Remember we once did a caravan renovation? Took an ugly little van and turned her into something lovely? Well, last month, I mentioned that we’d traded our beloved caravan — Dolly — in for a ‘new’, larger model.
I use the term ‘new’ very loosely. The new van may have preceded her chronologically but certainly not in any other areas.
If Dolly needed a bit of updating when we first bought her, this new van needed an entire facelift.
Pretty she aint.
Another caravan makeover was definitely in order!
**grim interiors warning — the following shots are not for the faint hearted**
The Before Pictures
The During Pictures
I have got LOTS more ‘before’ photographs that I could show you.
But I’ve always tried to maintain my blog as a happy place; a collection of beautiful things.
The pre-makeover photographs set my teeth on edge (and make me feel a little bit queasy) so I think I’ll leave it there.
Little by little over the summer months — with the help of some lovely paper from Wallpaper Direct — my boy and I transformed the very ugly little tin box, you see in the snaps above, into something rather lovely.
No mean feat when you have twin toddlers in tow, I can tell you ;)
Fresh And Modern
We wanted something a little different from our first van; which was a vision in Cath Kidston.
For her successor, we wanted something bright and fresh and a little more graphic.
Wallpaper Direct have literally got the best choice.
Whatever your taste — or style — they’ve definitely got something to suit. sweetshop.
Initially, I was thinking along the lines of Orla Keily but ended up being swayed by the gorgeous designs of Verity Wilkinson’s Layla Faye range.
For the living quarters of the van, we chose ‘Daisy Chain Small‘, a gorgeous yellow and white graphic print with a retro edge.
We’ve also chosen a coordinating print for the bathroom area but I’ll keep that under my hat until we’ve finished those renovations! One thing at a time — that may be a job for the spring ;)
We’ve no curtains, blinds or proper cushions yet but — those things aside — this little van is well on the way to becoming a perfect little home from home.
A warm and cosy place, for us to enjoy camping trips and festivals.
The After Pictures
Caravan Renovation: Almost Complete
It just goes to show that wallpaper is so versatile.
It really shouldn’t just be restricted to the walls of a house — it can be used on furniture, ceilings — even an ugly little caravan can benefit from a little bit of pattern and colour!
There’s still a LOT to do though.
Lots more finishing off inside — plus I have some very ambitious plans for the outside of this funny little box on wheels. Bear with me, as I can foresee there may be a fair few ‘caravan related’ posts coming up over the next few months ;)
And What Have We Called This Caravan?
For anyone wondering what we’ve christened this little van?
Well, initially she was Lionel (don’t ask).
Then she was Wendy (Wendy-House — on wheels).
But for two little boys — who have only ever understood that a caravan is called ‘Dolly’ — it was very, very difficult to persuade them that this new van had any other name.
So everyone, please be upstanding for…
‘Dolly Too’.
Some Other Caravan Renovation Posts You Might Like
I've written various posts about Dolly 2. Everything from how I painted the exterior, to the final guided tour.
emmasouthlondon says
Hi Caro,
I realise this is a very old thread but hope you’re still there for some advice!
I’ve been studying your caravan posts as we work out our own project with an old van. Please can I ask for two tips – what did you do about the plastic joins between wallboards and ceiling boards – ours are orange and I want it all white; can I paint over them or will the paint not stick to the plastic – I can t find new white joins so think we are going to have to keep the old ones?
Also can you make a recommendation. For the best paint to use for interior that’s available in the UK?
Thanks so much in advance, and really, congratulations again on your amazing work – it’s so inspirational!
Emma x.
Caro Davies says
Hi Emma, thanks for your message! Even though this is an old post, the blog is still very much live! I’ve just written a post on painting the exterior, funnily enough.
Re the plastic joins — I painted them all. You can see pics in the Tips For Decorating a Caravan post. I used cupboard makeover paint and emulsion.
Hope this helps! Caro xx
Rona Campbell says
Hi Cara, we have just taken charge of our caravan. I am looking at wallpapering the ” walls”. They are cureently covered in a vinyl type covering. Any advice as to how to get make sure my Orla Kiely wallper will stick?
