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For the past few months, I’ve been converting my useless van into a tiny home on wheels! Complete with installation, flooring, power, plumbing, and even a small bathroom. But this project is what he’s most excited about: Building a small DIY kitchen from scratch.
In this episode, I install the Cabinet structure in a space where nothing is square, and install Faux Limewash Qeet, and install countertops, cabinets, doors and cooktop to make the kitchen fully functional in the life of the van.
This build has challenged me more than anything before, but it’s finally ready to hit the road, and just in time for the next event (and a special guest joining the tour). Let’s start friends!
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Want to see this build in action? You can watch my build video here (+ make sure that Subscribe to my channel)!
A small domestic series
If you want to see how we got to this point in the build make sure to check out what I’ve already done. Be traveling friends!
Building materials + tools
Building materials
Tools
You guys, I can’t believe we’re finally dealing with the van chitchen!
Cabinets
This has been the most difficult but rewarding project I have ever worked on. I was actually looking forward to this part of the build because it’s the easiest part for me.
But I’m not going to lie, being so close to the end of this project is starting to make me a little sad.
I can confidently say that this is the hardest project I have ever done.
But also the coolest.
Cabinets
So, honestly, we built a bunch of boxes, you know, that’s what I like to do.
Fun fact! Did you know that my first home was actually 325 feet above New York City?
I learned a lot about saving space and being creative in that space.
Every part of this cake has forced me to slow down and get things smarter. But this van is as sweet as home.
And just like that, we have cabinets!
Built-in shelf
I know I keep comparing this camper van to building a house, but it’s really the same process.
For example, I use the empty space between the trunks of the van to create a shelf for things like laptops and other office supplies since I travel on the road.
It’s basically the same idea as using the wall qualities at home to create a random shelf.
When you’re living in a small space, it’s hard not to see every nook and cranny as an opportunity to create functional storage.
If there’s one big takeaway from this build, it’s that I’m now completely addicted to things with twins.
The pit of the hole
Of course, this whole DIY project wouldn’t be a true DIY without one little Frankenstein, and this time it was drilling all the plywood panels on the walls.
So, I tried my friends over the snow, they sent me some FoIng Compound putting it all together.
At this time, the walls were essentially a patchwork of seams. They look great from a distance, but up close … they definitely need some help.
It was the wrong treatment, and the type of condition, too. All this information is full of dirty moments, but as I was coming out, it struck me that this is exactly what this project should be: a bunch of unlimited spots that slowly merge into a whole thing.
When you make a mess or take on something difficult, you see, you get it, and then eventually it all starts to come together. I think that’s what everything is built on.
Interior Finishing
I think that’s all this job was. Taking a bunch of difficult parts and slowly turning them into something that feels like a complete idea.
You guys, all that gave me was a person showing off… don’t worry I still hate sanding, but I love this the bus.
Benchtops
What do you think of my new countertop?
Yes, I am confused about it.
I felt like it was time to cover the toilet because it is about two meters from my kitchen.
So I used a piece of leftover countertop and decided to make a small folding bench. That way, I still have access to the toilet when I need to, plus, I add more storage. How’s that for being tough with space?
Stovetop Prep
They say that the kitchen is the heart of the home, and I don’t know who they “say”, but you know? I believe them. Whoever said that, I’m with you.
Working in this kitchen has made my heart grow ten sizes. The more time I spend on this creation, the more I see the personality of my style and style.
Finally starting to feel like a small home and not one that I am proud of because I am building it, but one that I will feel free to live and go for a long time. And that makes me very happy.
Faux limewash
This is my first time trying this faux limewash method to finish the process, and I started by writing the walls.
I’m sure I’m worried. I think we will do this in the house at some point.
So, if you have a desire to teach about that, let me know in the comments because it’s a lot of fun.
Sealing on countertops
Next I used it A perfect halcyon of a boatperfection in reality. I use this extensively in all my projects and am honestly obsessed with it.
It’s easy to use, and you can quickly create beautiful coats to get the finish you want on your piece in a short amount of time, oh yeah, and it looks amazing.
And bonus points for quick drying, because after doing a bunch of coats in one day, I was able to get it the clock The next day, it felt like a good win.
Cabinets + cabinets
There were many times in the past that I felt very close to myself. But getting to this point in the process, where every part of this report felt out of place for me, made all of that go away. Like using my own Cabinet hinge jigI ended up in my place.
It almost made me forget how terrible it was to do the plumbing in the bathroom there, at least for five minutes, because the kitchen just went so smoothly.
And this was honestly the first time I looked at this van and said, “Yeah, I’d do this process again.” Which is wild, because this has been the hardest thing I’ve ever done.
But maybe that’s why I’m so addicted to doing projects in the first place? That feeling of finishing something that felt like a huge challenge is one of neglect, if we’re being honest.
At this point in my DIY Car Porkerry and DIY journey, I could build cabinet boxes and cabinet boxes in my sleep.
Building a Shelf
But the one thing I couldn’t build in my sleep was put it on a cool shelf that would have light on it. Guys, I wasn’t kidding when I said I’m honestly addicted to things with twins now.
For some reason, I thought it would be really nice to put a shelf in this pool instead of a cabinet.
I know the cabins have more storage space, but they just felt so tight in the van that I really wanted to have an open scene, somewhere I could see when it was parked.
But yes, I decided to add it and turn on the bright light inside it. And honestly? I am completely impressed with my skills. I’m not going to lie, if you would have asked Sam eight months ago to do this, he would have been, “oh, heck no.”
But Sam now? “You want me to make a rope on a floating shelf? I got it. You want me to make the whole house? How is that possible?” I think I have created a monster.
But hey, that’s the wild part of this whole trip. One month I hate life, questioning every decision, wondering why I ever thought it was a good idea to shower inside a van.
And the next day, I’m in the closet, adding a little puck light under the floating shelf and pretending I’m an Elean Electrian. It’s just a fun roller coaster of emotions.
It was just easy to spray the end when it was ready to go. Easy electricity, easy finishing!
End Touch
At this point it was time to install cabinets and cupboards to get this kitchen storage.
This page Cabinet Hardware It was an easy step and, please assure me that this build was very close to the end.
Will I ever be able to believe that I can do things? Like I can just make a floating shelf with puck light now, okay?
Exposure
When I started this van build, I thought it would be just another project, a fun challenge to tackle and see how it goes. But honestly it becomes much more than that in the eight months or so. Like, this taught me so much patience and problem solving and how to find so much beauty in imperfection.
There were so many days of this building that I wanted to stop and many nights I wondered. I mean, I missed a big deadline that I was so excited to meet. But honestly, being able to look at the finished walls and cabinets, and the kitchen where I built, designed, and made with my own hands inside a cargo van, I just didn’t sell the moment of chaos that found me.
And honestly, with this big event that I’m so excited for right around the corner, I can finally say that I’m actually really confident that this little home will be ready for its first big adventure.
There are still a few things we need to finish. Obviously, the elephant in the room is the roof and the other one is working, but that will happen next, which will be the final installment in the Van series. So, make sure you stay tuned so you don’t miss the final reveal. Let’s see this with friends together, and this time, it’s fun to explore.
Save this for next time
I hope you enjoyed this project! If so, be sure Pin it If only later!
