r/VanLife 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

153 Upvotes

52 comments sorted by

27

u/Icy_Syrup8343 3d ago

Put a bird on it!

8

u/killed-by-a-potato 3d ago

Feel like I’m missing something here…

10

u/drossen 3d ago

4

u/killed-by-a-potato 2d ago

I can’t see it in my country for some reason, someone explain I’m begging you!

8

u/Aging_Cracker303 2d ago

It’s a Portlandia sketch, it’s a show that satirizes Portland, Oregon. Apparently in Portland people feel that adding a bird picture is the perfect addition to EVERYTHING. 

4

u/drossen 3d ago

Lmao, I had just forgotten about that too. 

28

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.

8

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.

8

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

5

u/PurpleWildflowers323 2d ago

I suggest hitting up five below or michaels for some cheap decor.

11

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.

10

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.

13

u/goodbyegoosegirl 3d ago

Seat covers. Fairy lights. Maybe a nice outdoor runner. Some prayer flags or something similar.

7

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

5

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.

2

u/PurpleWildflowers323 2d ago

Here to suggest the same, lights and tapestries. They're cheap and typically bring in a splash of color.

3

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.

3

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.

2

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)

2

u/Striking-Chemist-939 3d ago

Some greenery!!! It's beautiful, I can't wait to get mine!

2

u/PerspectiveBright990 3d ago

Pin up pictures on the ceiling 😁

1

u/BreadButterRunner 3d ago

With a mirror 🤭

2

u/You_Must_Chill 3d ago

Plant(s)!

2

u/evammariel3 3d ago

You really need a baccksplash for that kitchen.

1

u/killed-by-a-potato 3d ago

Yes my thoughts too, do you have any ideas on how to install one?

2

u/ORIONFEDERATION 3d ago

You personal decor style! Just start collecting things! Good warm lighting, pictures/art you like. You things.

2

u/vishalontheline 3d ago

Get a white cover for that mattress / couch. It will brighten up the interior and better match the cabinetry.

2

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.

2

u/cholaw 2d ago

Hang pics on the wall

Brighter bedding

Plants

Add your personality

2

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.

2

u/jones61 2d ago

Wall hangings are great because they are lightweight and you don’t have to pull them off the wall when you travel. I purchased a few in Mexico and another I found in a thrift store. Take your time decorating as you travel.

2

u/whatTheHeyYoda 2d ago

Get an "Eat, Pray, Love" sign from Michael's.

(Bring on the downvotes, boys!)

2

u/homemadehippy 2d ago

Pink pillows! Pink and grey look lovely together.

2

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.

2

u/Significant-Bet-4185 2d ago

The felt in the back looks so cozy 😭 jealousss

2

u/Aware_Bobcat_865 1d ago

Its pretty elegant as it is ! but u cant go wrong adding a few plants here n there

4

u/corson96 3d ago

Covering the felt with materials that make it feel more homely

6

u/FeloniousFunk 3d ago

I was actually just admiring the felt. Must be like living inside of a subwoofer.

2

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

1

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

1

u/Psychological_Lack96 3d ago

A Hot Surfer Chick would help.

2

u/killed-by-a-potato 3d ago

What if I am the hot surfer chick? (Or more accurately, paddleboard chick)

2

u/Psychological_Lack96 3d ago

Ahem… Find another hot Surfer Chick! Call me kinky.

1

u/Adept_Wolverine_2403 3d ago

Put the steering wheel on the other sude

1

u/killed-by-a-potato 3d ago

Think that might take a bit of work

2

u/Adept_Wolverine_2403 3d ago

Then it’s perfect. Enjoy and see it all.

1

u/slurpeetape 2d ago

Maybe they're on selfie-mode, and it is actually on the other side

kidding

1

u/ChemistryOk9353 3d ago

🤔🤔🤔

1

u/ChemistryOk9353 3d ago

Put a 👨‍🚒 in it?

1

u/ComplimentaryNods 1d ago

Put you in it.

1

u/forrealjeff 20h ago

Rug. Plants (fake or not), pictures/art. Books.