Hitting the open road in an RV is one of life’s greatest adventures.
While RVs come packed with all the necessities, they also provide a blank canvas to transform them into your ideal home away from home.
Upgrading your RV’s interior opens up opportunities to reflect your style and personality.
It also allows you to add function and features to enjoy the RV lifestyle to its fullest.
With some creativity and DIY skills, you can give your RV a complete facelift.
Each remodel concept includes details on the materials, budget, and steps to make the transformation yourself.
With these designs, you will be eager to hit the road and show off your newly reimagined RV interior.
So let’s get started on planning your next great RV makeover!
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Update the Flooring for a Fresh Look
One of the easiest ways to revamp your RV is by changing the flooring.
Most RVs come with basic vinyl floors that can start to look worn out and dated over time.
Swapping out the floors entirely transforms the interior aesthetics.
It also provides a clean foundation for the rest of your remodeling plans.
For a fresh, modern look, install new vinyl plank flooring.
Vinyl planks mimic the visuals of real hardwoods, like oak or cherry, without the high maintenance.
The planks click together easily, making DIY installation simple.
Just make sure to select a high-quality vinyl floor rated for RVs.
brands like Polylast and Country Lane Plastics offer durable planks designed to withstand temperature fluctuations and moisture.
Vinyl plank flooring runs between $2-$8 per square foot.
For a standard 30 ft RV, you can redo the floors for $600-$1,200.
Save money by sticking with a neutral, lighter color that hides dirt and grime.
Focus bold colors and patterns in easily changeable décor elements like rugs and pillows instead.
Beyond planks, other great RV flooring options include:
– Sheet vinyl: Affordable at $3-$5 per square foot, sheet vinyl comes in fun prints and is waterproof.
– Luxury vinyl tile: With stone and wood looks, luxury vinyl tile gives high-end aesthetics for $5-$15 per square foot.
– Ceramic tile: Though heavier and prone to cracking, ceramic tile flooring creates a homey vibe.
Expect to pay $10-$50 per square foot installed.
– Laminates: Durable and easy to install, laminate flooring costs $4-$12 per square foot.
Opt for a style with pre-attached padding.
– Bamboo: A renewable option, bamboo flooring runs $8-$30 per square foot but requires careful installation.
No matter which flooring you select, be sure to:
– Measure precisely before purchasing materials to buy adequate amounts.
– Remove existing floors down to the subfloor for proper installation.
– Acclimate floors to interior RV temperatures before laying.
– Seal seams carefully with vinyl-friendly caulk.
With updated floors, your RV will feel cleaner, fresher, and ready for new décor and storage solutions.
Just changing out the floors can entirely transform the interior ambiance.
Optimize Storage with Cabinet Upgrades
One of the biggest complaints about RV living is the lack of storage space.
Limited room means you need to use every inch wisely when remodeling storage solutions.
Some clever ways to maximize cabinets and drawers include:
Convert unused spaces: Take advantage of the oddly shaped gaps common in RV construction.
Have custom drawer inserts or specialized shelving built to optimize unused spaces like under dinette benches.
Replace bulky cabinets: Rip out heavy, standard cabinets and replace with lightweight, slimmer versions to open up room.
Opt for slide-out, roll-out, or vertical designs.
Add extra shelves: Install additional shelving inside existing cabinets to double storage capacity.
Shelving racks and stackable bins help organize items.
Repurpose cabinets: Adjust shelves and insert sliding racks or baskets to store items more efficiently.
Designate cabinets for specific uses like kitchen gadgets, clothes, or bathroom supplies.
DIY smart storage hacks: Use tension rods, over-the-door organizers, and hidden compartments to stash necessities creatively.
Cabinet upgrades do require some construction work but are very rewarding for increasing storage capacity.
Focus on the kitchen first, then the bathroom and bedroom cabinets.
Expect to spend $50-$200 per cabinet on materials for new units or shelving.
Factor in another $100-$200 per hour for installation or $2,000-$5,000 to redo all cabinets.
With optimized storage, you can pack everything you need for extended trips.
Replace the Mattress for Better Sleep Quality
You spend about a third of your time in the RV sleeping, so invest in a high-quality mattress.
