The best part about writing this blog is that it inspires so many amazing makeovers. If you follow us on Facebook, (Hello! Why wouldn’t you?) you saw the amazing pictures of Lisa’s makeover. Lisa was inspired by another pop up camper transformation–Rose’s Makeover. She put her own fun twist on her renovation, and it ended up looking completely original.
Similarly, the transformation I get to share with you today–Tiffany’s Pop Up Camper Makeover–was inspired by many of the makeovers you’ve seen here on The Pop Up Princess. Even though Tiffany drew her inspiration from the other camper projects on this blog, she put her own unique stamp on things. You’ll recognize elements from other makeovers in Tiffany’s camper, but it looks absolutely unlike anything else you’ve ever seen. Let’s take a look…
Tiffany, her husband, Chris, and their family had wanted a camper for a few years. They knew they needed something light, so they could pull it with their small SUV. They also knew they needed to stick to a fairly tight budget, so a big, brand new camper was just not in the cards for them. When they came across this blog, they knew a pop up camper was the perfect solution.
It wasn’t long before they found a 2000 Coleman Niagara that was perfect for their family. They loved the roomy interior, cassette toilet/shower combo, and slide dinette. The only issue? That ugly, dated pop up camper interior. But Tiffany had spent hours looking over the reader features here on The Pop Up Princess, so she knew she could tackle that little problem. The family named their new little trailer “Bertha” and got to work sprucing her up.
First order of business? A new coat of paint for those cabinets! Tiffany and Chris removed all the doors and drawers from their cabinets and painted them separately. They gave everything four coats of Behr premium paint + primer in white. They also painted the fridge with chalkboard paint. The cabinet hardware was in fantastic shape, so they removed the hinges and pulls and gave everything a coat of Rustoleum spray paint in an oil rubbed bronze finish.
Then it was on to the countertops! They removed all their t-trim and ordered brand new, white replacement trim. While waiting for the trim to arrive, they borrowed an idea from Hollie’s pop up camper makeover to finish the countertop surfaces.
All the countertop surfaces got a few coats of Zinsser primer and Rustoleum countertop paint. While the paint was still wet, they sprinkled decorative plastic garage floor coating flakes on top. They topped everything off with several coats of Polycrylic to seal the surfaces.
Once the new t-trim arrived, they installed it in the existing groove of the countertop edge. You can find more information about installing t-trim here. Encouraged by the amazing progress they were making, Tiffany and Chris moved on to the flooring.
They purchased an adhesive-backed wood looking plank vinyl from Lowes. They fell in love with the flooring, and say it actually looks like real wood. What a great call! Doesn’t it add warmth to the camper? I’m really loving it! 🙂
With all the major renovations out of the way, it was time to move on to cushions and curtains. Tiffany doesn’t sew, but Chris does, so he was able to most of the work. They selected inexpensive dropcloths for the majority of the curtains, but found an eye-catching red home decor fabric at 80% off and decided to use that on the bunkend curtains to add a pop of color. Using the more expensive fabric selections in just a few spots around the camper is a great way to add some visual interest without breaking the bank. Nice thinking, Tiffany and Chris!
To recover the cushions, they selected a neutral gray outdoor fabric and used the wrap and staple method to make short work of the project. I love that tailored look. It really looks chic.
Tiffany borrowed her inspiration for the dinette table from Becca. She loved the rustic look of Becca’s dinette table, so they constructed a similar tabletop. Curious about the original? You can find Becca’s makeover here.
Tiffany incorporated the red from her curtains throughout the camper, adding little touches like red striped dishtowels, inexpensive red and white dishes from Target–you might recognize those from Beth’s Makeover–and adorable camping themed pillows on the bed.
And I recognize that awesome Ikea bedding, because I have the tan version in my own camper! Great minds think alike, Tiffany! Let’s take a look at that amazing transformation one more time. Wow… just… wow! Even though she borrowed elements from other makeovers on the blog, her camper looks completely original… and absolutely gorgeous. 😀
Tiffany and Chris had so much fun with the makeover, they documented the whole thing on their blog, which you can find here at Boettcher Adventure. You’ll find more pictures and details of upcoming adventures on their blog, so be sure to swing by and check it out. Fabulous job, Tiffany and Chris. Now go make some memories! 😉
If you’ve been inspired by all the amazing makeovers here and have given your own camper a facelift, be sure to send us pictures. You can read all about how to get featured here.
