This Retiree’s Custom Van Home Is More Gorgeous than It Has to Be

My name is Jordan and my partner’s name is Tony, and we started TJ’s Dwellings almost two years ago. We specialize in van conversions, vintage trailer renovations, and home design. Our design-forward team builds thoughtfully curated spaces driven by simplicity and function. We just finished this van and delivered it to its new owner last week. This van was built for a retiree in Idaho who will reside in it alone and travel with her abundant community.

We transformed a Ram Promaster cargo van (that was previously used as a plumber’s van) into a dream home on wheels for a retiree who lives in Idaho. We wanted to create an inviting space that allows her to live simply but beautifully with space to relax and entertain.

We believe no matter the size of a space, it can always be functional and beautiful. We are passionate about transforming previously unused space into places worth dwelling in.

We love functional, simple design that doesn’t skimp out on personality or beauty. We love pulling inspiration from the natural world and highlighting colors, textures, and shapes from the outside landscape. We try to be as thrifty as possible and use things that already exist to create more interesting spaces. We aren’t afraid of color or texture, but we do like to create balance and harmony in our spaces so they feel both inspiring and relaxing.

Describe this home-on-wheels’ style in five words or fewer: Simple, functional, peaceful, beautiful, inviting.

What is your favorite room and why? Our favorite room in the van would have to be either the kitchen or the bathroom! It’s too hard to pick. For the kitchen we spent days hand cutting tile to create a custom zellige tile that really became the focal point of the home.

The tiles paired with natural wood tones, rattan, and the perfect baby blue cabinets feels like a warm cup of freshly brewed tea. For the bathroom, we wanted to create a zen oasis, which is tough to do in a small space, but we brought in some big hitters with treated cedar tongue-and-groove and river rock flooring.

What’s the last thing you bought for the home? The last purchase we made for the van were these folding shelf brackets for the table in the front entryway, which can be used as a desk, serving station, cooking area, and more. We found these black folding shelf brackets that can hold up to 440 pounds and work amazing! They are a perfect way to create the utmost function in tight spaces.

Any advice for creating a home you love? Patience, kindness, and an open mind! Good design takes time and should be a collection of who you are. Try to avoid trends, make Pinterest boards, take pictures of places and things that make you smile. It’s really important to create spaces that make you feel something.

Thanks, Jordan and Tony!

This submission’s responses and photos were edited for length/size and clarity.
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