Let's us walk you through the process of our renovation
Firstly we created a mood board to help with colours and to define how we want the caravan to look and feel.
When we first brought home our vintage 1963 Franklin caravan, we knew it was going to be a big project — but we were ready for it.
The before photos of the caravan.....
The people before us had done a very rough job of the inside so the first thing we tackled was the interior walls. They were very badly done and had mould in spots, so we decided to strip them all out and start fresh.
Once the walls were out, we fixed all the leaks and replaced the old window rubber seals to prevent any future water issues. It was a big job, but worth it!
We scored a Bushman’s fridge off Marketplace, and when we pulled out the old kitchen, we rebuilt the kitchen front to fit the fridge perfectly into the gap. To help it blend better with the light colours we had planned for the kitchen, we covered the fridge in white contact — a small touch that made a big difference.
For the kitchen splashback, we used stick-on tiles in a soft cream square design. Lining them all up perfectly was quite a process, but the result was so satisfying!
We chose a wooden bench top from Bunnings, paired with a gorgeous brass sink from Temple & Webster. Our gooseneck tap was bought online somewhere (who can even keep track anymore!), and we now have running water via a pump tucked under the bed. The pump is quite noisy though, so we’re planning to build a little soundproof box around it to soften the sound.
Luckily for us, my dad is an electrician, and he helped us wire up the lights. We installed strip lighting under the kitchen cupboards and also under the overhead cupboards at each end of the van. Each section is on its own switch, which gives us the flexibility to create different moods inside. We also installed trendy brass light switches that we found online — they look incredible and add so much character.
Arthur built a drawer and cupboard door for the little nook near the caravan door. This cupboard now hides all the power mains for the fridge, lights, and water. We also added a small wooden wall to create a mini "bar" area. We’re not quite finished with it yet — we’re planning to add a wine camping cup holder on the wall and build some little timber box shelves to store our enamelware plates and camp bowls.
One of my favourite parts of the renovation was making the curtains. I found some beautiful Morris & Co fabric in a rich tan colour with a pin stripe through it at a fabric store in Tweed Heads and used the old curtains as templates to cut and sew the new ones. I miscounted and missed four windows (whoops!), but it was such a joy to finally hang those beauties after lots of late-night sewing sessions!
Our little ones helped along the way too — it’s been a real family project.
We decided to keep the two single beds at one end for the kids, which also gives us more floor space to move around during the day. We made a fold-out table with a screw-on leg, so we have an inside dining option when it’s raining. We kept the hanging wardrobe for extra clothing storage when camping, and we plan to upholster the two beds and add little backrests to the side walls so they can double as couches when the beds aren’t made up.
Wandering Folk Enamel camping set is perfect for our caravan adventures, breakfast was a treat with our enamel bowls stylish and durable for the kids to use. Morning coffee was a treasured moment with our camping cups and enamel coffee mug.
For the inside styling we have used The Lola Honey Woven Throw on the double bed by Wandering Folk and The Glam Swag large Mustard linen cushions.
On the single beds we have used The Glam Swag Mustard / Lavender Linen quilts, with matching mustard linen pillows, styled perfectly with a Wandering Folk scallop edged cushion in merlot.
Next up on the project list: getting a scalloped-edge awning made for the outside!
We are so proud of how far we’ve come in a month — and we can’t wait to take our beautiful little 1963 Franklin Caravan out on the road for some more fun adventures!
Our durable Picnic rugs with the waterproof base were our best camping friend with the non stop showers of rain, keeping our bums dry while we soaked in the limited sun shine. Our favourites for camping are the Floral Plum picnic rug and Flora Plum woven throw. Our Hemp Camp Collective cooler bag was great for keeping the drink chilled. We also used our Rosewater Glam Swag as a sun bed most days, kept dry from the damp ground resting on our picnic rugs, the kids loved laying there reading stories all afternoon long.
Night time in our caravan is a real treat with the under cupboard lighting we installed, the night would not be complete without a cocktail in our Amber Margi Glass to celebrate the first trip in our vintage caravan.
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Visit our Camping Accessories collection
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