Happy Camping!
What a beautiful transformation! I’m trying to convince my husband that we need to buy a pop-up and make it over. I think these pictures might just do the trick. Amazing!!!
She did a fabulous job, didn’t she, Kira? 🙂
DO IT! I sincerely wish I had done it when my kids were smaller.
Stunning job! Working on our right now!
Whew!!
Love the bold colors! Such a chic remodel!
Love it! Do you have any idea where Tiffany bought the red/cream fabric for the curtains? I love it! Thanks!
Thanks so much! I purchased the material at Hancock Fabrics. It was 80% off and was upholstry fabric so it was on the long rolls of fabric. They also had the another version of it but the flowers were grey. Hope you can find some😉
Fabulous job. I have a 99 niagara with the slide out. I want to do a similar floor but was wondering about the clearance for the slide out if put right over the existing original flooring.
While I don’t have any specific experience with slide outs, Bob, here are a few more makeovers that might help you out. Anne, Felicia, and Gwen all have slides in their campers, and they all used the plank vinyl flooring. I’m not sure if Tiffany laid her flooring over the original vinyl, but I do know that Anne and Gwen did. Felicia actually pulled the original flooring up, so that might be helpful for you to check out as well. 🙂
Anne’s Makeover
Felicia’s Makeover
Gwen’s Makeover
We did just lay our flooring over the old. Our slide out more than clears with the new flooring. We have had no issues with it. I know that was a big worry for me also but my husband said we had plenty of room. Hope this helps and good luck with your new flooring😉
We just backed our 93 Jayco Eagle 8SD in the drive. Only have had time to take out the old dusty curtains. But the valance was stapled to the hard roof. The curtains are hanging on a slide. The prior owner had regular drapery hooks holding the curtain on the tiny track!!! Need to figure out how to.replace the track!!!!
Do you have tips on where to order the T-trim? Can you shoot me a quick email?
We ordered our T-trim on Amazon, Bill. You can read all about how we replaced it here. 🙂
We are currently renovating our 2010 pop up and was just wondering about painting the cabinets. We sanded, primed and two coats of paint buy it still seems to chip off quite easily. Is there any product we could use that would prevent the chipping?
What type of paint are you using, Kelly? We always recommend Zinsser primer and oil-based paint. You can read more about how we painted our cabinets here.
Love the redo!! I have a question about the dinette table. Did you put the planks over your existing table or did you put them on top of plywood or something else? How heavy was it after you were done?
My husband created a completely different table top all together. It may be slightly heavier than the last but not by much. It is about the same thickness as the old table. Hope this helps 😉
We have the exact camper and I love the work you did on yours. Do you remember how much fabric you used? I have fabric conditioner love, but I’m not sure if it will be enough to do the cushions. Thanks in advance!
Honestly I don’t remember! Thank you for the kind words. I want to 7 or 9 yards but I’m not sure. I know it was quite a bit. We actually just sold out camper. Best of luck with your remodel!!!!
We just bought the exact same pup. This gives me great ideas for ours. I like the subtle pop of red.
Ho wdid you paint the area where the dinette slides out? I have this type of thing and can figure out how to get in there, the space is so small.
Janel-I’m not sure what you are asking? Sorry
We just bought a 2005 pop up and this is just the thing I need to see to help make it who we are
Awe thanks Sonny!
We have this exact same camper and are gearing up for a makeover this spring! We’re curious about the floor – with the slide, do we need to remove the original flooring before putting down the plank vinyl? Or is there enough room to simply apply it ontop of the existing floor? Thanks!
I was wondering if you could tell me how well the paint on the cabinets has held up? Our cabinets are laminate and it’s Peking so I’m wondering if painting them would work?
Hi, Marcia! We wrote a post about this very thing. You can see how we painted our cabinets and just how well they have held up three years later by clicking here.
OMG, I love this so much! Can you tell me the name or manufacturer of that red and white curtain fabric? We want to do this, it is so gorgeous!!