Caro Davies says
Hi Rona! I literally wallpapered straight over ours!! Both Dolly’s had wooden effect vinyl walls and I pasted the walls AND the paper, really well, and it stuck a treat!! If you’re really worried — particularly as the Orla wallpaper is pricey — I would suggest buying a roll of lining-paper and using that to test it out. Once you’re satisfied that it’s stuck well, you can literally wallpaper over the top! Let me know how you get on!! xx
Shannon Louise Merchant says
Hi caro,
I love how you have done the caravans up. I have one and am struggling on how to change the fabric on the curtains and on the seats any tips or guidance on this?? Xxx
Caro Davies says
Thanks so much Shannon :) I didn’t change the curtains on Dolly 1 — they were plain and I didn’t mind them. And with Dolly 2, I removed them completely!! They were so horrible and I decided that — as we have blackout blinds on most of the windows — I’d just get rid of the curtains, as it looked much cleaner and simpler!
I have made loose covers each time for both Dollies — they were really, really simple to make! I don’t have amazing sewing skills so I promise you, if I can do it, anyone can!! I plan to write a post showing how I did it. Watch this space! x
Leeskid2 says
Found your post on Oi retest and just had to read your post! Love it! You’ve done an awesome job remaking Dolly Too yours! Looks so inviting and cheerful ?.
Would you tell me, is the wallpaper a special type? Vinyl? Prepasted? Did you need any special adhesive? We’re in the process of updating a 1999 30ft Dutchman Classic Lite and I’m so loving your idea for wallpapering a wall. I’m thinking kitchen area.
Wishing y’all many happy years of camping! Time with our babies passes way to fast!
Caro Davies says
Aaah thank you SO much; that’s lovely of you to come and read my blog — and to leave a comment too! :) I have written another post outlining everything I used to decorate the interior of the van. Pop and have a look — https://www.thetwinklediaries.co.uk/tips-for-decorating-a-caravan-interior/ — if you have any questions, please let me know! I’d be more than happy to help.
Good luck with your van makeover! xx
PS — yes, I absolutely agree!! Time goes SO fast!! My babies are growing up way too quickly! Happy, happy camping to you too :)
Heather says
Wow this is absolutely stunning work, I have no idea how you have managed to do this will toddler twins! I take my hat off to you! We are looking at getting a caravan and my question would be gout to recover the seats, I love the fabric you have chosen for these they make it look beautiful, many thanks Heather x
Caro Davies says
Thanks so much Heather! That’s lovely of you!! I have a post to write on how I covered the seats! Stay tuned!
Heather says
Oh I will be doing, we purchased out first ever caravan on Saturday I can’t wait to pick it up and I will be keeping my eye out for your post! Many thanks Heather
Caro Davies says
So excited for you!!! :)
Susan L Mccarthy says
Beautiful job! What is the shelf for that is holding the yellow pot for and what is it made from please?
Caro Davies says
Hi Susan, It’s made from glass and is integral to the caravan. We haven’t added it :) It’s so useful for increasing worktop space. Best, Caro
Nicky Perryman says
Hi Caro, I’m also doing a mega caravan makeover and it’s lovely to see someone else using wallpaper – funnily enough I’ve also used Wallpaper Direct. Ha ha it must be a thing.
Caro Davies says
Exciting times Nicky!! Renovating a caravan is such good fun.
I’ve done both of my caravan makeovers with papers from Wallpaper Direct! The first was Cath Kidston, the second by Layla Faye. They definitely have the best range of wallpaper that I’ve come across — such a fabulous range; there are hundreds. Good luck with your caravan makeover!
Julie says
This truly is a thing of beauty a joy forever! My favourite colour has always been red but now I seriously considering switching to yellow….
Caro Davies says
Aaah thanks so much Julie!! :)
Alexandra says
Oh this is so inspiring – we’ve just ‘acquired’ a tired 80s/90s van with all that beige interior and I thought we were going to have to gut everything and start again, but you’ve shown how a pot of white paint, some wonderful wallpaper and laminate flooring can transform the interior with minimum ‘invasive surgery’.
Thank you
The Twinkle Diaries says
Aaah your message has made my day!! Thanks so much for getting in touch Alexandra. Apologies for my delayed response too — I’m so behind on my comments.
I’ve ‘almost’ finished a post which outlines the kind of products we used on both the caravan makeovers — I’ve just got to edit my photos and then I’ll be ready to publish :) watch this space!
laura says
wow! absolutely stunning difference! Can i ask what paint you used? I have just bought my first caravan and desperate to paint all the cabinets/shelves!