Typical RV mattresses are cheaply made, thin and prone to breaking down quickly.
Replacing the mattress makes a world of difference in getting consistently comfortable, restful sleep on the road.
For RVs, look for a mattress designed specifically for RV use.
They are made to fit RV bed dimensions precisely.
RV mattresses are also treated to resist moisture, mold and sagging despite temperature fluctuations and humidity.
Many RV mattress brands like Dynasty Mattress and Wolf Restypes offer gel-infused memory foam for cooling and pressure relief.
Latex foam options provide responsive support and increased durability.
Expect to pay $500-$2,500 for a new high-end RV queen mattress.
If purchasing a mattress in standard sizing, be sure to get a plush style rated for daily use.
Add a mattress topper to soften firm hotel-style mattresses.
For easy installation, look for brands selling RV-specific sheets, mattress protectors and toppers.
Sleeping soundly enhances energy and enjoyment of all your RV adventures.
Upgrade Window Treatments for Privacy and Style
The windows in your RV most likely came with basic roller shades or flimsy curtains.
Replace these with upgraded window treatments to add privacy, insulation and style to the interior.
Try out these window dressing ideas:
– Blackout cellular shades: These completely block light and are easy to install.
Cost is $25-$100 per window.
– Curtain panels: Layer grommet-top or pleated curtains over shades to soften windows.
Pair with stylish rods and holdbacks.
– Roman shades: These roll up neatly to control light and reveal windows.
Prices range from $50-$150 per window.
– Cornices: Cover basic roller shades with cornices for a polished look.
Use cornices to also conceal lighting strips.
– Smart glass: For next-level privacy control, install LCD privacy glass like Vision Glass.
It switches from clear to frosted at the touch of a button, but costs around $1,000 per window pane.
Measure carefully before purchasing curtains or shades to get an accurate window coverage assessment.
When installing, secure treatments properly to avoid sagging and use light-blocking backing on curtains.
Properly installed window treatments instantly class up your RV.
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Replace Cabinet Hardware for Inexpensive Updates
Over time, the cheap cabinet hardware in RVs gets loose, corroded and an unsightly eyesore.
Swapping out all of the dated hardware for updated knobs and pulls provides an easy facelift.
Take the look up another notch by installing hardware with some personality.
For a nature-inspired look, try branch or leaf shaped pulls in satin nickel or oil-rubbed bronze.
Add modern flair with angular matte black or gold geometric hardware.
Opt for a beachy vibe with shell or starfish shaped knobs.
Match knobs and pulls throughout the RV for a cohesive feel.
Buying new hardware in bulk keeps costs down.
Budget $3-$10 per knob and $5-$20 per pull based on the material and style.
Use high-quality hardware made for heavy use to prevent loosening over time.
Installing new RV cabinet hardware takes under 30 minutes per cabinet with a screwdriver.
First, remove old hardware and fill any holes with wood filler.
Lightly sand, then screw on the new knobs and pulls.
Wipe away any debris before admiring the sleek new look.
Swapping hardware is a fast, affordable way to update worn cabinets.
Upgrade Lighting for Function and Style
The generic lighting found in most RVs does little to create a stylish, welcoming ambiance.
Swapping out dull overhead and cabinet lighting for new fixtures instantly modernizes the interior.
When selecting new lighting:
– Opt for durable LEDs to lower power usage.
– Choose warm 2700-3000K bulbs that feel cozier than harsh blue-toned lighting.
– Install dimmers to control the mood and avoid eye strain.
– Add sconces, pendant lights or track lighting for ambient glow.
– Use accent lighting like recessed cans and under-cabinet lights to highlight decor.
– Include motion sensor lights in key areas for convenience.
– Select fixtures with a consistent finish to unify the lighting design.
Oil-rubbed bronze, satin nickel and matte black work well in RVs.
– Splurge on stylish overhead fixtures to anchor the rooms.
Budget $100-$300 per light fixture and $100 per dimmer switch.
Factor in $50 per hour for installation.
While replacing all lighting is a sizable investment, the impact is massive in making the RV truly feel like home.
Replace Countertops to Get Modern Style
The plastic laminate countertops typical in RVs scratch easily and look dated after years of use.
