This Custom Camper Van Has a Large Foyer and Plenty of Space To Entertain Guests

This enormous variety illustrates just how incredibly versatile camper vans are, allowing those who decide to embark on a nomad journey full of freedom or on adventurous weekend getaways the chance to do so in a custom mobile home tailored to their specific needs and preferences.

The Olivia camper van presented here was built for a client who wanted a companion for road trips, camping, and outdoor adventures. Beautifully crafted and ingeniously compartmentalized, this van conversion is perfect for weekend getaways. And this is exactly what the owner, a retiree from Idaho, wished for - a place to call home on their adventures, whether that involved hiking, mountain biking, kayaking, or just exploring new places.

Based on a RAM ProMaster cargo van that was previously used as a plumber’s van, Olivia is the creation of TJ's Dwellings & Design Solutions, a Portland-based interior design studio and conversion shop that has been in the business since 2021 and specializes not only in van conversions but also in vintage trailer renovations and full home remodels. The minds and hands behind this small business are Tony Bossard and Jordan Gilbertson, who experienced van life firsthand and learned a lot about spatial planning and functional design by converting all kinds of vehicles into mobile homes for people who wanted to live a simpler life.

For this specific camper van conversion, the client's brief asked for a space that felt warm, organic, modern, and, above all, simple and functional. The team used tiny home concepts to create a unique layout driven by simplicity and practicality with key individual areas for cooking, sleeping, and entertaining, as well as a private bathroom. Though there is some kind of visual separation between the functional spaces inside the van, the interior still feels open, and there is a seamless transition from front to back.

The furnishings and decor are inspired by woodlands and nature in general, with the entire interior dominated by natural shades like beiges, browns, wood, and a tinge of baby blue to add vivacity to the space.

Once you slide open the side door, you instantly realize this is not your usual van conversion, with the back of the kitchen almost blocking the entire entryway. The designers of this van have created a space that feels open and inviting, with a large foyer right as you step in, a bathroom behind the driver's seat, a neat kitchen, a convertible dinette at the rear, sleeping space on an electric bed lift system, and ample storage space.

The van’s cab is completely separated from the actual living space through a partition wall with a lockable door, which makes the interior feel more like a home than a vehicle. The front entryway is fitted with a multifunctional fold-down table that can serve as a desk, cooking area, serving station, breakfast bar, and more. It can be used as a standing table, but the owner can also put chairs in the front area and invite friends over for a hot coffee in the morning. It’s a great way to create functionality in a tight space.

A visually stunning bathroom with river stone flooring, treated tongue-and-groove cedar walls, and a Nautilus self-cleaning shower door gives the van that “home feel” many people are going for. It is a wet room with no plumbing, so it has a drain, a hook for a solar-powered shower bag, and a lightweight composting toilet that can easily be taken out when using the shower.

The center of the van is occupied by a gorgeous kitchen with baby blue cabinets with ratan inserts and gold handles, a solid butcherblock countertop, and a stunning zellige tile backsplash. A foot-pump water system stored in one of the cabinets feeds the granite matte black sink with gooseneck faucet, while the rest of the drawers and cupboards offer storage for cooking essentials. There is no built-in cooktop or oven, as the client prefers to use portable, electric appliances during her travels.

Across from the kitchen, there is a massive floor-to-ceiling storage area that also incorporates an eye-level Dometic fridge. Besides providing plenty of storage space for personal belongings, this unit acts as a divider between the foyer and the lounging/dining/sleeping space at the back.

The dinette, which includes two custom couches and a table with a fold-down leaf, can comfortably seat up to six people and is the perfect setting for hanging out, playing cards, dining with a view, and simply enjoying some peace and quiet when you're camped out.

The bedroom setup inside the Olivia van consists of a super comfortable mattress and a Castle Winch electric bed lift system. This means that the owner can raise and lower the bed platform with the push of a button. Window bump-outs give some extra inches of space for added comfort. But this van can actually sleep a total of four people, as the rear lounge comes with an adjustable table and removable backrests that help transform the space into a comfortable double bed for another two adults. Moreover, the strategic placement of both beds at the back of the van means those inside can enjoy the sunset and the surrounding views by simply opening the doors.

Olivia is the perfect camper van for its owner, showing once again the great versatility of this kind of home on wheels, and it could also serve as inspiration for aspiring vanlifers. Apart from coming up with unique and ingenious layouts and design solutions to bring their clients’ visions to life, TJ's Dwellings promotes sustainability and environmental awareness through their builds, with recycling, material recovery, responsible sourcing, and repurposing of old materials and furniture playing an important role in their building process.