The Twinkle Diaries says
Thanks so much Laura!! That’s lovely of you! I’ve just written a blog post on exactly this, funnily enough!! Due to be published in the next couple of weeks, so stay tuned and watch this space! ;) xx
Deanne taylor says
Wow amazing. My house is very shabby chic which is the style that reflects my personality and makes me feel good. So when I’m in a caravan I really struggle with the dated design, even new caravans seem dated to me. You have inspired me so much. I’ve decided to buy a cheaper caravan now instead of newish and invest in redesigning it. Can’t wait to see the blog regarding the paint you used. Also did you set a budget? I’m worried costs might spiral out of control. And has dolly 2 stood the test of time? Many thanks x
The Twinkle Diaries says
Thanks so much Deanne! I totally agree — not sure why all caravans are brown and beige inside. Even the brand new ones are so uninspiring. Dolly 1 was more shabby chic! Pop and have a look — https://www.thetwinklediaries.co.uk/caravan-makeover/ — you can see the before and after pics on that post too.
She stood the test of time for 6 years until we outgrew her and we’ve had Dolly 2 for a couple of years now. The wallpaper and paint still looks as fresh as the day we did it. We bought Dolly 2 for £750 and the renovation cost a couple of hundred pounds — plus our labour. The main things you need to budget for are paint/wallpaper/flooring/fabric (assuming you’re going to cover the seats). All the accessories can be picked up along the way! I’m working on my makeover post now — watch this space!! :)
Ellen Michielsen says
totally madly in love with your caravan!
considering to do something similar :) :)
just a little question: what kind of brand and type is this caravan and where do your 2 children sleep in it?
The Twinkle Diaries says
Hi Ellen! Aaah thanks so much :) Dolly 2 is a 4 berth ABI Tristar. We used to have a 2 berth ABI Transtar but when the boys got a little bigger we upgraded to the larger version. Dolly 2 has a double bed and bunkbeds for the boys. You can pick them up for an absolute bargain. Just make sure you pick one up that doesn’t have damp :)
Kara says
She looks amazing, that wallpaper is the perfect choice, how bright and sunny xxx
The Twinkle Diaries says
Aah thanks so much lovely! A bit of a different feel to our original Dolly, but lovely nonetheless!!
Christina says
So bright and cheerful. I must search for photos of Dolly 1. I love how bright it is and look forward to seeing the bathroom project in the future. Thank you for sharing!
The Twinkles Mama says
Aah thanks lovely! There is a link on the post for the original Dolly! It’s in the first paragraph! Pop along and have a look at her :)
mummyofboygirltwins says
Just amazing. Literally amazing! A new career for you??! ha ha. You talented thing…superb post and love this. Can I move in???? Fab post xxx
#HomeEtc
The Twinkles Mama says
Haha! If we had more space — and a drive — I’d definitely consider caravan renovation as a career!! LOL!! I absolutely love it!! :)
Sadia says
WOW! What’s an extraordinary transformation. I’m so impressed! Thanks for everything #TwinklyTuesday.
The Twinkles Mama says
Thanks so much Sadia — that’s lovely of you xx
Heledd - Running in Lavender says
Oh Caro, this is just stunning!! You are a design genius!!! Just keep coming back to the pictures and going WOWWWWW…..
The Twinkles Mama says
Aaah thanks darling *blushing* that’s so kind of you :) It was a labour of love — but SO worth it :)
Jayne @ Sticky Mud and Belly Laughs says
Wow! looks amazing!
I will have to check out Wallpaper direct for future projects.