Swapping kitchen and bathroom countertops for fresh materials completely updates the aesthetic.
Popular options include:
– Butcher block: Offering a warm, natural look, butcher block runs $20-$30 per square foot installed.
It requires regular oiling to prevent water damage.
– Quartz: Made from crushed quartz and resin, quartz counters are durable and sleek.
Expect costs of $50-$100 per square foot.
– Concrete: For an industrial vibe, concrete counters cost $50-$100 per square foot and hold up well but add weight.
– Laminate: At just $10-$20 per square foot, new plastic laminate counters offer affordable function and style.
Opt for wood-look patterns.
– Stainless steel: A pro kitchen upgrade, stainless steel costs $60-$200 per square foot but provides a seamless, sterile surface.
Measure carefully before purchasing new countertop materials.
Removing old countertops requires sawing or dismantling cabinets so it helps to have repair skills.
If swapping out countertops yourself seems daunting, hire an experienced RV pro.
The expense is worthwhile since new counters totally transform dated kitchens and baths.
Refresh the Bathroom Fixtures and Surfaces
RV bathrooms take a lot of abuse through heavy use and moisture.
Refreshing the bathroom décor helps revive dingy fixtures and surfaces prone to grunginess.
Ideas for affordably updating the RV bathroom include:
– Regrout shower tiles: Use white vinegar and a grout saw to remove moldy old grout.
Reapply fresh grout for $10-$30 in materials.
– Apply new caulk: Neat white caulking instantly makes counters, showers, sinks and toilets look cleaner.
A few tubes costs under $10.
– Clean faucets: Remove mineral buildup and restore shine to faucets with baking soda.
For stuborn gunk, use Bar Keeper’s Friend.
– Replace showerhead: A new showerhead in chrome, nickel or oil-rubbed bronze costs under $30 and improves the shower.
– Install new toilet: Replace a worn toilet with a fresh porcelain one for $150-$300.
Picking one with a powerful flush helps prevent clogs.
– Upgrade lighting: Add a heat lamp, recessed cans or sconces for a spa-like bath.
– Organize toiletries: Use organizers and floating shelves to tame bathroom clutter.
With some thorough cleaning and a few simple upgrades, your RV bathroom will look and feel so much more inviting.
Maintain the freshness by quickly wiping surfaces dry after use to prevent mold and mildew growth.
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Install Specialty RV Flooring Outside
The outdoor space of your RV is just as important as the interior when it comes to remodeling.
While RVs generally come with basic exterior carpeting, upgrading to specialty RV flooring protects the living space underneath from moisture and improves durability.
Ideal options for RV exterior flooring include:
– Patio decking: Composite plastic deck boards designed for RVs install just like wood decking for a fraction of the weight.
Composite decking costs $4-$12 per square foot.
– Outdoor tile: Porcelain and ceramic tiles made for exterior installation add a classy look for $10-$30 per square foot.
Hold up to heavy usage.
– Exterior carpet: Stain- and mildew-resistant exterior carpeting costs $3-$7 per square foot but requires consistent cleaning.
– Interlocking floor tiles: These plastic polypropylene tiles click together for simple DIY installation.
Tiles cost just $1-$4 per square foot.
– Roll-out mats: Made from vinyl and recycled rubber, rollout mats provide durable protection for $3-$7 per square foot.
Take precise measurements before purchasing materials to get the right amount.
Carefully remove any existing RV skirting first.
Thoroughly clean the sub floor before installation.
Avoid excess adhesive spreading beyond tiles or deck boards.
New specialty flooring elevates your RV’s outdoor living potential.
Add Slide Toppers for Protection and Shade
If your RV has slide-outs, adding exterior slide toppers is a very practical upgrade for protecting that living space.
Slide toppers consist of heavy canvas or vinyl sheets that unroll to cover the roof of slide-outs when extended.
This prevents leaves, debris, rain and snow from piling up on slide-out roofs.
It also provides useful shade against the sun.
Installing slide toppers is best left to RV specialists with expertise.
Expect to pay $600-$1,500 depending on the size of slides and material selected.
Manual slide toppers need to be unrolled and re-rolled every time you extend or retract slide-outs.
Motorized versions make the process push button easy but cost more.
