Girl, 11, transforms old camper van into her very own ‘tiny home’ all for just $800
A MIDDLE-SCHOOLER has turned a battered old camper van into an adorable “tiny home” — all for the princely sum of $800.
In a matter of weeks Lauren Nelson, 11, transformed the rundown RV she bought from a neighbor into “Camp Hygge” after all usual summer activities were cancelled because of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Lauren’s project all started when she spotted a VW surf bus toy in American Girl Doll magazine.
Mum Aimee told ABC: “She showed us a $650 little VW bus that they sell, my husband was like ‘that’s ridiculous, you could buy your own camper for that price.'”
And that was exactly what she did when they spotted a “For Sale” sign on a neighbor’s RV.
The 20-foot-long, beat-up camper was snapped up for a bargain basement price of $500.
Lauren had the money after saving up $400 having items at garage sales and using the funds which would have paid for her summer camp.
Lauren told ABC: “I love this, I love renovating. I was very motivated with this camper, I really wanted a place where I could hang out — like my own house.”
From here she worked out her renovation vision, spending as little as $400 on renovations and decor.
She took inspiration from others on Pinterest as well HGTV’s Tiny House Hunters.
Given its grimey condition, the first step was to clean it.
Mum Aimee said: “It was a process. We brought home a family of mice. So there was a lot of deep cleaning.”
I really wanted a place where I could hang out — like my own house
Lauren Nelson
With her family’s help, Lauren installed new floors and painted the kitchen cabinets a bright teal.
Plaid benches were covered with white fabric and a backsplash was made above the sink using decals.
Then, using decor from her family home, she began working on its appearance.
For her birthday she was given throw pillows, sheets, a rug, and cozy throw blankets which helped make the camper homely.
The tiny home has been baptized as Camp Hygge in reference to the Danish concept of coziness.
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With the incredible fruits of her labor realized, Lauren now spends five days of her week in the caravan and hopes her story will inspire others.
The 11-year-old now hopes to have a career in home renovation.