Design and colour palette
In the interior design, we prioritised brightness by making the most of the expansive windows.
Our goal was to maintain a seamless flow between the dinette and sleeping area, so we carefully crafted low-profile furniture that wouldn't obstruct the stunning views or the sense of connection with the surroundings.
We positioned the bathroom so that it could be easily accessed from outside and included a pull out pantry to make the most of the available space in the kitchen.
The color palette for this project drew inspiration from a blend of modern and contemporary aesthetics with a casual, earthy twist.
To give a sense of volume and light we used white on the upright walls and panneling.
Taking cues from the retro cream and sage green exterior of the bus, we used these colours within the interor, creating a soothing and inviting atmosphere.
To complement this base, we introduced earthy tones like terracotta and wood, bringing warmth and natural beauty to the space.
The inclusion of green plants further enriched the palette, connecting the interior with the great outdoors, resulting in a harmonious and inviting environment.
Committed to sustainability, we choose natural fibres including linen, organic cotton, and wool. We selected Haymes low voc acrylic paint for the timber panelling and natural timber oil on the wooden trims.Where ever possible, all the solid wood for the bus was upcycled from the previous fit out. Drawer and door handles with raw edges where upcycled from Doublas Pine studs and recycled Blackwood was used on the flooring. Even the bathroom sink was a repurposed wooden bowl.
Elevating the Dining Area
One of the most important areas in this project was the custom dinette seating. One of the most used areas in the bus, it needed to be comfortable, cozy and an inviting hub for meals and relaxation. I covered the fresh, high density foam cushions with breathable organic cotton linings and then crafted practical, removable slipcovers for the seating, utilizing a two-tone approach. For the bottom cushions, where comfort and durability were paramount, I selected a darker, cozy wool fabric that would be durable, hard wearing nad stand up against marking and staining. To brighten up the interior and create a contrast, I opted for a cream cotton fabric for the back cushions, the same fabric that was used on the blinds. This carefully chosen combination of materials adds both functionality and aesthetic charm to the seating area
Bed Back Rest, Plush Pillows, Cushions and a Snug Duvet
Linen cushions in a soft sage colour and cream where chosen to tie the bedding and dinette together. I handcrafted smaller, cushions for the seating area and a larger european pillow to provide together with a covered bed backrest for support. These items encourage the use of this space to be used as a additional 'hang out' area. Like the bottom dinette cushions, needing practicality and aesthetics, an earthy, warm terracotta shade was selected for the doona.
Innovative Blinds for Privacy and Ventilation
A unique feature of this project was the unique blind system I designed. Unlike traditional curtains, these were versatile, offering multiple positions allowing for both privacy and cross-ventilation from the top sliding windows. This ingenious addition added to the comfort and functionality of the retro bus.
Safety was of utmost importance near the woodstove, where I crafted a curtain from fireproof fiberglass material.
The result of this project is a transformation that reflects my passion for craftsmanship and sustainability. It serves as a reminder that the past can be reimagined to create spaces that are not only beautiful but also eco-friendly and inviting.
If you're inspired by this retro bus renovation and are dreaming of your own unique project, please don't hesitate to get in touch with me.
I'd love to bring your vision to life, creating a space that combines beauty, sustainability, and comfort.
Contact me today, and let's embark on this exciting journey together!