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Living La Vida Luxe

Living-La-Vida-Luxe

By Evanne Schmarder #65409

Whether you travel in a mega class-A RV or motor along in a more modest road abode, there’s a particular sameness when it comes to RV interior decorating. In my less-than-upbeat moments, I see the furniture as cookie-cutter filler, designed for the mass market.

On my better days, however, I look at it like a Frank Lloyd Wright design. The infamous architect was known to design every aspect of his buildings, including built-in furnishings and storage. In 1894, he shared this opinion: “The most truly satisfactory apartments are those in which most or all of the furniture is built in as part of the original scheme considering the whole as an integral unit.”

On my better days, however, I look at it like a Frank Lloyd Wright design. The infamous architect was known to design every aspect of his buildings, including built-in furnishings and storage. In 1894, he shared this opinion: “The most truly satisfactory apartments are those in which most or all of the furniture is built in as part of the original scheme considering the whole as an integral unit.”

Wise RVers select a unit based on many factors with livability being at the top of the list. Once it’s yours, nothing but your imagination can stop you from upscaling your RV to create a feeling of personal luxury and comfort.

Certainly, you would be hard-pressed to rearrange the furniture (though it’s not impossible), but you have complete freedom when it comes to changing the details, adding some luxury touches and feathering a cozy nest.

Start Here
There are several small but significant things you can do, without breaking the bank or breaking out the toolbox, to make your house a home that pays cozy dividends. Let’s begin with the basics to help you add your special touch to the overall interior. Put these three tips into play for immediate results:

Splash of Color: Your interior likely comes in a shade of blue, brown or green. Choose one or two complementary colors that you’ll use throughout the RV when choosing rugs, pillows, throws, towels, etc.

Lighting: RVs are notorious for mediocre lighting. Add warmth with table and floor lamps. Fit them with soft-white or softly tinted LED bulbs. Change out the lampshades for a custom look.

Art: Be it posters or postcards from past events, photos of loved ones, adventures or pieces of art you’ve collected along the way, purchase an assortment of inexpensive frames and hang your art throughout the RV. We’ve traveled with hanging frames for 16+ years without incident. The only challenge is that we become bored with the images so we change them out when the mood strikes.

Living La Vida Luxe 1
Living La Vida Luxe 2
A One-pot Wonder for the RV Kitchen Find out how the InstantPot can simplify cooking in your RV kitchen. Read about it on pages 52–54.

Bedroom: Your Sleep Solution
By far, luxing up this room will offer you the greatest benefits. It’s where you’ll spend the most money, but it is well worth the price in sound sleep and well-rested days. Watch for sales and/or shop Amazon or Overstock, ticking off your list as you find the right items.

Mattress: The RV mattress that came with your RV should be the first casualty in your redecorating scheme. Out with the cardboard-thickness envelope of fake fluff and in with a comfortable memory-foam mattress. Ours happens to be a Bed in a Box, but there are several terrific brands that offer RV-sized mattresses. Search on Google, read reviews and expect to pay $200 and up for a decent night’s sleep. Consider adding a mattress topper as well, if it’s in the budget.

Sheets, Comforters and Pillows: One of the best things about staying in a fancy hotel is their bedding. Replicate that lux feeling in your RV with high-quality sheets. Because the quality sheets we want are not typically “RV sheets,” we purchase king-size flat sheets in colors that match one another and tie in with our chosen splashes of color.

Comforters add a layer of practical lux. An RV is more susceptible to outdoor temperatures, so consider having two comforters—one for summer and one for winter. Don’t skimp on high-quality comforters, be they down-filled or synthetic, and duvets. By investing a little more than a cheapie, you’ll have bedding that will last many a dream-filled night.

A good quality pillow goes a long way in making Mr. Sandman a happy camper. Avoid low cost/low quality deals and go for a pillow that will cradle your head and neck and deliver maximum luxury. From down to memory foam, do your research and you won’t be sorry.

Choosing a full-time RV lifestyle does not mean you must forego kitchen luxuries. Examine your culinary habits and consider what goodies would make your time in the kitchen a pleasure. Would an investment in a food processor, Vitamix or InstantPot make your day? Do you have more simple tastes and find joy in a good set of cookware? Could a grill upgrade up your ante? Maybe all you need to feel kitchen-confident is a great knife and a few quality utensils. A matching set of dinnerware (in your color scheme), stylish drinkware and heavy flatware round out the warm and fuzzy heart of your home.

If you are on a tight budget or simply an adventure shopper, consider scouring thrift store kitchen aisles. Often you can find great quality products for a fraction of what they would cost new.

Bathroom: A Wonderful Washroom
Little luxurious touches in this small room can make a big difference. Choose bath soap that feels and smells great. Thick, thirsty towels can make your shower feel like a spa experience. Consider a portable towel warmer if you spend time in cool climates. Match hand towels, washcloths and a bath mat. If so inclined, a heavy bathrobe adds to the luxury.

Use products from all price ranges that make you feel pampered such as a special brand of hand soap, your favorite toothpaste and lotions and creams.

Feathering Your RV Nest
There’s no rule that says a rolling home can’t be a luxury haven. On the contrary. A few simple comforts can change a from-the-factory-floor RV to an inviting home that offers you, your family and your guests a personal retreat and a pleasant space to dwell, no matter where you park it.

Evanne Schmarder is sure she got the wanderlust bug from her grandparents. In 2000, she and her husband, Ray, set off on their own adventure, in search of a sunny place to settle down. Seventeen-plus years later, they’re still roaming the country, sharing interesting destinations and cooking up delicious RV kitchen recipes in their popular RV TV series, RVCookingShow.com.

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