Before and After: This Dated RV got a Bright, Scandi-Boho Remodel
If your New Year’s resolutions include traveling more, this is one seriously inspirational story to get you dreaming. Nicki Mayhew and her husband Clayton had always had a knack for revamping furniture, Nicki says, and wanted to level up to an RV—which would not only give them a chance to do a larger makeover, but also give them an opportunity to travel together in a homey space they could call their own.
After much hunting, Nicki and Clayton found a gem: a 16-foot 1974 Milliard Caravan that was in great shape. “She had been well looked after by her previous owners and had great bones,” Nicki says. The framework had been totally overhauled, the cabinetry was less than 7 years old and in good condition, and the laminate flooring was brand new—all of which meant that the only updates needed would be cosmetic. “We were able to purchase her at a bargain price, so she was perfect for the makeover we had in mind and our budget,” says Nicki.
Nicki and Clayton affectionately dubbed their new home-away-from-home “Little Boho,” and set to work planning a space that felt bright and spacious, but also warm, cozy, and restful. “From the moment I first saw Little Boho I could visualize the beautiful space she was going to become,” Nicki says. “I have a passion for Scandi-boho interiors, so her decor style would be kept simple with earthy colors and lots of textures.”
White paint did wonders for the cabinetry. Nicki also sewed all-new curtains from recycled fabric and reupholstered the cushions on the seating. Together, the couple constructed a new table with a Scandi-approved tulip base and sleek white finish. New woven rattan pendant lights add boho flair.
Outside, Clayton sanded and repainted the exterior, but the project came with a couple setbacks. The paint the couple purchased didn’t dry as quickly as expected, and some surprise rainfall caused streaking in the paintwork—meaning Clayton had to sand and spray the exterior three times. “But thankfully the end result looks amazing and was worth the extra effort,” Nicki says.
Inside, reupholstering proved most difficult. “Give me a paint brush any day!” Nicki says. But all around the process was relatively quick, taking just over a month for the entire RV from start to finish.
“Little Boho’s makeover has been an adventure in itself,” Nicki says. “I loved the whole process of working alongside my husband, putting in the hard yards together, and seeing our makeover through to completion. Together we have created a beautiful space that far exceeds our expectations.”
Little Boho has been a cozy escape for the couple, who have already used it for a couple vacations together. “She truly is our little home away from home on wheels,” Nicki says. And they both enjoyed the challenge so much that they’ve purchased a second RV, a 1964 Bondwood, to renovate next.
Tempted to take on your own RV renovation? Nicki says you should go for it. “Working on a creative project together with my husband was a lot of fun, but there was also sweat and tears,” she says. Her best advice? “Take breaks and have down time to recharge. You want to survive the challenge of the renovation with your marriage intact to enjoy holidays in your caravan together.”
Inspired? Submit your own project here.