In this, their fourth caravan flip, home renovators, interior designers, ex-Block contestants and owners of Cedar + Suede, Michael and Carlene Duffy delighted us with a picture-perfect lemon meringue pie of a vintage caravan renovation.
We think it’s one of their best. “Bumblebee” sports soft yellow paintwork on the exterior that is all kinds of lovely and inside the interior fit-out is absolutely charming, with touches of brass in the tapware and trims for just the right amount of decorating sass.
What’s really inspired though is the use of rattan in the cabinetry – it’s exactly what the breezy material is designed for and in a small space like this packs a punch visually, without being overstated.
Pale timbers throughout blend beautifully with the beachy vibe of the van and super clever is the use of all white paint for the walls and cupboard overhead, except for above the kitchen cupboards, which works to subtly divide the living and cooking zones.
Even a cheeky pendant light hangs above the tiny dining nook, which converts to a second bed and is upholstered in a family of fabrics with retro patterns and a soft palette to match the natural timber and lemon tones.
“It’s divine! I could easily move in here on the weekends.”
Katrina O’Brien, former Home Beautiful acting editor
The entire interior design is a great lesson in how to make the most of a small space – storage abounds in nooks and crannies and vintage details of the caravan are kept intact and the palette is consistent throughout right down to the simple, sheer curtains billowing in the breeze and marble-look splashback and dining table.
Rather than hit the road and live the vagabond life in this petite pie of a mobile home, Michael and Carlene renovated “Bumblebee” for sale.