RV_Makeover_ten_things_to

Ten Things to Remember When You Remodel Your RV

Remodeling an RV can be an exceptionally rewarding process. Not only do you get the
features and furnishing you need – you can also obtain the look and the style you’ve always
wanted. That’s why the most appealing RVs are invariably the ones that have been improved
and decorated by their owners. On that note, here are a few things to keep in mind when
planning your own RV remodeling projects.

1) Make sure that your upgrade and remodeling plans fit your lifestyle
Always tailor your remodeling plans to the way you actually live. The plush interiors seen in
million-dollar RVs may look fantastic, but they aren’t exactly designed for “real life”. When you’
re planning your projects, try to use durable materials, easy-to-maintain colors, flexible
furnishings, time-tested layouts, and user-friendly accessories.

2) Address functional shortcomings first
When planning a remodeling strategy, address the functional and practical requirements first.
For example, if you don’t have enough counter space in your kitchen – fix that shortcoming
first before you install a new faucet or upgrade the flooring.

3) Know where you’re going
Before you start any remodeling project, create a “master plan” for your RV that’s based on
your idea of the perfect RV. The concept can come from anything such as a picture from a
book, an ad from a magazine, an image in your head, or a sketch on a napkin. It doesn’t
matter – as long as you have something. If you try to remodel your RV without a visual target,
your efforts will almost always end in disappointment.

4) Make quality a high priority
Many RVs have more than their share of glitches and problems. You can offset this
shortcoming by doing quality work and using high-quality parts and materials whenever
possible. When you’re working on various projects, use the opportunity to make incremental
improvements to your RV.

5) Use color to create the illusion of space
Neutral colors will make an interior seem more spacious while darker colors have the opposite
effect. This is particularly true for walls, window dressings, and large pieces of furniture (like
sofas). To keep things interesting, take advantage of vividly colored lamp shades, table
cloths, throw pillows, area rugs, artwork, and accessories. The result will be a roomy looking
RV with lots of color and plenty of style.

6) Design storage solutions for specific items
A common RV remodeling mistake is to build nonspecific storage provisions without actually
knowing what you’re going to use it for. Invariably, the new space ends up becoming a
magnet for miscellaneous belongings and orphaned objects (i.e. a big junk drawer). Before
you begin, decide exactly what you need the space for. Then create a customized storage
solution that works for you.

7) Optimize the space you already have
RV storage provisions usually consist of cupboards, cabinets, drawers, and closets. However,
these traditional storage solutions are inherently inefficient because they lack organizational
components. Before you start building more storage capacity in your RV – find ways to
optimize the spaces you already have. Use shelves, dividers, bins, hooks, racks, and
anything else you can think of to help organize the stuff you already have. You’ll be amazed
at how much storage capacity you have when everything is organized and efficiently
arranged.

8) Use all of the available space
In an RV, wall and floor space is always at a premium. Consequently, when purchasing or
designing furniture, try to use pieces that fill up all of the available space. For instance, it’s
better to install a sofa that spans the entire length of a wall than to put in a loveseat that
leaves a small, unusable section of wasted space at one end. Similarly, take advantage of
space that is overlooked. For example, the area above your RV’s doors and windows is often
a good place to install a bookshelf or a cabinet.

9) Focus on the lighting
Effective lighting can make an RV feel comfortable, stylish, and inviting. In general, look for
light fixtures that eliminate glare, add some color, and illuminate specific areas. Examples
include track lighting, recessed under-counter lights, wall-mounted sconces with colorful
shades, and table lamps. Stay away from lamps with multiple bulbs and oversized shades.
Don’t rely on florescent lighting for night-time illumination. It’s too harsh and institutional.
Instead, use smaller, more stylish lighting fixtures that can be moved around. A table lamp can
be placed on a dinette table or on the dash. Likewise, a standing floor lamp can be located
near a chair or a sofa. Whenever possible, use dimmer switches so you can fine tune the
level of light.

10) Let the light in
Many RVs arrive from the manufacturer with ornate fabric-covered window enclosures, known
as cornices. The rationale for these decorative additions is to add a touch of elegance while
covering the ‘unsightly’ aspects of your windows and blinds. However, these enclosures
achieve this questionable objective at a fairly high cost. First, they block valuable light in
addition to reducing the viewing area. Second, they tend to get in the way of the operation of
the window locks as well as the blinds. Lastly, cornices, by way of their bulky appearance,
violate one of the primary principles of decorating small spaces. As a result, most RV interiors
are significantly darker and more confined looking than they have to be. By using fabric
shades, mini-blinds, or honeycomb shades, you can now enjoy lots of light, great views,
stunning color, and high levels of privacy.