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Some people buy an RV to travel, live more simply, or pay off debt. And some choose tiny living because it provides the opportunity to spend more time with their loved ones who they may otherwise not see as often.

This was the case for Shelby and her husband, Adam, who is in the military.

See how a couple transformed their outdated RV into a boho surf shack! Renovation from @ShelbyAdrift - Featured on MountainModernLife.com!

After moving several times in several years, and spending more time separated than together, they decided RV life was the change of pace they needed.

Shelby ‘s free-spirited nature is infectious has carried over into the style of their tiny home on wheels.

See how a couple transformed their outdated RV into a boho surf shack! Renovation from @ShelbyAdrift - Featured on MountainModernLife.com!

Since purchasing their 5th wheel they’ve completely transformed it into a dreamy, bohemian surf shack, but the best part is they get to enjoy it together!

You can catch glimpses of it over on Instagram, where she and her husband show off their goofy, creative side with tender moments sprinkled in.

I love how she layers textures and decor, and the way they’ve stored the surfboard is genius! Let’s dive into the tour!

RV Turned Boho Surf Shack

See how a couple transformed their outdated RV into a boho surf shack! Renovation from @ShelbyAdrift - Featured on MountainModernLife.com!

“We moved six times in three years with the military. It mostly looked like: us packing everything up, and then Adam dropping me off and leaving 5 minutes later (exaggeration for emphasis ) for several months, while I stayed back and tried to make yet another new life for myself in a foreign city. It was sometimes exciting, but there eventually became a point when it was exhausting, isolating, and unbearably lonely. If we didn’t take on the RV, it was likely we could end up spending a year and a half separated.

Louise was the only option we saw to breaking the chain of beige-carpeted, white-walled apartments, and months of separation that was beginning to take a toll on our marriage and my sanity.

For that reason, we feel so much gratitude to have this little home on wheels. Now I feel bad for all the times I whisper-cursed her out while pulling up carpet staples.”

- @Shelbyadrift
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What kind of camper do you have?

We have a 2006 Heartland bighorn

Do you travel or are you stationary?

We travel part-time. About once a month.

How would you describe your decorating style?

Bohemian with a touch of Eclectic. I love details, texture, and layers.

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“My home doesn’t look like anyone else’s, and that is what I like about it. Don’t be afraid to take risks, be bold, make some mistakes, try over again, be different, mix and match design styles…it doesn’t have to be perfect. Let your home tell a story.”

- @Shelbyadrift
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Before

See how a couple transformed their outdated RV into a boho surf shack! Renovation from @ShelbyAdrift - Featured on MountainModernLife.com!

See how a couple transformed their outdated RV into a boho surf shack! Renovation from @ShelbyAdrift - Featured on MountainModernLife.com!

See how a couple transformed their outdated RV into a boho surf shack! Renovation from @ShelbyAdrift - Featured on MountainModernLife.com!

“I used to believe creativity was innate. You either had it, or you didn’t. Now I know that is the furthest thing from the truth. Creativity is a muscle. The more you work it, the more natural it feels to flex it. Allow yourself to make mistakes; in fact, view them instead as redirects. Trial and error is a necessary part of the process, so don’t feel discouraged seeing someone else’s ‘after’, when you are still in the process of your ‘during’.”

- @Shelbyadrift

See how a couple transformed their outdated RV into a boho surf shack! Renovation from @ShelbyAdrift - Featured on MountainModernLife.com!

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What made you decide to go “tiny”?:

We have actually lived tiny on and off for the past few years. Our tiny living journey began on a boat!

What are you most inspired by or is there anything specific that inspired your reno?

For the design, I took into mind the location wed be predominately stationed in, which was on the beach in Cali. However I am not a huge fan of coastal design, so instead went more towards the route of a modern surf shack.

Where’s your favorite place to shop for décor?

Thrift stores and markets! Some of my favorite decor also came from urban outfitters and anthropology

How long did the renovation take?

We are still renovating! My husband is in the military, and his job takes precedence to nesting for now.

How much did you spend on the renovation?

We spent around $4000 on renovations, furniture, and decor.

What was the most challenging?

The most challenging aspect was probably time. We had 6 days to knock out the major stuff before Adam had to report for duty. We were working like madmen and at one point had 11 people in the RV working away.

What project made the most difference?

I think most would say white paint. It goes a long way in transforming anything out-dated.

Do you have any future projects or changes planned for the interior?

We still have so many projects on our list. The bedroom and bathroom are both getting closer to being ready to reveal.

What piece of advice would you give people starting a camper renovation?

Don’t bring anything into the RV you don’t love, or doesn’t provide functionality or convenience to your life.

What’s your favorite aspect of tiny living?

My husband has nowhere to hide to escape me. I’m kidding. We both love the idea of simple living – and this holds us accountable to that way of life.

What’s your least favorite aspect of tiny living?

Small inconveniences can start to grow frustrating. But those frustrations force us to put back into perspective why we chose this lifestyle.

What is something you’ve learned in general or about yourself since going tiny?

Less can be more when it comes to design. I’m not a minimalist when it comes to my design style.

What has been your favorite place to explore so far during your journey? Or a place you are excited to explore in the future?

We loved Mammoth California. It’s such a gorgeous area and there is so much nature to be seen.


Thank you for sharing your boho-licious surf shack with us, Shelby!

See how a couple transformed their outdated RV into a boho surf shack! Renovation from @ShelbyAdrift - Featured on MountainModernLife.com!

Follow Shelby!

You can find Shelby over on Instagram, where she keeps it real with her posts! I’m pretty sure you’ll fall in love with her style, sense of humor, and encouraging words of wisdom.

And don’t forget to check out her highlights for more info on their reno, tiny living wardrobe tips, see how she stays fit while traveling, and shares her latest thrifting finds! Did I mention she even has a section dedicated to dancing in the kitchen? Yup, I’m pretty sure there’s never a dull moment with these two!

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4 Comments

  1. What type of paint do you need for the walls? Are the cabinets a different type of paint? Live your tranformation.

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