If you spend enough time in it, you’ll recognise that your static caravan holiday home is more than just a place you stay when you fancy a break. It’s your retreat, your place that feels like home (away from home). So, you want it to be the best it can be so that each time you walk through the door it puts its arms around you in welcome.
Whether you’ve recently bought a static caravan here at Elm Bank or had one for a while and are thinking about a refresh of the interior, some thoughtful design and decoration touches can make a big difference. From making the most of clever storage solutions and comfortable furnishings to installing some stylish decor and modern appliances, there are many ways to create your very own welcoming space – and, in this edition of the Elm Bank blog, we’ll explore some of them.
Consistent Style and Colour Palette
The foundation of every well-designed space is the combination of cohesive style and sympathetic colour. These things, not to get too ‘feng shui’ about it, can have a massive bearing on your mood and energy. Before you start decorating your static caravan, you should decide on the overall ‘vibe’ you want to achieve. Aesthetics come and go, but in general the ‘on trend’ looks and feels of today are as follows.
- Scandi chic: This calming style includes neutral tones, natural textures such as wood and linen, and minimalist furniture which has a ‘no fuss’ look.
- Coastal vibe: Soft blues, whites and sandy tones with nautical accent materials like rope, driftwood and seashells can give a great coastal vibe.
- Rustic charm: Use earthy colours, distressed wood and vintage pieces of furniture for a cosy, classic, countryside feel.
- Modern elegance: Keep things controlled, clean and sleek with sharp lines, metallic accents and a muted colour palette. Seriously cool and modern!
Once you’ve settled on your general style, stick to a colour palette of no more than three or four complementary shades. This will keep everything in your eyeline in a sympathetic ‘family’ or area of colour and help to create a harmonious flow throughout your static. The general rule is that lighter colours (such as white, cream and soft grey) can make the space feel larger and brighter, while darker colours tend to ‘draw a space in’ and make it feel much cosier.
Light (Including Natural)
Light is also very important when you’re working on making a space feel a particular way. Static caravans can sometimes feel small but using natural light well, in addition to other sources, can make them appear to be more open and airier. Again, this will influence how you feel.
- Mirrors: Use mirrors to reflect light and create the illusion of a larger space. Position them opposite windows to bounce light around the room.
- Blinds: Remove heavy curtains from windows and replace them with lightweight voiles or sheer blinds.
- Windows: Keep window frames and sills clean and clear of clutter to maximise the amount of sunlight coming in.
- Lamps: For evening warmth, you could add soft lighting with warm-toned LED bulbs, fairy lights and table lamps to create a cosy atmosphere.
Soft Furnishings
Soft furnishings are key to creating a welcoming and comfortable environment. They’re also an easy way to add colour and personality to your caravan. Mixing textures and patterns within the same colour scheme creates a rich, layered look that’s both stylish and inviting. This ‘dressing’ of a room makes a big overall impact.
- Cushions and throws: Layering cushions and throws made in different textures like velvet, wool and cotton will add warmth and comfort.
- Rugs: A large, soft rug can make even the coldest laminate floor of a static caravan feel cosy. Opt for a neutral design or, if you prefer to make a statement, opt for a bold pattern.
- Curtains: Blackout curtains are ideal for ‘emptying a room’ of light and creating a truly restful sleeping space. Lighter linen curtains can add a relaxed and airy feel during the day.
Storage
Space can sometimes feel like it’s at a bit of a premium in a static caravan, so it’s important to have clever storage options. They’re essential so that you can keep things tidy and organised without your living space feeling cramped.
- Under-bed: Invest in storage boxes or built-in drawers under the bed.
- Wall-mounted shelves: Use open shelving to display books, plants and decorative items while keeping your floors clear and free of clutter.
- Multi-functional furniture: Choosing items of furniture which have a dual purpose (ottomans with hidden storage, dining tables that fold down, sofa beds to turn social space into sleeping space) will help you to make the most of every inch you’ve got.
- Hooks and racks: Add wall hooks for your coats and towels and use over-the-door racks for shoes or toiletries. Maximise the available vertical space.
Walls and Surfaces
Static caravan interiors often feature neutral or basic wall finishes – but you can easily elevate yours with some creative touches. Adding texture and colour to the walls will create a visual interest, which makes the space feel more like home.
- Paint: A coat of paint in a soft, neutral shade can freshen up or brighten the space. Consider feature walls in bolder colours or textured wallpaper.
- Stick-on tiles: Peel-and-stick tiles are a quick and affordable way to upgrade the look of your kitchen and bathroom splashbacks.
- Panelling: Installing wooden panelling or shiplap can add some warmth and character to plain and dull walls.
Furniture
Static caravans often feature basic, functional furniture – and so one important way you can instantly modernise the space is to upgrade key elements. You don’t necessarily have to buy from new and pay a lot – there are often perfectly fine pieces on places like Facebook Marketplace, and it can sometimes be a great idea to mix and match vintage and modern pieces as this creates a relaxed yet stylish look.
- Dining set: Swap out your dated dining table and chairs and go for a sleek, modern set.
- Sofa: A comfortable, well-styled sofa makes the living area more inviting. Think about reupholstering or adding a throw if replacing isn’t an option.
- Bed: As you’ll already know from home, investing in a comfortable mattress is very important to ensure a restful night’s sleep. Invest in an attractive bed and use some stylish bedding.
- Outdoor furniture: If your caravan has decking and/or some outdoor space, add comfortable seating and a table to create a modest social area for relaxing in.
Personal Touches
Making your static caravan feel like home is all about adding personal elements that reflect your style and personality. These small but meaningful details will make your caravan feel lived-in and welcoming.
- Artwork: Display framed prints, personal photographs and your favourite wall art to give the space character. If you’ve created the art yourself, it’s even more of a talking point!
- Souvenirs: Add keepsakes and holiday mementoes – such as shells, or small trinkets from the locale – to shelves and surfaces to put some of the area right into your living space.
- Plants: Houseplants (eg. succulents, ferns and peace lilies) add a touch of nature to your space, as well as improving air quality.
- Scent: A sometimes-overlooked part of creating an inviting space is smell. Scented candles, reed diffusers and essential oil burners can create a warm, soft and inviting atmosphere.
Appliances and Fixtures
If your static caravan’s appliances are old and even outdated, consider upgrading them to improve functionality and aesthetics. You could opt for energy-efficient versions to reduce running costs and your environmental impact.
- Kitchen: Install a modern kettle, toaster and coffee machine for a practical yet stylish touch.
- Bathroom: Replace taps and showerheads with modern and efficient designs.
- Smart tech: Smart lighting, Wi-Fi plugs, and Bluetooth speakers can make your caravan feel more convenient and up-to-date.
Keeping your static caravan at its best requires regular maintenance and it’s always worth updating or upgrading the interior occasionally. It helps you feel fresh and happy in your space, and it doesn’t require an astronomical budget – mostly just thoughtful design choices and a few personal touches. One of the most important things you can do, though, is schedule a thorough clean at the beginning and end of each trip. A well-maintained caravan will stay looking fresh and inviting year after year, so now you’ve created that space that feels like home, enjoy Elm Bank and all it has to offer!