🎨 RV Decorating the No-Fuss Way: From Brown to WOW 🚐✨

Switching Gears RV Diary
Feb 21, 2024
3 min read

February 21, 2024

How I Transformed Our Camper Without Demo or Drama

Let’s be honest... if you've spent any time in an RV, you already know the brown struggle is real. Brown cabinets, brown floors, brown walls — it’s like stepping into a sepia-toned time warp. 😅

So after one too many trips feeling like I was living inside a granola bar, I decided it was time for a change. Nothing crazy or complicated — just a fresh, funky facelift that made our home on wheels feel more like us. And yes, even The Hubs approved in the end (after a few raised eyebrows)! 🙃

🏕️ Why Even Bother With RV Decor?

If you’re full-time RVing or even weekend camping, you know this space is more than just a vehicle — it’s your home. So why not make it a place you actually want to spend time in?

But let’s be clear:I didn’t want to rip out cabinets, install new flooring, or start a HGTV-worthy renovation. I just wanted to add personality — on a budget, and with zero power tools required.

🎯 The Goal: Color, Comfort & a Little Quirk

My mission was simple:

✅ Brighten up the space
✅ Add color that reflects our style
✅ Do it fast, do it cheap, and keep it FUN

Spoiler alert: I succeeded. Here's how 👇

🎨 Step 1: Start With Temporary Decor

You don’t need to commit to painting cabinets or ripping out trim to make a visual impact.

✨ Peel-and-Stick Wallpaper

I found a peel-and-stick wallpaper that added an instant pop of personality. It’s renter-friendly, removable, and covers a lot of "meh" in a hurry.

🪞Command Hooks & Removable Decor

Used for:

Hanging lightweight frames
Displaying travel souvenirs
Adding fairy lights (because why not?)

💸 Step 2: Shop Your House & Thrift for Finds

One of my favorite design hacks: shop your own home first. I dug through storage bins and found throw pillows, small rugs, and wall art that hadn’t seen the light of day since our sticks-and-bricks life.

Then I hit up a few thrift stores for:

Vintage-style kitchen towels 🧺
Quirky décor items 🌵
Cheap but cheerful accessories 💛

💡 Step 3: Let Lighting Do the Work

RV lighting tends to be… well… functional, not flattering. So I added:

Battery-operated puck lights for ambiance 🔦
Clip-on reading lights by the bed 🛏️
Warm string lights in cozy corners ✨

Just a few lighting tweaks made the space feel instantly more welcoming.

🎯 RV Design Tips I Swear By:

✅ Don’t Fight the Space — Work With It

Instead of trying to force modern farmhouse style into a 2010 travel trailer, I leaned into what worked: bright colors, simple upgrades, and funky accessories.

✅ Embrace Your Style (Even If It’s “Weird”)

Your RV is YOURS. If you love flamingos, go wild. Want mid-century vibes? Bring ‘em on. RV decorating doesn’t need to please anyone but you.

✅ Start Small, Then Build

You don’t need to do it all at once. Start with one corner, one pillow, one pop of color. Momentum builds quickly.

🤠 Even The Hubs Came Around

Let’s just say… he wasn’t exactly thrilled when I showed him fabric swatches and peel-and-stick wallpaper samples. But once he saw it all come together — and how easy it was to remove or change — he became a fan. 💪

His favorite part? “It feels like a real home now.”

Mine? “It doesn’t feel like I’m living inside a UPS box anymore.” 😆

📸 Before & After? Night and Day!

No dramatic demo scenes, no massive mess — just smart choices and a little style. The transformation was real, even if it was just "lipstick on a pig." 🐷💄

🛠️ Resources & Tools I Used:

Peel-and-stick wallpaper from Amazon 🎯
Thrifted treasures 🏺
Command strips & hooks 🔧
Black out curtains from Amazon
Patience, humor, and lots of coffee ☕

💬 Final Thoughts: Small Changes, Big Joy

RV decorating doesn’t have to be stressful, expensive, or Pinterest-perfect. Whether you’re a weekend warrior or living full-time, the key is to make it feel like yours.

So if you're staring down an RV full of brown, take it from me — a few quirky updates can completely transform your space and your mood.

Ready to ditch the drab? Grab some wallpaper, pick a palette, and let your creativity shine. 🌈