Hi friends! We finished the pop up camper and I’m so pleased with the outcome. While we didn’t do a total renovation (which we would have had it been 3 years ago but time is so scarce with two littles) we did a facelift and it was all that was really needed to transform the space.
Before we get started, let me just mention that if you’re in the market to purchase a pop up, be sure to do your research and know the pros and cons of having one. Even though we still need to take our camper out for her first maiden voyage, we at least have a good idea of what to expect. We also are experienced tent campers so camping isn’t new to us. We bought a used 1988 Jayco Jay Series 1008SG. We got a great deal on it and made sure to budget for the cosmetic things we wanted to do. Pop Up Camping on Youtube is a great resource to get familiar with pop ups. We definitely went into our search with a good knowledge of what to walk away from and what was ‘fixable’ for our situation. I also took to Pinterest for ideas on storage and design.
Okay guys, on to the makeover. Floors always make a huge impact in any design space so that was the first thing on the list. Since I decided to not paint the cabinets I knew I had to pick a floor color that flowed nicely and a design that was easy on the eye. I stuck to a more natural oak look. I really wanted vinyl wood planks but our local Lowes only had this square stick on so I went with it. It would have taken too long to order online. But it worked out because it added on to the already vintage feel.
The second thing that we tackled were the cushions. I watched several Youtube videos all which had similar methods of reupholstering. I just wanted to be sure I didn’t skip a step. We’ve done our dining room chairs in the past (twice now) so we’re not newbies but still, making sure there wasn’t anything I was missing. I went with a cream vinyl for easy clean up and to help brighten up the space. And since I went with vinyl I didn’t have to worry about spraying on fabric protector. What do you guys think of the cream color? It’s a great neutral color that really brightens up the space right?
Here are some before photos if you missed the first post.
Had we chosen not to make over the PUP, it would’ve still been ready to go. Structurally, there was nothing wrong. The fabric and the mattresses were all in great condition and all cleaned. Of course adding your personal touch and making it your own is the fun part so that’s why we do what we do folks!
Let’s chat curtains. I knew I wanted to order a custom print for the bunk ends so I took to Spoonflower to look at La Petite Lecour’s designs because I love supporting local small business owners and because I know her. We have a mutual friend and plus I just think she’s so awesome. I didn’t have enough fabric for both bunk ends so when I have the time, I’ll order more and make sure to match up the fabric. I choose to go with a retro monochrome print for the bunk ends and a transparent beige and sage (willow green) solid for the rest of the camper. I knew La Petite Lecour’s retro pattern would be the highlight of the camper!!!! The print pattern automatically draws your attention in, and in a good way. It brings a wonderful pop to the overall design.
Isn’t it fab??? I love it so much. I also made custom pillow cases with the Game, Set, Match print she designed. This print goes way back, like back back. When Janine first started I saw her post on this print and wanted this, along with her lemon print, for artwork. She was so kind to just send over a copy and I made prints out of them. I’m proud to say I have a couple of her first starter designs! You can also find Janine’s print on one of the Anthropologie dresses. I still haven’t snagged one of the printed dresses and have been meaning to but every time I search, it’s out of stock. Now I think it’s discontinued but I was told not too long ago, I could find it on Posh Market.
Here’s the frame print of the Game, Set, Match pattern. Friends, please go and check out her work. Be a cool kid and get yourself some custom prints from La Petite Lecour!
Okay moving on. I originally told the hubby he didn’t have to make any custom pieces but after searching Target for some furniture I decided DIY was still the better option. I wanted a simple shelf to put on the counter to allow a little bit of height. I didn’t want to go too tall because of the little kiddos. They tug and pull and get into everything so the last thing I’d want is for the shelf and all it’s content to fall over during if they happen to get a little too energetic. Who am I kidding, their energy will always be off the charts lol. It was truly a simple construction made of leftover scrap plywood that we already had. I used the same peel and stick wallpaper that I used for the icebox which I got off Amazon.
The second built in is this detachable backsplash. Gotta have a place to hang my coffee mugs. Whenever we go camping, the Why Hello Gorgeous always gets packed and now she has a permanent home in the camper! I already had this teal colored spray paint in the garage so I used it and turns out I love it so much more than expected!!! It’s like a Tiffany’s blue color (just slightly darker) and I love Breakfast At Tiffany’s. It makes me miss our first home where I painted the entire bathroom a Tiffany’s blue color. I used the same chrome colored paint for the trim that I already used for the dinette edging.
So cute right?!!!
The sink and stovetop are all in working condition but we usually still do everything outdoors. That doesn’t mean we won’t use these features. It’s nice to know we have the option to do things inside the camper if the weather isn’t nice. I had this turntable board already in my home so I just used this to cover up the sink when not in use. I’m pretty sure somewhere down the road I’ll have Vu make me a custom cover. Sticking to our budget I had to pull other items from the house to decorate and that’s totally fine by me! Having pieces from the home is what makes even more cozy!
The seller included this vintage coffee maker which still works by the way, and I made sure to include it in for photos lol. It’s so nostalgic y’all! I just love vintage decor and I’m definitely still keeping this even if it isn’t being used for the camper.
I had a lot of fun making over the pop up camper and now we are ready to take her out. I don’t know if we will end up naming the camper but if we do, I was going to suggest either Moon River or Tiffanys lol. I need to order a window decal with Audrey Hepburn’s silhouette to complete and tie it all in if that’s the name we go with. I’m so thrilled to have this cozy camper retreat for our outdoor hangouts. I look forward to sharing our camper adventures here on the blog! Let’s go!