I hope you have many awesome breaks away in Dolly Too :)
Thanks for hosting x
The Twinkles Mama says
Hi Jayne, thanks so much! DO check them out — they’ve got the best choice I’ve ever come across xx
Becky | Spirited Puddle Jumper says
What a brilliant makeover! I am SO envious that you have a caravan, I would kill for one! It looks so much fresher, and that wallpaper is fab, really suits the space :-) x
The Twinkles Mama says
Thanks lovely :) I LOVE having a van — it’s the best thing we ever did!! SO many fab adventures each summer :)
Kerry says
What a transformation! It’s amazing and I genuinely mean that. It looks like a totally different caravan!! You’ve inspired me to paint our kitchen units whilst we wait for a new kitchen. This transformation just goes to show the power a bit of white paint has! xx ps. I’m still trying to load my vlog club video, my youtube doesn’t like me adding anything at the moment
The Twinkles Mama says
Thanks Kerry :) That’s lovely of you. DEFINITELY paint your kitchen!! I’ve painted ours a couple of times now, whilst I wait for my dream kitchen!! It makes the world of difference :) xx
Claire at Tin Box Traveller says
Caro! This is amazing. I have serious tin box envy. We inherited Tin Box 2 from my parents and they are still very fond of her. I think they would have a fit if we did anything to the dark wooden interior but if and when we move on I’ll be asking you for some design consultation on Tin Box 3! :)
The Twinkles Mama says
Thanks so much Claire!! I’m really pleased with it. I was gutted to sell Dolly but she was just too small for our needs. Dolly Too is a 4 berth — the perfect size and exactly the same make as Dolly 1. Plus she was cheap as chips to buy. Totally vile inside when we first bought her — I bet your mum and dad’s old van is in much better nick — dark wood interior or not!! WHY are they always brown inside?? I just don’t get it! If they made them lovely and bright and quirky inside, they’d be a lot more popular, I’m sure! x
Sabrina (The Mummy Stylist) says
Oh wow, those before pictures are something else! I love the makeover, you guys have really worked wonders, and it’s got a cool retro vibe to it with that wallpaper – perfect for a caravan! xx #HomeEtc
The Twinkles Mama says
Thanks so much Sabrina. I have LOADS of those before shots but they’re SO grim!!! YUK. Looks a million times better now — amazing to think how many of these ugly little caravans there are in the world! One less now at least ;) xx
Naomi says
Oh I love it! Such happy, summery colours, and I love the way you’ve got cups to match the wallpaper. I’ve used Wallpaper Direct in the past and you can find really original prints there. Great choice!
The Twinkles Mama says
Thanks so much Naomi — I’m so pleased with how it’s turned out! I’ve used Wallpaper Direct a lot in the past — they have a fabulous range and really great customer service too! Super-quick delivery :)
Lins @Boo & Maddie says
Three cheers for Dolly Too! That wallpaper is so perfect and adds such a great style. Love the before and after piccies (I know what you mean about before pictures, they’re never the loveliest but I do like to see the real nitty gritty so thanks for sharing them!) and I can’t wait to see the finished version X
The Twinkles Mama says
Thanks pet!! Hurrah! The before pics are so grim. I’ve got absolutely loads of them but they give me the shudders!! ;)
Helen Gandy says
That looks awesome and so, so cheery, the lemon is refreshing, I love it! Enjoy your trips away in it. #twinklytuesday
The Twinkles Mama says
Thanks so much Helen! I can’t wait to take her on an outing net year! :)
Seychellesmama says
You have done such an amazing job it looks amazing!! You can really see how much work, time, effort and thought you guys have put into it! Love that it’s called Dolly too very cute! Xx
The Twinkles Mama says
Thanks so much pet — it really did take a lot of time, this time round! Everything takes five times as long when you have little ones in tow! :)
John Adams says
My word, I had never actually realised you would bother with updating the interior of a caravan. This, however, looks magnificent. Great work. Thanks for hosting #TwinklyTuesday
The Twinkles Mama says
Haha! I couldn’t have slept in it, looking like it was in the beginning!! Our first van was the same — I couldn’t wait to get the paints out!! :)
caroline says
Oh wow, its amazing, I loved Dolly and Dolly Too is beautiful too. You clearly have a good eye for creating a great caravan. x
The Twinkles Mama says
Haha! Thanks so much Caroline!! x
Chloe says
Oh my gosh this is incredible! What an amazing makeover. I need you to do my house haha. This is so, so beautiful. I love the colour scheme, I love the prints on the walls, I love the light, I love the fabric on the chairs. It’s so perfect. Well done! xx #twinklytuesday
The Twinkles Mama says
Thanks so much Chloe! Got to get cracking on the exterior next year — really looking forward to doing that! :)
catherine@pushingthemoon says
Wow, Caro! What an amazing transformation – Dolly Too is beautiful!
