Now that I’ve finally cleared the back of the bus, I can see the space that I’m working with and double check the dimensions and flow of my interior layout.
Ever since I put the deposit down on Betty I’ve been working on my interior and services layouts. I’ve watched lots of different van and bus tours online and although it’s not completely set in stone, I’ve got a pretty good idea of what I want it to do and look like.
There are lots of cool software programs online to help with designing 3d interior models but after putting in a few hours trying to learn how to use them, and not being happy with the results I resorted back to the good old PowerPoint drawing method. Sometimes simple can be effective!
As this is going to be an off grid capable campervan there will be solar panels on the roof at the back as well as an extractor fan at the drivers end to service the kitchen as well as one in the bathroom. I would really like a pull out awning, also roof mounted, and I’m even considering installing roof mounted air conditioning as I plan to travel in hot countries and I want Lemon to stay cool. As you can see there’s a lot going on the roof so this will need to be measured out carefully and fully supported from the interior so the fibreglass roof doesn’t collapse.
I will have a large freshwater tank, a smaller grey water tank and an LPG gas tank mounted to the chassis of the bus under the floor. To facilitate this I need to remove all the original flooring to expose the chassis as well as removing the hydraulic wheelchair lift that is currently where all my tanks are going to go.
At the back of the bus will be a fixed double bed running horizontally across. It will be raised higher than normal to allow for garage space, the water heater and all the electrics underneath. I am also hoping to mount it on ottoman hinges so that it can be lifted up/opened from the back doors of the bus to access those utilities. Above the windows at the foot end of the bed will be small storage cupboards for clothes.
Running down one side of the bus will be the kitchen. Along the lower cabinets will be a sink, oven, hob and a fridge. There should also be room for some storage drawers and a small pull out pantry. There will be small upper cupboards to accommodate more storage.
Along the opposite side of the bus will be a small shower with a toilet inside and the rest of the space will be a dinette that converts into a sofa and a guest bed.
There will be two captain seats in the cab of the bus, and the passenger seat will be on a swivel so it can face the back of the bus.
There are lots more ideas for storage and amenities that I’ve got rolling around in my head but so far these are the main plans I’m moving forward with.
As for interior colour scheme I’m hoping to keep it quite clean and simple with a light oak vinyl flooring, white tongue and groove walls and ceiling. The kitchen will be a gorgeous sage green and the bathroom will have a dusky pink tile effect back wall, and white side panels.
I’m hoping to sneak some funky wallpapers in somewhere and I’m very excited about having bright coloured fabrics for the sofa covers, cushions, and window coverings.
What do you think? Have I missed anything and how much do you think the design will change over the course of the build?
Live Wild and Free 