Retro campers that have been flawlessly renovated are hard to ignore. They’re bold, lively, and fun. The best part? They look vintage, but they offer modern conveniences and appliances. If you’re eager to stand out on the road with groovy patterns, bold paint colors, and appliances that offer a blast to the past, you’ve come to the right place. RV Trader is sharing seven helpful tips that will help you transform your used motorhome into a retro paradise.
1. Paint the exterior.
Renovating the exterior of your RV will make a huge difference in how your motorhome is perceived. If you want to add an obvious retro edge to your travel trailer or other camper, choose your favorite retro colors, brainstorm a bold pattern, and get to work.
Before you paint, wash the outside of your RV thoroughly, remove old decals, and caulk any exterior joints that show cracks or gaps. In addition, make sure you have all the necessary supplies, such as painter’s tape, a sanding block, acetone, a microfiber cloth, and more.
Ultimately, painting your RV will give it an opportunity to shine in all its retro glory.
2. Use retro kitchen appliances.
There are so many retro appliances to use in your Class A RV or other motorhome these days. Your options are truly endless! Here are some fun items to consider.
- Smeg toaster, which comes in a variety of fun colors, such as cherry red and bubblegum pink
- Galanz mini fridge, which provides a pop of bright turquoise to any space
- COMFEE microwave to match, along with a Nostalgia electric tea kettle
- Magic Chef mint green microwave that’s sleek, compact, and perfect for your new and improved retro kitchen
- HADEN Dorchester Coffee Maker comes in seafoam green, blue, and white
3. Incorporate retro colors.
Before you begin your RV renovation, decide which nostalgic color palette you want to use. Are you drawn towards warm browns, oranges, and golds of the 1970s? Or do you prefer softer pastels that were all the rage during the 1950s? This decision will help guide your renovation projects moving forward.
Your cabinets, walls, and trim are all great painting projects to tackle. You can also choose furniture and decor that fit into your chosen color scheme. Ultimately, incorporating vintage colors and accents will help give your space a groovy, retro feel.
4. Install funky wallpaper.
Patterned wallpaper is a great way to transform the vibe of your RV’s interior. Bold prints, kitschy designs, and colorful florals are all great options for a retro theme.
Nowadays, wallpaper application is simple. With peel-and-stick options, you can change up your chosen design as often as you want. This is a great way to keep the interior of your fifth wheel or other RV fresh and interesting. Fortunately, since RVs don’t have an extensive amount of wall space, this renovation project is a quick and easy one.
5. Get creative with lighting.
Swapping out your old bulbs and light fixtures for new ones is a great way to enhance the retro feel of your RV. From accent lighting to table lamps, your options are infinite.
First things first, remove any fluorescent bulbs from your RV. Manufacturers typically install these in brand new motorhomes, and for some RVers, they’re perfectly fine. However, they give off a bluish tint and can make your space feel unnaturally bright. Instead, opt for warmer bulbs that add a cozy factor to your space.
Second, consider adding a fun table lamp or two to your bedroom or living room. This mushroom lamp from Urban Outfitters is a great option, along with this green ceramic lamp from JCPenney.
Third, brainstorm creative ways to add textured, retro lighting to your RV’s interior. For example, stick-on glow stars can be installed on your ceiling for an extra pop of light after dark. Many RVers also string fairy lights around the interior of their space for a cozy, late-night glimmer.
6. Have fun with textures and fabrics.
Incorporating texture and a variety of fabrics will bring your retro RV to life and transform it into a cozy, functional home. Shag carpets and crushed velvet pillows are fantastic options for this. You can even DIY your RV’s seating and swap out the fabric for something that aligns with your chosen theme and color palette. Tie dye prints, checkered fabrics, and paisley designs are popular options for a retro look. Don’t be afraid to mix and match different colors and patterns. This will only enhance the retro feel of your RV.
7. Decorate with vintage accents.
Get creative with your retro RV renovation. Add a lava lamp, a vintage fan, or a neon sign to your space. If you’re a music lover, invest in a record player. Once again, your options are endless. Decorate in a way that feels authentic for you.
The first step towards renovating a camper is finding the perfect used model for your project. If you’re ready to search for a used RV to renovate, check out our nationwide inventory at RVTrader.com.