Keep slide toppers clean and maintained to prevent sagging over time.
Inspect seals and edges regularly to check for tearing.
Roll them out anytime slides are extended to maximize usage and keep interiors cleaner and cooler.
Slide toppers are extremely practical for protecting vulnerable slide spaces.
Incorporate Multifunctional Furniture
RVs have limited space for seating, sleeping, dining, storage and more.
Making the most of the available layout means selecting furniture that multitasks.
Some great multifunctional furniture options for RVs include:
– Murphy beds: These fold-down beds disappear into the wall to leave room for living space daytime.
Cost is $1,000-$2,000.
– Futon couches: Dual-use futons convert from sofa to bed for guests.
Prices range from $300-$1,500.
– Bunk beds: Select bunks with built-in desks, shelves and storage.
Kid-friendly bunks cost $400-$1,200.
– Banquette seating: Curved booth benches maximize seating and storage underneath.
Banquette seats cost $500-$2,500.
– Expandable tables: Look for tables that pop up to seat more people or collapse down when not in use.
Prices start around $300.
– Ottomans: Footstools and cubes that open for storage are useful as extra seating and surfaces.
Expect to pay $50-$200 each.
– Multi-use bars: Install portable bars on walls, cabinets and slides to use as workstations or dining tables.
Portable bars cost around $300.
Take measurements and create a floor plan to integrate multifunctional furnishings optimally.
Piecing together designs prevents wasted space in tight RV quarters.
With every furniture piece doing double or triple duty, you gain more flexibility to comfortably accommodate needs.
Upgrade Appliances for More Functions
RV kitchens and laundry spaces are notoriously short on space.
One way to free up more room is replacing clunky appliances with sleeker multipurpose models.
Some great options include:
– Microwave-convection oven combos: All-in-one units replace microwave and oven for $300-$800.
– under-the-counter fridges: Compact fridges storing up to 5 cubic ft.
fit easily in tight spaces.
Prices are $400-$800.
– Portable induction cooktops: These cooktops heat pans directly using magnets for portable cooking.
Cost is $75-$300 each.
– Combo washer-dryer units: All-in-one washer-dryers condense drying into compact washing machines for $1,000-$2,000.
– Multifunction printers: Replace printer, scanner, fax with multifunction models starting around $200.
– Instant Pots: The multi-cooker Instant Pot serves as pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker and more for $100-$200.
Carefully read dimensions to ensure new appliances fit in existing cabinet cutouts before purchasing.
You may need to make alterations to create a custom fit.
But the additional cooking capacity, laundry functionality and streamlined appearance is wonderful.
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Add a Fresh Coat of Paint for an Instant Update
One of the simplest RV remodels requires no construction at all—just fresh paint!
A new hue instantly revives dingy décor and cabinets for a contemporary feel.
Ideas for updating RV interiors with paint include:
– Repainting wood cabinets: Give oak or cherry cabinets more depth with gel stain or opaque paint.
– Painting interior walls: Swap the dated wallpaper or paneling for clean drywall and colorful paint.
– Refreshing laminate: Coat worn laminate countertops and tables in chalk paint for a matte revamped look.
– Spray painting fixtures: Freshen up lighting, vents, drawer pulls and more with metallic spray paint.
– Adding painted murals: Stencil landscapes, geometric shapes or nature motifs on accent walls.
– Painting exterior body: A new base color helps modernize exterior appearance.
Stick with high-quality RV-approved paints that resist moisture and handle temperature fluctuations.
For cabinet and furniture makeovers, properly prep, prime, and seal pieces first.
While paint projects create some mess, the interior renewal results are well worth i
A fresh coat of paint works magic sprucing up any RV.
Remodeling an aging RV restores that feeling of home every time you hit the road.
With some creativity and elbow grease, you can entirely transform the interior to match your aesthetic.
Start with foundational upgrades like new flooring, then move onto storage solutions, comfortable furnishings and refreshed surfaces.
Use this guide to inspire your own unique RV renovation vision.
Mix and match concepts to invent the ideal interior within your budget and abilities.
Part of the adventure of RVing is making the space your own through remodeling.
Renewing your mobile home lets you fully immerse in the relaxing RV lifestyle for years more of memorable trips.
