Kitchen Makeovers

A Campervan Makeover With Sharon

Inspired by the vast landscapes on her doorstep, Sharon Snowden decided to channel her passion for adventure into a campervan kitchen makeover. With staycations becoming the new norm, finding a solution that offers flexible and fun trips is key. From creating a stylish space to functional pointers that will make life on the road simple, discover how Sharon planned a compact camper space with the help of Howdens and North Bound Campervans.

Sharon sat down on the edge of the campervan door, with her fluffy white dog. Showing the interior and side of the campervan.

About Sharon

Sharon and her husband, Michael, have always been lovers of the great outdoors, so when their children fled the nest, they thought it would be the prime time for a new adventure. Accompanied by their dog, Luka, Sharon wanted to design a sociable space in her campervan that had ample storage and encompassed her love of copper features.

Before and after

A blank canvas

As Sharon sourced her van with an empty plywood interior, it offered a clean slate for her to make a mark on. With the help of her trade professionals, North Bound Campervans, Sharon set to work on a design using a long wheelbase van, that included a social seating area and a larger bed.

How to design a campervan conversion

Cosy with copper

Sharon can now step straight into an inviting cooking area, which will provide respite from long days spent outside. The Fairford style in a green shade offers a snug feel that brings the outdoors in and adds character to the compact space. The built-in seating also creates a spot for socialising and zones the living and cooking areas for added functionality.

Sharon Snowden

"Going into a renovation with an open mind is key, as a layout might not work in the way you had originally planned. We changed the position of the sink and gas cooker to make the space streamlined and easy to navigate."

The design details

Inspired by nature

Synonymous with the colours of the Highlands, Fairford was a firm favourite of Sharon’s when she began planning her van renovation. She decided a playful palette was a smart choice to add a touch of fun to adventures on the road.

Cooking space in van with dark green shaker doors open showing storage options, such as drawers and under-sink cupboards.

Stow it away

Sharon wanted to fill her campervan with clever storage to stow kitchenware and other essentials out of sight. Opting for drawers ensures items are easy to access and stored safely, while base units will provide valuable space to house a fresh-water tank and gas bottle.

View kitchen storage

Close-up of door hinge showing soft-close setting, with dark green shaker door, copper cup handles and white Belfast sink.

Shut with safety

Traversing windy roads can often make for a bouncy ride, so it is important to have peace of mind that your interior will be free from damage. Sharon chose magnetic fittings that prevent fronts from slamming during transit.

See soft close cabinet hinges

Working with Howdens

Finding a fitter

When searching for a campervan, Sharon came across North Bound Campervans and contacted the founder who uses Howdens kitchens for his renovations. After advising Sharon on how they could bring her ideas to life, she felt assured that the project would be simple and stress-free.

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Product choice

Sharon's fitter was well versed with Howdens’ products, so had plenty of recommendations for her project. This included style tips and technical advice to make the van lighter, long-lasting, and practical for all outdoor jaunts. With a 25-year guarantee, Howdens’ cabinetry meant that her layout would stand up to van life.

Explore kitchen cabinets

Installation

Transitioning to life on the road means getting used to compact spaces, but with a tall husband and a fluffy pooch in tow, a longer-length bed and extra floor space were non-negotiables for Sharon. Armed with this criteria, the North Bound team got to work installing the van’s interior, completing the build in just three months.

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Get the look

Ceramic sink

Sharon wanted to draw on her Irish roots by including a ceramic sink-bowl in her renovation, which North Bound Campervans made possible despite the heavy load. The traditional design sits right at home alongside shaker doors, while the deep bowl offers ample room for washing up.

Explore belfast sinks

Copper cup handle on a Fairford dark green shaker cupboard, showing copper hinges, wood-effect worktop and white panelling.

Copper handles

After opting for a dark green scheme, Sharon added warm accents through the use of copper features. The trend-led cup handles bring the van right up-to-date and are practical, as the metal will wear well with use. The copper tone also adds a luxe touch for a lavish getaway space.

Discover copper cup handles

Edge of wood-effect laminate worktop with a white Belfast sink, copper tap and handles, and dark green shaker cupboards.

Laminate counters

Mirroring the natural landscapes that Sharon and her husband explore, the wood-effect laminate surfaces add an organic feature to the van. Combining the look of wood with the many benefits of this manmade material meant that Sharon's space was practical, hardwearing, and lightweight.

View oak laminate worktops

Plinth lights

Little touches of luxury complete a design, so Sharon wanted to include additional features, such as lighting, that would make her travels feel indulgent. These circular lights sit below cupboards and will add ambience to evenings spent relaxing, as well as valuable illumination.

See kitchen plinth lights

Sharon Snowden

"Thanks to North Bound Campervans, and their expertise in fitting Howdens products, we experienced no roadblocks for our campervan makeover. This made the whole process exciting and stress-free."