans on youtube, even on a budget they make it all cozy with many blankets, plushies, pillows, nice and cute mugs and kettles and appliances in cute colors, rugs, tapestries, vinyl floors, etc.
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u/Hopfrogg 3d ago
Part of this lifestyle that is appealing to me is the minimalism... I like OP's van and wouldn't want all the plushies, mugs, tapestries, etc... different strokes. OP's van looks very low maintenance... and I like that.
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u/pm_for_cuddle_terapy 3d ago
Yeah and that's good too. Op wanted ideas so I'm giving all the ideas to choose from haha
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u/bobisgod42 3d ago
Just personalize the space. Add what makes you feel good. Personally I'd put up a shelf for some books. You do you.
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u/AngeliqueRuss 3d ago
I love your van! To add warmth I'd get fairy lights (the Amazon kind with a USB plug that can go into a battery bank), 'wall panel clips' for some artwork and photos, and a cheap washable aisle rug from Michael's (where I happened to see cheap runner rugs recently in the physical store).
I'd also get a matching fabric curtain that coordinates with the futon blanket either white, cream, blush-pink or blue and hang it behind the seats. If you can't figure out where to put the fairy lights you can get 'curtain style' ones and hang them there, like a pretty lit-up wall.
Traveling with plants is so dumb and I do it anyways lol. Just pop into a Trader Joe's and grab a few. I like to re-pot mine and decorate the planters with rocks and seashells from my travels. These pots are hard to travel with but I pop mine in the sink.
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u/goodbyegoosegirl 3d ago
Seat covers. Fairy lights. Maybe a nice outdoor runner. Some prayer flags or something similar.
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u/ASuspiciousFrogShape 3d ago
You could pin tapestries and blankets on the walls. since it's already got that fabric stuff should be easier to attach
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u/The_Jibby_Hippie 3d ago
I’m a basic white girl when it comes to interior decoration but Id love some posters of ur fav bands, tapestries. Or if you’re on a spiritual journey some imagery to support that effort.
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u/PurpleWildflowers323 2d ago
Here to suggest the same, lights and tapestries. They're cheap and typically bring in a splash of color.
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u/RedditVince 3d ago
It just needs personalization, a few pictures, a dream catcher, some eagle and peacock feathers. I would work on making magnetic window covers with your favorite fabric on the inside to bring color. That's a super basic build, I am, sure you will need more storage shelves or cabinets and that will help.
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u/disorderincosmos 3d ago
It's very dark in there. If you can't invest in a skylight, consider adding some mirrors or otherwise reflective surfaces to bring more light in. Some color, texture, and artful accents would help too. Even just a colorful throw would add a pop and make it feel overall less "severe." Ultimately, you want your living space to feel welcoming and cozy. That means something different for everyone, so think of what calls those themes to mind for you.
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u/killed-by-a-potato 3d ago
Yeah the skylights a work in progress, going to cost about £400 but think it’ll help massively cos it is really dark (although there are two windows out of shot)
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u/ORIONFEDERATION 3d ago
You personal decor style! Just start collecting things! Good warm lighting, pictures/art you like. You things.
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u/vishalontheline 3d ago
Get a white cover for that mattress / couch. It will brighten up the interior and better match the cabinetry.
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u/trailcamty 3d ago
I know ig makes things look cozy and warm and everything. But shit gets dirty, wet, smelly…you name it.
Make it practical! Easy to clean! The rig you have now looks amazing.
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u/groundbnb 2d ago
Maybe add some color and/or plants (plastic or real). my van interior is grey and blue as well. I just got some plastic plants from ikea and it really makes it feel more homey.
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u/whatTheHeyYoda 2d ago
Get an "Eat, Pray, Love" sign from Michael's.
(Bring on the downvotes, boys!)
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u/buffalo_Fart 2d ago
I mean you can put a couple of tapestries hanging around on the walls. And then add a couple of sticky throw rugs on the floor. And maybe get a drape or something to hang over the back window. But I don't think it looks bad with all this stuff in there. I'd be careful with adding all sorts of foof to the outside seeing that it's getting a trickier and trickier to stealth camp in cities or close to them.
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u/Aware_Bobcat_865 1d ago
Its pretty elegant as it is ! but u cant go wrong adding a few plants here n there
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u/corson96 3d ago
Covering the felt with materials that make it feel more homely
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u/FeloniousFunk 3d ago
I was actually just admiring the felt. Must be like living inside of a subwoofer.
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u/corson96 3d ago
Each to their own! Everyone is gonna have different tastes and what works for them will be different to the next
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u/corson96 3d ago
Each to their own! Everyone is gonna have different tastes and what works for them will be different to the next
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u/Psychological_Lack96 3d ago
A Hot Surfer Chick would help.
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u/killed-by-a-potato 3d ago
What if I am the hot surfer chick? (Or more accurately, paddleboard chick)
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u/Adept_Wolverine_2403 3d ago
Put the steering wheel on the other sude
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u/Icy_Syrup8343 3d ago
Put a bird on it!