Transform Your Camper Into A Cozy Cabin

how to make your camper look like a cabin

There are many ways to make your camper look like a cabin, from simple renovations to complete overhauls. Some people opt for a cabin-like exterior, using techniques such as painting or vinyl wrapping to achieve the desired look. Others focus on the interior, adding wood accents, log cabin-style wallpaper, and rustic décor. For those with woodworking skills, custom cabinetry, valances, and headboards can be crafted to transform a camper into a cosy cabin. Whether it's a DIY project or a professional renovation, creating a cabin-like space in your camper can provide a unique and enjoyable escape from everyday life.

shunauto

Install wood accents, such as a wood backsplash and window valances

To make your camper look like a cabin, you can install wood accents such as a wood backsplash and window valances. Here's a detailed guide to help you achieve that cosy cabin feel:

Wood Backsplash

A wood backsplash is a unique and eye-catching feature for your camper kitchen. To create this look, you can use underlayment cut into 3.5-inch stops, as suggested by RV owner and renovator, Chantal Keller-Ward. Underlayment is lightweight and affordable, making it an ideal material for your camper. Remember to measure twice and cut once to ensure a precise fit. To protect the wood from water damage, apply a few coats of polyacrylic sealant.

Window Valances

Window valances are a great way to add a cabin-like feel to your camper and cover up the distinctive curves of RV windows. Chantal removed the old factory valances but kept the original metal brackets. She then crafted new valances from cedar wood, attaching them with the existing brackets. This is a simple way to add a sharp, homely touch to your windows.

Materials and Tools

When creating your wood backsplash and window valances, consider using Pacific Knotty Cedar Planking, which is lightweight, easy to work with, and perfect for adding a warm feel to your space. You can cut the planks to size with a handy Dremel tool or a table saw. To attach the planks, double-sided tape is a great option, as it won't damage your camper's surfaces and allows for easy removal.

Additional Tips

If you're looking for more ways to incorporate wood accents, take inspiration from Chantal's project, where she used cedar wood to create cabinet inserts in her living room. She removed the glass from the cabinets and used it as a template to cut out the wood pieces, attaching them with gorilla glue and finish nails. You can also use wood to create custom countertops, sealing them with polyacrylic for protection.

So, get creative, and happy crafting!

shunauto

Use warm and neutral paint colours, like pewter green and warm putty

When it comes to making your camper look like a cabin, paint choice is crucial. Opting for warm and neutral paint colours will help create a cosy and inviting atmosphere. Chantal, an RV owner, chose to paint her kitchen cabinets pewter green, a chameleon colour that reflects light differently, appearing blue, green, or grey under various lighting conditions. This unique hue adds visual interest and a touch of nature-inspired colour to the space.

For the walls, Chantal selected a warm putty shade, a neutral tone that complements the pewter green cabinets beautifully. By using warm putty paint, she was able to achieve a cohesive and balanced look throughout her camper. This neutral shade serves as the perfect backdrop for the wooden accents she incorporated into her design, allowing them to stand out while also creating a sense of warmth and comfort.

Pewter green and warm putty are versatile colours that can be paired with a variety of design elements. For instance, they work exceptionally well with wood accents, as demonstrated by Chantal's custom wood backsplash and window valances. The warm putty walls provide a subtle backdrop that highlights the beauty of the wood without overwhelming the space. This combination of paint colours and wood accents is an excellent way to bring a touch of nature into your camper and create a cabin-like atmosphere.

In addition to the kitchen, Chantal used warm putty paint in her bathroom, creating a cohesive look throughout her camper. She applied the same paint to the underlayment she used for a DIY board-and-batten project, giving the bathroom a stylish upgrade. By using warm putty for both the walls and the board-and-batten, she achieved a seamless and elegant finish that enhanced the cabin-like ambiance.

Choosing the right paint colours is essential when transforming your camper into a cabin. Warm and neutral shades, such as pewter green and warm putty, offer a versatile palette that can be paired with wooden accents, natural textures, and soft furnishings to create a cosy and inviting space. These colours provide a perfect base for building a cabin-inspired interior, allowing you to bring the essence of a rustic retreat into your mobile home.

shunauto

Opt for rustic, country-chic decor and furniture

Opting for rustic, country-chic decor and furniture is a great way to make your camper look and feel like a cabin. This style often features natural materials, warm colours, and cosy textures. Here are some ideas to achieve this look in your camper:

Woodwork and wood accents

Custom woodwork and wood accents can give your camper a cabin-like feel. Consider adding wood panelling to your walls, or creating a wood backsplash in the kitchen. You can also add wood accents such as valances, cabinet inserts, and window frames. If you're feeling adventurous, you could try your hand at some custom woodwork, like building a headboard or other furniture. Just be sure to measure twice and cut once!

