The perfect way to experience life on the open road without sacrificing creature comforts, motorhomes are the modern nomad's best friend – but these stylish RVs didn't start out that way. From transforming dingy trailers and rundown former delivery vans into luxurious homes on wheels, these ambitious people had their work cut out for them. Click or scroll to see the before and after photos of eight unbelievable RV renovations...

Not ones to shy away from a challenge, they managed to transform the tired trailer within the space of three weeks. Not only was the interior renovated on a tight budget, but the exterior was sanded down and cleaned up with a fresh coat of white high-gloss paint. 

Inside the 180-square-foot trailer, they laid oak laminate flooring and painted the walls and ceilings white to create a feeling of spaciousness. Ashley updated the kitchen units with new doors and handles and retiled the splashback with geometric black and white tiles. The mobile home came complete with three bunk beds that were ideal for the kids, while Ashley and Dino turned the rear of the RV into their master bedroom. 

When it came to decorating, the couple sourced furniture and textiles from budget stores and garage sales. Documented on their website, the end result is a modern yet cosy family home that makes full use of the limited floor space. Their decision to permanently park the trailer meant they could be more flexible with their décor choices and weren't as constrained by weight unlike many tiny-home renovators. 

Next up is Ringo, an eye-catching yellow Mercedes Sprinter van bought by climbing enthusiasts Charlie and Dale in 2019. Both van conversion novices, the pair scoured the web for resources before embarking on an extensive project to convert their automobile into a snug home. The ambitious pair tackled all the plumbing, wiring and insulation themselves, working through the cold, winter months to make the van liveable. 

They compiled all of their research, plans and tips into a series of blog posts that can be found on their website. With the initial construction work complete, they moved onto the arduous process of fitting the kitchen and integrated storage, building the bed and seating and decorating the Sprinter's interior.

The converted Sprinter van is the poster child for space-efficient design, with every nook and cubby put to good use. The end of the kitchen counter has a shoe rack and pegs for coats, while the bed conceals a slide-out table for mealtimes. The camper has plenty of smart storage spaces for tiny living, including overhead cupboards, secret drawers and a bookshelf that runs the width of the rear of the vehicle.

A standard double bed is built into the back of the van, flanked on one side by a shelf that lifts up to reveal yet more storage space. A few trailing pot plants and a string of fairy lights lend the space a homely feel, with bedside light switches and plug sockets a practical addition. A few colourful throw cushions and a rustic wooden mirror add the finishing touches to this beautifully designed motorhome.

The first task was to rip out the shelves mounted inside the delivery van before embarking on the daunting task of insulating, wiring and plumbing the vehicle. The couple opted not to install a bathroom, instead using the facilities at the hospital where they work when they're not travelling. Their website features an itemised list of the key purchases they made when restoring and converting the Sprinter.

The kitchen area is fitted with a two-burner hob, a handy oven and a deep sink with an electric water pump. The top drawer of the bed pulls out to create extra counter space and can also function as a dining table. The van boasts all kinds of secret storage spaces, with the bench lifting up to reveal a refrigerator and laundry hamper, while a full-height closet opens out next to the bed.

The bedroom is simple and elegant with a striking wooden headboard, tasselled curtains and an assortment of throw cushions. The palatial bed offers plenty of space for sleeping or relaxing, making the RV feel more like a motorhome fit for the rich and famous. To learn more about how Kate and Quincy overhauled this mobile home, check out Kate's website.

Graduating university with plans to explore every corner of Europe, Lucy and Ben bought a rusty old van for $1,340 (£1k) in 2016 and set out to turn it into a home. Despite neither of them having much in the way of DIY experience, they determinedly tackled every aspect of the build themselves. Fast-forward four years and their converted LDV Convoy has taken them halfway around the world and looks a little bit different from the rusty white exterior pictured here.

Converting the van took the best part of 10 months, during which they learnt to do everything from installing solar panels to making a heating coil. To save on money, the pair used a lot of reclaimed materials in their upcycled tiny home, as well as shopping for discounted bundles of wood at local hardware stores. In the end, Lucy and Ben also had to replace almost every part of the suspension and brake systems.

Inside, the tiny home on wheels is an eclectic mix of colours, patterns and textures, with a solid piece of yew wood forming a partial divider between the kitchen and bedroom areas. With Ben being a chef, the kitchen was especially important. The worktop is made from reclaimed scaffolding boards, trimmed and charred for a rustic finish, while the cupboards open to reveal an oven, gas stove and 12-volt cool box.

While it has a homely, boho vibe, the camper van has all the necessary mod cons, including a pull-out shower head, two 600-watt speakers and even a Fusion subwoofer. As with most van builds, all the plumbing and electrics are stowed away under the bed and accessed via the back doors of the vehicle. Lucy and Ben have chronicled every stage of the camper van conversion process on their website.

Sharing her progress on her Instagram page, Maggie had her work cut out transforming the dingy, dated interior into a bright and functional family-friendly space. Faced with stained carpets, old-fashioned décor and some water damage, the fixtures were stripped out, parts of the interior were reframed and the roof was resealed with a rubber coating. With a structurally sound blank canvas, Maggie could then let her creativity run wild...

Oozing cosy Scandi style, the updated master bedroom features a forest green feature wall and sliding barn doors for privacy. While the overhead cupboards were given a refresh with calming grey paint, the old bed frame was replaced with a large queen-sized storage bed with vast drawers in the base and space for baskets at the foot of the mattress.

Affectionately named Doug, there was plenty of work to do to make the former commercial van a habitable, homely living space. Documented on their Instagram page, George and TJ's first task was framing the interior and mapping out the layout, carefully planning where plumbing and electric components would fit in. They also laid beautiful herringbone wood flooring throughout, which lends a stylish, modern feel to the petite motorhome.

When it's time to turn in for the night, the cushions from the sofa slot into place to create a comfortable double bed. Clever shelving nooks recessed into the wall panelling offer discrete storage and prevent the compact space from feeling cluttered. With limited headroom for pendant lights, the van's lighting consists of genius LED strips fitted below the kitchen kickboards and around the perimeter of the ceiling. Now that's how to make a petite camper feel like a palace!

Well-versed in every aspect of van life, Nate and Steph now offer advice and training to amateurs looking to tackle their own motorhome revamps via their website. In March 2017, the pair purchased a 2007 Mercedes Sprinter van and spent three months transforming it into a sleek and comfortable residence for life on the road.

Christened Backpack 2.0, the tiny home vehicle conversion boasts a whole host of hidden cubbies, pockets and compartments. A coffee-maker, bin, stove and fridge all slide out of the sleek kitchen units and slide back in when not in use. There's also a sink with an electric water pump and a control panel with light switches, plug sockets and USB ports.

The motorhome's pièce-de-résistance is a composting toilet built into a cupboard that comes complete with its very own privacy curtain. At the back of the van, there's a double bed flanked by a storage chest, with colourful pull-out boxes on a shelf above. Steph and Nate also kept their four-legged friends in mind when converting the van, setting aside an under-counter cubby as a canine sleeping compartment.

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