Campers come in all shapes and sizes, though the interiors usually leave much to be desired.

This is why I love browsing through the interiors of renovated campers and learning about those who brought them back to life. Each has its own story to tell and it’s fun to imagine what traveling in such a space would be like.

When I came across the latest camper renovation from Elizabeth Swing I was instantly enamored with the cozy bed nook she created, which seemed to transport me to another time and place.

The interior feels a bit vintage-country or perhaps Shaker-inspired. All I know is I want to be in that little nook, cuddled up with a good book or journaling about my adventures after a long day of exploring. And I’m pretty sure you will too.

Elizabeth started her company, Quest Camper Renovations, back in 2019, after renovating a camper for her family and falling in love with the creative process.

Not only are her renovations thoughtful, functional, and beautiful, but she has set up sustainability goals for her business that focus on carbon offsets, reusing materials when possible, and donating to the Native American Tribes her property is a traditional territory of.

Below you can browse through photos of her latest renovation, Idlewild, a 2004 Zeppelin Keystone.

What inspired you to renovate RV’s?

I renovated my first camper when I was pregnant with my second child. We needed a place to live in Charlotte for a year and rent was really high where we wanted to be, so I suggested living in a camper on my parents’ property! I had been obsessed with tiny living for a long time and was curious if I could make a camper look like a tiny house, since it seemed to be so much more affordable than standard tiny houses. It was an incredibly fun and challenging process to design and renovate that camper, and I can’t get enough! Since then I have renovated six campers and don’t plan to stop!

What made you choose this specific RV to renovate?

This camper was in my price range and I really enjoyed the layout and flow. When I went to go see it, I got the idea of building the bed nook area and got so excited that I had to buy it!

How would you describe your decorating style?

It is constantly evolving, but currently maybe Vintage Woodland Colonial Contemporary? Ha! I don’t know how to put it into words, but I design what I love with a lot of warmth and wood/natural tones and heavy use of reclaimed and vintage materials.

Was this camper renovation inspired by anything specific?

This renovation was inspired by the obsession I’ve had with nooks and crannies my whole life- turning little unused corners into forts by putting a curtain up, turning a closet into a bedroom, etc. I saw a couple of inspiration photos of people who had put shelves around a window seat, and the idea for the bed nook just set my imagination spinning. I thought of the bed nook plan first, and then I came up with the idea of creating a pull-out couch surrounded by cabinets and shelves under the window too. I wanted a camper that felt both incredibly cozy and made people feel like little kids, and I think I did that!

What is your favorite piece of decor or splurge-worthy item that was incorporated into the interior?

NuCore flooring!!! I can’t say that enough. Most decor items I can happily thrift if I have enough time, but high-quality flooring is essential.

What project made the most difference?

I’m not positive, but adding the electric fireplace was just so so fun and it made the whole aesthetic feel homier and cozier.

What was most challenging about this camper renovation?

The biggest challenge was actually figuring out the plumbing. I used two reclaimed sinks with unusual drain sizes that made reconnecting them a weirdly hard puzzle to solve. Also, I tried using wallpaper in one part of the camper, but because of the cold weather, it wouldn’t stick no matter what I did. I am actually really happy I didn’t end up using it though- I like the look I came up with instead much more.

What piece of advice would you give someone about to embark on an RV renovation?

I would tell them to not buy something with significant water damage your first time. It can be way more trouble than it is worth, even if you save money. Also, make sure you are not buying something without a title or with a fishy title situation. I’ve done that in the past, and it is way WAY more trouble than it is worth.

What are your favorite places to source products and decor?

Thrift stores, old pallets, Floor and Decor (NuCore flooring), Facebook marketplace, and T.J. Maxx.

What’s your favorite aspect of interior design?

My favorite aspect of interior design is trying to solve the very practical needs of a space in a way that is creative and beautiful, but still very functional.

Where would your dream RV vacation be?

Currently, I’d love to go to Prince Edward County, Canada to visit some friends!

Most asked about product sources:

Paint color for the lower cabinets in this camper: Almond Wisp by Behr

Nucore Flooring by Floor and Decor

Do you take on custom renovation projects or offer design consulting?

I do! Currently I am not taking on new custom renovation projects as I am booked for several months, but I am still doing design consulting.

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