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Dream it Caravan ren ovation
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Small home, big on style This old 70s caravan has been beautifully revamped to deliver a masterclass in elegant, small-space living
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Of course, the path of ecreating childhood memories is one of the renovations never runs entirely smoothly. “We didn’t realise joys of family life and, how delicate some things had for Sydney couple become after 40 years,” recalls Tim and Tara, this meant Tara. “Every time we went to introducing their two children open a window, the handle to sun, surf and camping out would just snap off.” in caravan parks. As first-time “We wanted to TA R A’ S renovators, the show the kids TIP couple were keen how much fun it to have a go. “We can be,” says Tara. had confidence in Both Tara “When renovating doing cosmetic and Tim had something old, stuff. And we felt enjoyed childhood allow some that with small caravan trips in nods to that era. areas it would be 70s Viscount We decided to okay to experiment caravans and, upholster with with tiling or with with that in mind, vinyl like they did flooring,” explains their search for in the 70s because a caravan of Tara. “How hard it’s so practical” their own was could it be!” narrowed down. They also found “The layout was most help from an online community important; we didn’t want to of enthusiasts, but a lot of the have to make up a bed for the van’s best features have been kids every night,” explains Tara. born of the couple’s ingenuity, with weekends spent trawling “We wanted bunks.” through Bunnings unearthing Gumtree searches brought several products to enhance no luck but, by chance, Tara the van’s functionality. spotted a derelict van – a 1978 After three months, the van Viscount Supreme – parked in was complete, mixing nostalgic a local street. She put a note 70s style with a modern boho on the window and received a aesthetic that makes it feel phone call from the owner the like a true home on the road. following day, offering to sell it.
bunnings.com.au
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bunnings
Fab facelift Bashed and battered, the yellow and white exterior was ripe for a revamp. After a custom paint job by sign writer Nicholas Goodger of Goodsir Sign Co (goodsir.co), the caravan now has monochrome good looks. A mini herb garden is a useful addition. “Camp grounds and highways aren’t the easiest places to find healthy food!” says Tara. “Hanging this herb garden on the towel rail of our van means flavour and freshness when we’re away.”
Smart sleepzone The built-in bunks make bedtime a breeze, but can also fold away for extra seating space when needed – the top bunk folds up over the back window, while the bottom bunk becomes an extra sofa seat. “The caravan has family mode and adult mode,” says Tara. “The bunks fold away and you get a bit of a cocktail lounge feel.” The highly practical, custom vinyl upholstery was crafted by White Furniture Design (whitefurnituredesign.com).