Wallpaper

Wallpaper is a great way to add pattern and texture to your camper walls. Look for options that evoke a rustic, country feel, such as plaid or branch patterns. You can also find peel-and-stick wallpaper that is easier to install and remove.

Flooring

To create a seamless and cohesive look, consider using the same flooring on your walls as an accent. For example, you can use vinyl plank flooring on both the floor and the wall behind your bed. This will add a cosy, cabin-like feel to your space.

Furniture and decor

When choosing furniture and decor, opt for pieces that have a rustic, country feel. This could include wooden furniture with simple lines, cosy textiles such as woven fabrics, and decor items made from natural materials like wood, stone, or clay. You can find these items at thrift stores, antique shops, or online marketplaces.

Colours

When it comes to colour, think warm and earthy tones. Colours like green, brown, and beige can create a cosy and inviting atmosphere. You can also add pops of colour with your decor, such as a black oil-painted front door or green plaid wallpaper.

By incorporating these rustic, country-chic elements into your camper, you can create a warm and inviting space that feels like a cabin in the woods.

shunauto

Wallpaper is an option for walls, with wood-print wallpaper available

Wallpaper is a great way to transform your camper's walls and give it a cabin-like feel. If you're looking to achieve a rustic, cabin-inspired look, consider using wood-print wallpaper. This can be an effective way to bring the warmth and charm of wood into your space without the weight and maintenance of real wood panelling.

Chantal, an RV owner, opted to use wallpaper in her camper renovation. She chose two different patterns: a black-and-white design from Etsy and a green plaid wallpaper for the bunk room, bathroom, and bedroom, which she found on Amazon. While the black-and-white wallpaper was a challenge to install, according to Chantal, the final result added to the unique and cosy cabin aesthetic.

Another RV owner, Tina, also used wallpaper in her renovation project. She chose a branch-patterned wallpaper from Amazon to decorate the bunkhouse in a rustic theme.

If you're considering wallpaper for your camper walls, it's important to note that it can be a challenging process. Kris, who commented on an RV renovation blog, expressed concerns about the pros and cons of wallpapering an RV. However, the Wemples, a couple who transformed their RV into a log cabin interior, reassured Kris that their wallpaper was a print wall covering similar to vinyl wallpaper, adding minimal weight to their vehicle.

When it comes to priming the walls before wallpapering, the Wemples recommended using a product like vinyl wallpaper, which requires minimal preparation and can be easily applied to most surfaces. They also shared that their wallpaper has stayed on securely and that the extra weight added was negligible.

So, if you're looking to achieve a cabin-like aesthetic in your camper, wallpaper is a viable option. With the right patterns and materials, you can create a cosy and unique space that evokes the warmth and charm of a cabin in the woods.

shunauto

Add accessories, like a moose-themed toilet decal

Adding accessories is a great way to make your camper look like a cabin. One fun idea is to include a moose-themed toilet decal. This can be a fun and unique way to bring your cabin theme into the bathroom. You can find these decals in a variety of styles and sizes on Etsy, Amazon, and other online retailers.

For example, Etsy offers a variety of moose decals, including a moose family car window decal, a moose in the woods silhouette decal, and a moose vinyl decal in the shape of a mountain. These decals can be applied to a variety of surfaces, including walls, laptops, and tumblers, making them a versatile option for adding a touch of personality to your space.

Amazon also offers a range of moose-themed bathroom accessories, such as toothbrush holders, soap dispensers, and toilet paper holders. For instance, the Black Forest Decor collection features a moose and bear-themed toothbrush holder and lotion pump, while the Whimsical Moose collection offers a soap dish, toothbrush holder, and soap pump dispenser. These accessories can add a rustic and whimsical touch to your bathroom decor.

Additionally, you can find other moose-themed accessories, such as shower curtains, wastebaskets, and towels, to further enhance the cabin feel in your camper bathroom. These items can be easily incorporated into your existing decor, creating a cohesive and immersive cabin-like experience.

By incorporating these fun and functional accessories, you can transform your camper bathroom into a charming and unique space that reflects your love for the great outdoors.

Frequently asked questions

To make the interior of your camper resemble a cabin, consider adding wood accents such as custom woodwork, wood backsplashes, and cabinet inserts. You can also incorporate cabin-like details such as wallpaper, new light fixtures, and rustic, country-chic decor.

To give the exterior of your camper a cabin-like appearance, you could consider adding side panelling or a vinyl wrap, which can be customised with any picture, such as a tiny house or a scenic image.

When creating a cabin-like aesthetic, consider using sustainably grown wood, cedar, or vinyl. You can also use vinyl wallpaper to achieve a wood-panelled look without the weight of actual wood.

The time and money required for this project will depend on the scope of work and the materials used. For example, one couple spent approximately 60 hours and over $1000 on their log cabin interior renovation, while another individual spent about $3000 and four months renovating their camper.

Written by
Reviewed by
Share this post
Print
Did this article help you?

Leave a comment