I know what you mean about them typically being grubby and generally a bit chappy – we had three caravans when I was younger. They were awful beyond measure. I would have enjoyed our weekend trips a lot more if our caravan looked like Dolly Too.
Can’t wait to see what else you do with her! Xxx
The Twinkles Mama says
Thanks lovely :) I wouldn’t have had a good night’s sleep if we’d have left either van in their original states!! It’s just not my bag AT ALL!! There’s no need for them to be brown and horrible is there? I certainly wouldn’t want my house to look like that — not sure why they’re still made with brown wood panelling these days…!
Lisa@intotheglade says
Oh WOW Dolly too is absolutely gorgeous! It doesn’t look like the same van. She is so bright and cheery. I love that wallpaper and I am starting to plan for when we can properly decorate, I will have to pop over to the website. I also love the floor, it makes such a massive difference. It’s a fab job Caro xxx
The Twinkles Mama says
Thanks lovely :) I’m so pleased with it. Still a lot to do, but we’re getting there!
Jodie Allen at Budget Beauty and Babies says
What an amazing transformation! Dolly Too looks so bright and comfy now! Id certainly be happy in there #twinklytuesday
The Twinkles Mama says
Thanks Jodie :)
Helena says
Love the colours and sentiments you’ve used on Dolly Too. Thanks for hosting #HomeEtc
The Twinkles Mama says
Thanks so much Helena :)
Lianne says
Amazing work. I would’ve taken one look at that caravan and run a mile. The wallpaper is fabulous!
The Twinkles Mama says
Thanks Lianne — if I hadn’t done it once before I think I WOULD have run away when we saw the second van!! Luckily I felt fairly confident that we could make a difference! :)
Nancy says
This looks amazing! And so much bigger now, its incredible what a difference you’ve made! I love the yellow too :)
The Twinkles Mama says
Aah thanks so much Nancy! I’m so pleased with it.
Hayley (@hayleyfromhome) says
This transformation is quite unbelievable! What a massive achievement Caro, you must have worked so hard I just don’t know how you do it but looking at these pictures it must be worth it. It all looks so beautiful and the wallpaper is just perfect, really lifts the whole thing (and sits nicely with your lovely Home print) I look forward to more caravan posts! I’m going to send this to my mum, her and her partner are thinking of getting a caravan and I think this might just inspire her! xx
The Twinkles Mama says
Thanks lovely!! It seemed like a lot more work, this time round, as we had the boys with us! When we first did the original Dolly, we were on our own and it only took 2 or 3 weekends. Dolly Too has taken the whole summer!! That said, it’s a bigger van and we did a LOT more wallpapering too! Tell your mum to go for it — honestly — buying a caravan is one of the best things we’ve EVER done. Festivals and camping trips are SO much fun :D xx
Potty Mouthed Mummy says
Oh Caro this is gorgeous! I feel compelled to go and buy a caravan immediately. Amazing work! x
The Twinkles Mama says
DO IT!! Honestly. Initially we were looking at motorhomes but you have to pay tax, mot and insurance on them. PLUS they’re mega expensive! Caravans are cheap as chips and you don’t pay anything to keep them, as they’re classed a trailer and not a vehicle. PLUS you can turn them into a cute little house ;) xx
Mrs H says
Caro, lovely lady, this is absolutely stunning. Beautiful. The transformation is amazing!!! It can’t be the same caravan. Can it?! The original looked very much like the interior of the caravans my parents had when I was a child. You are so talented. I love the freshness and cheeriness. And it is so YOU. The wallpaper makes it for me. And you have given me hope that we can transform are very dated and disgusting kitchen. How did you do that seating? It is fab! Hugs Mrs H xxxx
The Twinkles Mama says
Aaah thanks lovely :) It doesn’t look like the same van does it?! I’m looking forward to doing the exterior next — then it really will look like a totally different caravan! ;) xx
Mum in Brum says
Wow, this is AMAZING! I would never think to use wallpaper in a caravan, but you have totally transformed it! What a fab space for holidays – so bright and cheery, I absolutely love it. Loving all of the little details you’ve added too, you really do have such a talent x
The Twinkles Mama says
Thanks pet! I was so sad when we said goodbye to Dolly but am loving this new van! Can’t wait to have lots of adventures in her! x
Sammy at Seize each day says
Dolly Too is totally adorable – you are just such a clever lady you really are. She looks amazing and so bright and vibrant you couldn’t help but have a wonderful happy time every time you take her away. I bet you can’t wait. Well done on achieving all of that with your twins in tow!!
