In recent years, living and traveling in a converted camper van has become a popular lifestyle choice, often glamorized by countless social media posts of digital nomads living their best lives in such rolling homes. But while some enthusiasts want a complete home on wheels to embrace nomadism full-time, others simply want a cozy retreat on wheels, a home away from home where they can relax in style while connecting with nature at a deeper level.
Isabella, the camper van conversion we're discussing today, is just that - a cozy and absolutely stunning cabin on wheels that not only lets you escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life but offers you a comfortable living space that you can take with you anywhere adventure takes you, from the countryside to the beach or in the middle of the forest.
Based on a Citroen Relay L3H2 van, this camper conversion reveals various creative interior design ideas that you won’t find in any other build and which enhance both utility and aesthetics. It is designed with beach shack vibes in mind, but it is also an expression of practicality, coming equipped with all the amenities you enjoy at home.
Before diving deeper into its unique features, it’s worth mentioning a few words about its creators. Isabella has been meticulously crafted by Handkrafted Campers, a Bristol-based woman-owned boutique van outfitter established in 2018 that specializes in bespoke conversions. The skilled team has delivered a multitude of van conversions so far, but all have a few things in common: they are all handcrafted with great attention to detail, designed with a warm rustic feel, and make extensive use of reclaimed wood.
Photo: Handkrafted Campers
You will immediately notice all these elements once you step inside Isabella. This small cabin on wheels was built with conscious use of materials and exudes an environmentally friendly vibe. The folks at Handkrafted Campers are passionate about bringing reclaimed wood back to life, especially Victorian pine floorboards, so you'll see plenty of this wood in this build and you’ll certainly appreciate the lovely organic feel it creates.
From the handcrafted cabinets to the handpainted crackle glaze shower door, the mesmerizing starlit ceiling, and the bamboo dividers between the living space and the sleeping area in the back, there are a lot of things to love about this van. Coupled with the right mix of beachy accent colors like blues and sleek neutrals and bold textures, the above elements bring in the fresh and laid-back atmosphere of a beach shack, an oasis of peace and relaxation.
Isabella’s interior layout showcases efficient use of space, incorporating all the usual amenities you normally find in a home, but at a smaller scale. Demonstrating a good understanding of space optimization in tight confines, the designers managed to create a living space with distinct functional areas that seamlessly flow into each other without comprimising on openness or comfort.
Photo: Handkrafted Campers
Panel vans typically have a fixed division wall between the cabin and the back area, and in the case of this camper van, it has been left in place and used to enhance functionality. As you enter the van, there is a small foyer area with coat hooks and shoe racks mounted on this division wall. The bathroom is right ahead, while a spacious dual-sided kitchen and a cube-style dinette occupy the center of the van. The sleeping quarters comprised of a fixed east-to-west double bed and a single bunk bed can be found at the rear. There is also a rear garage and plenty of other storage solutions inserted everywhere there was available space for it.
The bedroom area is separated from the rest of the van through a beautiful wooden arch and bamboo dividers that bring the cozy warmth of nature to the room and create a sense of privacy and intimacy. There is not much headroom in the bunk, which can be accessed via a handcrafted ladder, but the lower bed is the perfect spot for snuggling with a book and enjoying the views of the surroundings with the back doors open.
The kitchen is super functional, with beautiful reclaimed wood cabinetry for storage and basic appliances for you to cook up some feasts for you and your buddies. The unique dual-sided configuration maximizes the use of space and allows for easy maneuverability, though it’s hard to imagine that more than one person will be able to use this kitchen at the same time. It is equipped with a Thetford double-hob burner, a sink, a compressor fridge/freezer, and sufficient meal prep area.
Photo: Handkrafted Campers
The adjacent seating area is all about versatility. Two face-to-face benches are paired with a swiveling Lagun table to create the perfect space for dining, working, or just chatting while enjoying a cold beverage.
The roomy bathroom blends practicality with style, standing out with its handpainted crackle glaze door and ocean blue herringbone panels that remind you of the sea. The shower cubicle also houses a removable Porta Potti toilet.
A skylight and a ceiling covered in fairy lights are the proverbial cherry on top, elevating the design and giving the interior a whimsical feel.
What’s more, Isabella is fully prepared to take its owners to off-grid locations thanks to a premium Victron energy setup, an underslung 25- liter LPG tank, an 84-liter freshwater tank, and a Truma Combi Boiler 4E offering both ambient warmth and hot water.
Equipped with all the things you would need for memorable coastal adventures, this compact cabin on wheels is also a great expression of creativity with many unique features that enhance your van life experience.
After spending a few years as a copy editor, Ancuta decided to put down the eraser and pick up the writer's pencil. Her favorites subjects are unusual car designs, travel trailers and everything related to the great outdoors. Full profile
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