For the past year and a half, people have been spending more time in their RVs than ever before. After months of being stuck inside, Americans got the itch to get out, and campgrounds and state and national parks have been packed ever since.
If you’ve been spending a lot of time in your RV, chances are some interior items could use an upgrade. Just like a home, things can get worn out, worn down, and outdated quickly.
While remodeling your RV can be an intimidating prospect, it can be a lot of fun, and most upgrades can be completed by just about anyone. Even modest upgrades can improve your RV’s appearance and comfort. Depending on how much work you’re willing to take on, you can make your RV the custom home away from home you’ve always dreamed of.
Whether you want to overhaul your RV’s interior or simply add a few new touches here and there, find the expertise and tools you’ll need at the Deseret News Home Show.
Here are seven tips to help you modernize your ride.
Update the flooring
If you are looking for an upgrade to your RV that will instantly have it feeling fresh and modernized, new flooring is your answer. Stripping away decades of wear and tear, installing new flooring is one of the best bang-for-your-buck items when it comes to RV remodeling.
Have old, linoleum style flooring? Consider replacing it with hardwood-style laminate or luxury vinyl tile. Is the flooring in the bathroom stained or even warped? Lay some tile and watch your bathroom become new. Even adding some new rugs can have a dramatic effect on your RV’s appearance.
While YouTube has a slew of helpful installation videos for DIY’ers, flooring can be a tricky thing to get right on your own. Don’t be shy about hiring a professional if you’re concerned about it.
Hang mirrors
An age-old homeowner trick, mirrors are an easy and stylish way to make even the smallest RV feel roomy.
Available in all shapes and sizes, adding a few mirrors will give your space the open, airy and bright feeling you’ve been craving.
Freshen up or replace the kitchen cabinets
No matter what RV you have, cabinets and storage space are one of the top priorities for campers. Not only are they essential for storing food, utensils, and supplies, cabinets are one of the most visually striking (for good or bad) parts of your interior. Susceptible to wear and tear, giving them an update goes a long way in helping your interior feeling refreshed.
Not that you need to tear out your cabinets and have new ones built (although you can), simply giving them some fresh paint and new door pulls are easy ways to modernize even older RVs.
Install a new backsplash
While installing a new backsplash might sound expensive and headache-inducing, it doesn’t have to be. You can go the traditional tile and grout route, or you can try a more simple approach with adhesive backsplash sheets that look and feel like the real thing.
No matter your approach, a new backsplash will have your kitchen looking fresher than it has in years.
Splurge on a high-pressure showerhead
If you’ve been spending more time in your RV, you’re well-acquainted with one of the most frustrating shortcomings of RV life: a weak shower head.
No one likes to shower under a weak stream of water, and even fewer people like using a campground’s shower area to take a decent shower. Simply order the right showerhead for your RV and one that will make you feel most at home. Installation is a breeze, but if you need some guidance, YouTube has several videos to help.
Embrace the power of the sun
If you have an RV and you have not yet installed solar panels, you’re missing out on one of the most transformative upgrades you can make to your rig.
Though it’s not as simple as mounting some panels to your roof and kicking back in the recliner, solar panels are well worth the money to pay for a professional installation. They are much more convenient than being dependent on a generator and they enable you to enjoy access to your electronics without noise, smelly fumes, or the hassle of making sure you have enough fuel.
Give your awning some attention
First off, if your RV doesn’t have an awning, do yourself a favor and get the largest awning you can afford. Not only does an awning help keep your RV cool by blocking the sun, but it also increases your RV’s living space by creating a shaded patio for you to spend time under.
While the old, hand-crank-style awnings are still available, modern awnings with LED lights and motors for unfurling and furling offer convenience and ambiance in ways that traditional shades do not.
To take your awning to the next level, consider personalizing your RV’s awning with some party lights, hanging plants, and whatever other decorations you’d like to have it feel like your home away from home.
For more great home improvement ideas, visit the Deseret News Home Show Oct. 8-10 at the Mountain America Expo Center in Sandy. To save $4 off tickets click here.