Linking up with #HomeEtc linky
Sammy xxx
The Twinkles Mama says
Thanks lovely! I associate Dolly with adventures — whenever Dickie used to pull up outside with her in tow I’d get SO excited! I’m SO looking to making lots of happy memories for us and the twins with Dolly Too :D
Angela at Daysinbed says
This is amazing Caro! Whenever I see these it reminds me of what great things can be achieved with a bit of hard work.
I love the wallpaper and the white paint changed the whole feeling of the caravan! I cant wait to get well and be able to do more decorating etc. I was going to do my daughter’s room but decided to leave it for now as I’m actually thinking of looking for a new home- with better wheelchair access etc so will wait until we move to do up the rooms (or get someone to do it for me) as i obviously cant do it myself.
Angela x
The Twinkles Mama says
The white paint is the thing that really changes the feel of it. Particularly painting the ceiling — you suddenly feel that the whole space it so much lighter and brighter! You’ll get there with your decorating pet :)
Louise says
Sorry I’m a bit late to the party on this one but I’ve just bought an ugly duckling ‘fixer upper’ – Dolly Too is a thing of beauty, what paints did you use to freshen the ceilings/walls that weren’t papered and to cover the mass of wood effect?
Caro Davies says
Hi Louise! Aaah exciting times ahead for you! This post has the answers to your questions — https://www.thetwinklediaries.co.uk/tips-for-decorating-a-caravan-interior/ — good luck!! :)
ali says
love love love this makeover! what a huge difference. I love yellow and have been sneaking it in wherever I can. (I’ve just bought a yellow graphic print shade from john lewis which will look perfect in Dolly Too ( I quite liked Lionel but he definitely looks like a she!) #HomeEtc
The Twinkles Mama says
HA! We were totally set on Lionel but everytime the boys saw her they shouted ‘IT’S DOLLY!!’ — so that was that!! You can’t argue with a 2 year old. And especially not TWO two year olds!! ;)
Sue @ Home Heart Harmony says
Just realised I’ve used the wrong hashtag in my comment!! Gah! Sorry! You can tell it’s early, I’m obviously still thinking it’s Tuesday! Are you able to edit the comment? D’oh! xx
The Twinkles Mama says
Hahaha!! I didn;t even notice!! LOL! Have been in and changed it now — thanks for letting me know!! ;) x
Sue @ Home Heart Harmony says
Wow!! You have worked SO hard! It looks amazing. I can well imagine how many hours of labour that transformation took which, like you say is a herculean task with two little ones to accommodate! I absolutely love the yellow. Were you able to buy the co-ordinating mugs from the same designer or was that just a happy co-incidence? Well done you two! That is an outstanding update. #HomeEtc xx
The Twinkles Mama says
Thanks pet — it has been a labour of love that’s for sure. Wallpapering so many small, fiddly walls is pretty hard. But hey! It’s done now :) Mugs were from elsewhere — I’ve just been picking up bits and pieces from all over the place as we go along! x
Poppy A Sunny Island says
Caro I can’t actually believe I am looking at two pictures of the same caravan here – this is the best makeover I’ve ever seen! It’s utterly gorgeous, just perfect, the wallpaper is spot on and I love all the little details that tie it all in. You are going to have so much fun in Dolly Too next summer! #HomeEtc xx
The Twinkles Mama says
Thanks so much Poppy!! Cannot WAIT to go off on lots of adventures!!! Absolutely loved the original Dolly — we’re going to have SO much fun in Dolly Too :) x
Beth @ Twinderelmo says
Dolly Too is just amazing! I can’t quite believe it’s the same caravan. What a transformation and the colours make it so airy wow. You’re so talented Mrs!!! xx
The Twinkles Mama says
Aaah thanks so much darling — that’s so lovely of you :) xx
Silly Mummy says
You’ve made it so cute – I’m really impressed! Love the sofas with the walls – they really work together. #twinklytuesday
The Twinkles Mama says
Thanks lovely :) The fabric was left over from doing the first van — so happy it went with the wallpaper in the new van!! Waste not want not! :)
Everything mummy says
Oh wow what an amazing transformation it looks so much bigger with those wooden panels painted white. You’ve done a great job I would happily spend a week in their and I am no natural caravaner! #twinklytuesdays
The Twinkles Mama says
Aww thanks Ames :) I wasn’t a natural caravaner until we bought the first one! I absolutely love them now :) So lovely to spend time in a cute little house on wheels! x
Mini Travellers says
oh my gosh it is absolutely amazing! I love it!!!
