Campervan interior with Fairford blue kitchen units and bed

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How To Design A Campervan Conversion

With staycations becoming the new destination for summer vacations, many of us are considering planning a campervan conversion this year to make the most of the summer months exploring local terrain. Ross Brown, founder of North Bound Campervans, has shared some pointers on how to design a campervan, offering top tips on how to get started with your campervan design.

About North Bound Campervans

Providing bespoke vans that are expertly converted, North Bound Campervans was established by Ross Brown and his best friend to provide homes on the road for fellow explorers like themselves. Renovating vans at competitive prices, Ross and the team at North Bound Campervans use Howdens products to create designs that meet the exact needs of their customers and their outdoor pursuits.

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A white van suitable for a campervan conversion.

1. Pick the right van

Choosing the right van is the most important step. To do this you must first understand if it will be used for quick trips or long-haul journeys. A smaller vehicle is great for weekend jaunts or those travelling solo, while a van with a longer wheelbase will provide more room inside, which is great when travelling abroad. I highly recommend trying before you buy, with rented models available at North Bound Hire.

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Greyham campervan and Fairford Blue kitchen interior

2. Draw a plan

Like planning a home project, drawing a design and capturing your thoughts on paper is the best place to start. And remember, you don’t have to be Picasso. Starting with a layout will help you refine your ideas and provide a list to check in as the build progresses. My top tip is to start with your bed, as being able to sleep lengthways and comfortably should not be underestimated. Planning your cabinetry should follow.

Campervan interior with under-bed devices and storage

3. Think about weight

To ensure your vehicle provides the best mileage to the gallon and has a good ride quality too, weight distribution needs to be considered early in the design. There are many tricks we use in the trade, such as underslung water tanks or tanks that fit over wheel arches. The number one rule is to go as lightweight as possible. Many gains can be made in the strapping, framing, and lining of a van to allow for other features.

4. Get the kettle on

The kitchen is the heart of a home and the same applies to a campervan. It is where you warm up after a surf, drink tea following a long hike, or prep salad for a summer BBQ during the summer solstice. When choosing a kitchen for your campervan conversion, I recommend a shaker design. The back of the cab can be dark, and a framed style helps to push light around for a brighter environment and a cosier feel.

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our light grey oak effect cabinets in a campervan conversion.

5. Choose quality

Using good quality materials is equally as important as going lightweight to ensure your campervan lasts longer, which is why I buy from Howdens. Their cupboards are robust and come with a 25-year guarantee for total peace of mind that they are built to last. They also have a wide range of colours, including a light-grey oak, which helps to hide scuffs inside that can be caused by gas bottles, BBQs, and other camping equipment.

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a blue shaker kitchen in a campervan conversion with storage drawers and brass handles.

6. Storage, storage, storage

Campervan life does not need to be cramped and storage is pivotal to making trips run smoothly. Using creative solutions to maximise storing areas will help to maintain a minimal aesthetic, with drawers being my favourite option. Fully extended, drawers are more accessible, making a tight space feel easier to use. Many options also include soft-close mechanisms – an unsung hero when taking tight turns at the wheel.

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Campervan kitchen with open door and dining table set up

7. Consider litter

Parking responsibly and respectfully is a big part of campervan etiquette and you must clean up after yourself. Adding recycling bins will help you embrace this ethos, and Howdens have a great selection of integrated styles that keep rubbish in place. In my opinion, you should go larger than you think. Coming away with more rubbish than you went will ensure beauty spots remain looking their best.

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a blue shaker kitchen in a campervan conversion with a domino gas hob and ceramic sink.

8. Add fun features

The small features within a design are where you put your own stamp, and when it comes to designing a campervan, it is what gives your motor personality and a home on-the-go feel. Handles and taps are the first places I start, as they are the luxury items that offer the most creativity. I recommend coordinating finishes, like using copper or brass, as this adds a premium touch to your interior.

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Campervan Fairford Blue kitchen with plinth lighting

9. Go for good flooring

Whether its mucky boots, the salty sea air, or a place to fling your wetsuit, your floor needs to stand up to the adventure that awaits you. When designing my own campervan, I always choose a robust laminate. These floorboards are easy to clean and are durable to match the demands of outdoor life. It is also easy to fit, especially for those with click-fit systems, allowing it to be customised easily for the unusual layout of a cab.

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Greyham campervan Howdens kitchen makeover featuring plinth lighting at night

10. Invest in lighting

Warm, strategically placed lights bring your van to life, making it an inviting place to relax in or retreat to when the weather turns. When planning lighting within a campervan, there are four zones to consider – floors, walls, ceilings, and fixed lights. My personal favourite are plinth lights. Shedding light on floors, these nifty fixtures make a van look much bigger than it is, and when travelling in the winter season it creates a cocoon of happiness.

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