Today brings us to the final installment of my RV Makeover Story. I’ve always wanted to do this, and it’s amazing to get to fulfill a dream. I actually drove her to the mechanic this morning (she’s ok, just some expected work that needs to be done) and I miss looking out the window and seeing her; miss going out to have an evening glass of wine with her. Sigh…she’ll be back in a week or two, all tuned up and ready to go.

the Kitchen, Bathroom & Exterior

the Kitchen, BEFORE

AFTER

The kitchen is tiny, but has everything we need. I painted all the wood a gloss black to work with the black range and hood, and used wallpaper left over from my living room for the backsplash. I placed a sheet of clear plastic behind the stove for easy clean up of spills and splashes. I also used the wallpaper on the drawer fronts, and coated it with Modge Podge to help it wear better. I added a rod hanger from Ikea and magnetic knife holder, magnetic spice rack, hanging paper towel holder, a few cup hooks and a clock (all Amazon) along the back. We changed out the leaky faucet with a taller one, which I like much better.

the BATHROOM

BEFORE

AFTER

I wasn’t expecting to go black and white in the bathroom, but I already had 2 yards of the black alligator-embossed vinyl and the vintage black and white floral and decided to use those. I love the way it turned out. I used the same Gianni black granite counter paint I used in the kitchen in here.

I’ve had this vintage black glass candle holder for years, it works well in here. I had these leftover coque feathers from an old project and popped them in, I love the way it looks. The zebra plate was a thrift store find. I added black plastic trim (hot glued on, bought on Ebay) where needed to cover up not-so-good-looking edges.In the shower I simply covered the walls and ceiling with cheap pvc shower curtains and caulked the edges with white caulk to ensure a good seal. I replaced the shower head and added a space-saving shampoo/soap dispenser. I love that the shower curtain looks like tile.The clear shower curtain with pockets adds extra storage. I also replaced the toilet (the old one was falling apart) and plan to replace the sink and faucet in the future.I installed black picture shelves under the counter to hold towels. It makes good use of otherwise wasted space. I love how the black vinyl looks on the walls, and it’s easy to clean. The little black panther heads on the wall are from Target, and the trash can, matching counter container (with the pink peony in it) and soap dispenser are from the Assistance League thrift store.

the OUTSIDE

BEFORE

We did a ton of prep on the outside, sanding down the stripes and rust spots, cleaning her well, priming with automotive primer, then painting with a heavy duty exterior latex gray paint.

AFTER

Believe it or not, I didn’t want to get too crazy with the outside (this is subtle in my book 🙂 My aim was to make it unique but still look good here and match the house somewhat, which is mostly grays. I also wanted to keep it simple so it wouldn’t take too long to do, and because painting a design over the textured paneling is very challenging.I added a touch of gold on the bumpers, rims, door and mirrors for a bit of glam. The designs are inspired by tattoos on my arms by the amazing Sandi Calistro, a tattoo artist in Denver, CO. I also added a hanging flame light lantern by the door and solar lights by all the entries.

She wouldn’t be complete without her own custom-made hood ornament. That’s a ceramic bird I found at the thrift store, a mini disco ball, and old pair of earrings and some iridescent glass balls.She’s just about ready to go. I have a cargo hitch that will hold her new generator on the back. As soon as she comes home from the “Car Doctor”, we’ll be taking her for a little spin. There will be more to come in the Adventures of Carmen the Vintage RV!