The Twinkles Mama says
Thanks treasure. It’s been a LOT of work but so worth it :) xx
twolittlemisters says
Ahh she’s so lovely! Fresh yet cosy at the same time, and I love all the little yellow accents you’ve used too. The wallpaper is fab, will have to check out the rest of the range as it looks right up my street. Wishing you and the family lots of lovely adventures in Dolly Too!
The Twinkles Mama says
Thanks you :) The wallpaper range is amazing — so many fantastic colours and designs. I love a retro print so these were right up my street too!! :) xx
Becky (PinksCharming) says
This is amazing. I didn’t think you could better the last one but you have! That yellow is so fresh and cheerful, I love it. I love the arrow light and the sweet pictures too. I’ve never had the guts to do wallpapering myself but maybe I should be brave! Becky x #TwinklyTuesday
The Twinkles Mama says
Aaah thanks chick — that’s such a lovely thing to say :) I didn’t think we could either, if I’m being totally honest! I LOVED the original Dolly — we had some really amazing adventures in her. So happy that this new one has worked out so nicely. Looking forward to making some lovely memories for the Twinkles :) x
PS — DO IT!! Straight walls are EASY to wallpaper. Caravans are *slightly* trickier — I wouldn’t say do a caravan makeover for your first attempt but a square room, with not many fiddly edges is easy!! I promise ;)
Becky at PinksCharming says
Thanks for the pep talk! It’s only for the bathroom so shouldn’t be as challenging! And also only a smallish part above some times, so should be OK for a first attempt. Going to check out Wallpaper Direct to see what goodies might go with out bathroom! Xx
The Twinkles Mama says
Pop along and have a look for YouTube clips too — they’re always really helpful. It’s good to actually ‘see’ how to do it! Good luck pet!! :)
Debs @ Super Busy Mum says
What an absolutely gorgeous makeover! I am in love with that yellow wallpaper and your little tin box caravan as a whole! Love it.
The Twinkles Mama says
The wallpaper’s divine isn’t it? Totally LOVE the pattern. She’s got lots of amazing designs — it was really hard to choose!
Rachel @ The Ordinary Lovely says
Oh my goodness, Caro!! The transformation is immense. What a vision in brown it was and how clever you are to see beyond that. I seriously can’t believe the difference. You could happily live in it now. Amazing!!!
The Twinkles Mama says
Thanks pet. It really WAS a vision in brown. Not my favourite ;) LOve it now though — am so looking forward to doing the exterior — and the loo!! We’ve got some lovely co-ordinating paper for that!! :) x
Louise says
Wow that is an incredibly transformation and Dolly Too looks fabulous. I love that wallpaper print – gorgeous pattern and colour and love the coordinating mugs too! #TwinklyTuesday
The Twinkles Mama says
Thanks so much Louise! I’m so, so pleased with it! I’ve been collecting all sorts of little items that coordinate beautifully with the paper! :)
Fionnuala says
Stunning is not the word Caro. Wow! It is so fresh and bright and clean – how are you going to keep it like that with two small boys in it? My three would wreck it. Good luck to you though. You (and your husband) have outdone yourselves.
Fionnuala
The Twinkles Mama says
Aaah thanks so much lovely — that’s so kind of you :) The boys are pretty good actually — we have a little awning that they can trash — the inside stays nice and clean and tidy (usually) ;) x
Kat | Beau Twins says
You are a genius hun. Absolutely stunning. I want to stay. I love your love for yellow. I love how clean and fresh you have made this caravan yet super warming and welcoming. Xxx
The Twinkles Mama says
Thanks lovely :) It’s take a LOT longer than Dolly 1! It’s a lot bigger but trying to decorate with twins is IMPOSSIBLE!! A word of warning for any future wallpapering you may have!! ;) xxx
Julia @ Rainbeaubelle says
Oh wow that is amazing! I so need some help with sorting out my caravan you would go mad if you could see it! I absolutely love the yellow and now a thinking of painting my caravan cupboards white. Absolutely tremendous work love! x
The Twinkles Mama says
Do it. Honestly pet — it’s a lovely, lovely project to have on the go. Initially it seems daunting but you just can’t go wrong. Really! Cos, at the end of the day, nothing can be as grim as how they look to begin with!! ;) Any questions ever, just holler!! xx
Laura says
Wow that looks fantastic! I’ve only ever stayed in dated caravans at holiday camps so had no idea you could make one so cute and stylish. Great job :)
#twinklytuesday
The Twinkles Mama says
Thanks Laura! I’m really not sure why they’re always so revolting inside! Even fairly modern ones look dated! ;) x
Laura says
Wow that looks fantastic! I’ve only ever stayed in dated caravans at holiday camps so had no idea you could make one so cute and stylish. Great job :)
#twinklytuesday
The Twinkles Mama says
Thanks so much pet — that’s lovely of you :)
Katie / Pouting In Heels says
Wow! This looks absolutely amazing!!! I absolutely love it, what a tremendous job you have done, you clever lady you. Never thought I’d say this, but you’ve actually got me wanting a caravan (that isn’t of the gypsy variety). X
The Twinkles Mama says
Aaah thanks so much pet! I absolutely HATED caravans before we bought Dolly 1. Having her transformed our lives!! Festivals and camping are a LOT more lovely when you have a comfy, cosy little crash pad to come back to! I’m not a fan of tents — or grim, dirty old caravans either!! ;)
Sarah says
Did you wallpaper under the window seals or just too them?
The Twinkle Diaries says
Hello Sarah!!! So sorry — I’m so behind on my replies!!! I just wallpapered up to the seals and cut up to them with a scalpel to get a neat edge. To be honest, I think the window seals in Dolly are fixed, so we wouldn’t have been able to paper underneath. Hope that helps! :) Apologies for the late reply!! xx
Sara | mumturnedmom says
Oh my goodness, it looks amazing! I’m not usually a wall paper fan (we have some spectacularly awful ones in our house that I am desperate to get rid of), but this works so well. It looks so bright and cheerful :) #twinklytuesday
The Twinkles Mama says
Thanks Sara! Wallpaper can be amazing when used in the right place :) A caravan isn’t the first place that springs to mind but it just goes to show that it can work! ;) xx
Dee says
How much wallpaper did it take?
The Twinkle Diaries says
Hi Dee! We used just one roll of wallpaper for both vans. Almost ran out on Dolly Too and had to be a little bit creative with my joins!! ;)
Carie @ Space for the Butterflies says
Wow what a transformation!! It looks absolutely incredible and beautifully sunny. I’m looking forward to seeing the bathroom bit!
The Twinkles Mama says
Thanks Carie — I’m delighted with it. It took SO much more work than the original caravan makeover. Things take four times when you have little ones to manage!! No free time to crack on and decorate!! ;)
Arthurwears says
Wow! Amazing! Your caravan looks superb i love what you have done. So inspiring #twinklytuesday
The Twinkles Mama says
Thanks so much lovely :) It was a labour of love — really pleased with how it’s turned out!
Nicky Kentisbeer says
I love Dolly Too! What a project, that wall paper is rather stunning. I’ve actually got Dolly envy – I’m seeing the benefits already. I can see how handy it’s going to be with the festivals. Not to mention kids and caravans – they are the holidays that I remember fondly from my childhood. You must feel very rewarded with your efforts. Nicky #twinklytuesday
The Twinkles Mama says
Thanks so much Nicky — it was a labour of love, that’s for sure!! The first van was a lot faster to complete as we didn’t have the twins then! Can’t wait for festival season to come round again!
Sarah christie says
Caro it is stunning you have such an incredible eye to detail I love the style the colour , I felt so sad when you said goodbye to Dolly, but I love the new Dolly she is beautiful xxx
The Twinkles Mama says
Aaaah ME TOO!!! I was so gutted when we waved goodbye to Dolly but I can see I’m going to LOVE this new van just as much!! We have already had one outing — albeit, it was half decorated — but there was so much more space!! Can’t wait for next year’s festival season!! :) xx