Interior Van Design 3D Sketchup Model
** UPDATE 5.20.20 ** You’ll probably notice our featured photo doesn’t match the blog below. This is because as we guessed, we’ve made changes. Not many to be fair, but changes nonetheless. We’ve changed our color scheme dramatically and we feel that the van is much more us now, so we’re thrilled about that. We also added a rough estimate of our overhead shelf in the model so we could figure out how the cabinets on the drivers side of the van would meet up with it. Then lastly, we changed those cabinets in order to hide some wiring that was necessary. There will no longer be a microwave in this cabinet set. We can’t wait to show you guys the finished product!
Original Post (which is mostly still accurate)
Hey friends! Welcome to our very first blog post.
While we’re currently deep in our exterior van restoration- what better time to talk about what’s next?
Whether you’re planning a van build and wondering what to include, or specifically following along with our build, this post is going to be a great read. We’re going to go into detail about each section of our van build layout in SketchUp and why we designed it that way. This is just a model and although it’s designed by specific measurements, things will most likely change as we go through the build. However, this is our end goal and most design elements have a purpose, so we don’t anticipate many things necessarily changing, only moving if anything.
In case you missed our YouTube video that covers this exact same topic, I’ll be including that at the end of this post.
KITCHEN
The kitchen area extends from the bed to a couple feet past the door opening. This shortened our entry space, but we were willing to sacrifice it for multiple reasons involving our sink (which I’ll cover in detail under the appliances) and more overall counter space.
The wall space that surrounds the kitchen includes our entry door with window and tile backsplash.
In terms of other kitchen design elements, we will be installing butcherblock countertops.
APPLIANCES (From Left to Right)
Farmhouse Sink
Our farmhouse sink sticks out into the doorway for a couple reasons. Firstly, who wouldn’t love to do the dishes with a view? Second and probably most important, we intend to include a sprayer that will mount to the rear of the cabinet and be accessible when the sliding door is open. We chose this feature because it’s the only way in or out of the van (unless you use the driver or passenger doors) and we will be able to easily spray off our dogs before they come through the doorway.
Oven/Range
Our oven and range will be able to be covered by the countertop so that when we’re not using it we can maximize our counter space. In order to keep a clean seamless look, the piece that covers the stove will fit flush with the rest of the countertop as shown in the photo.
Fridge
Our fridge will include a small freezer space as well.
Another note- we are planning to include a microwave, but it’s not shown in this photo. The microwave will be stored directly across from the kitchen space in part of the shelving area.
Stay tuned to see the finalized choice of appliances and get the specifics on our Van Build page.
STORAGE
We aimed to include as much storage as we could for the kitchen area. We have a large cabinet area under the sink, drawers between the fridge and bed and a large drawer directly beneath the oven.
LIVING & MULTIPURPOSE AREA
Our multipurpose lounge area is adjacent to the side window on the drivers side. We intend to install a sofa and swivel table that will function as space for relaxation, eating, and working.
Our sofa will function as storage underneath in order to maximize what can fit in our vehicle. The table will swivel until it’s parallel with the driver and passenger seats, which will also swivel around. We intend to have some sort of locking mechanism on the table when it’s touching the wall (like shown in the image) in order to keep the swivel from moving around when it isn’t supposed to.
Above the lounge area we have the cabinet that will hold our microwave and open storage next to it. We chose to have an open shelf in order to break up all the cabinets and save us slightly more headroom while moving around. We read a lot of books so we wanted them to be easily accessible. However, to keep them from falling while the vehicle is in movement, we plan on installing a railing with a modern design look.
BATHROOM & SURROUNDING STORAGE
Directly next to our living area, we have our wet bath area. The outside of the bathroom will feature a dusted crystal Nautilus shower door. The interior will be entirely tile and feature a shower head and cassette toilet. For those not familiar with a wet bath, it will essentially be one giant shower featuring a toilet.
Next to the bathroom we have some functional storage. The longer length cabinet will function as a closet area where we can hang jackets and other important clothing. We’ll also most likely store towels here. Underneath the closet we have drawers that will function as multi-purpose storage. They’ll store electronics, clothes, and possibly even kitchen overflow if necessary.
ADDITIONAL STORAGE, BED, & LIGHTING
Bed
Our lofted bed is a little under the size of a king.
From the back door (as shown in the photo) we’ll be able to access storage and the mechanical items that keep our van running.
What about our pups? From the inside of our van looking directly at the front of our bed, we’ll have an entrance to a dog kennel area. This space will run to the end of the wheel welds and house a cozy bed area. We’re going to have a door that closes off the space to create a kennel, and also have the option to remain open. It’s important the door is able to remain open without swinging around while the van is in movement so the dogs always have an inviting space. We’re brainstorming locking mechanisms for the kennel door. We want the design to look good, but also be functional. While closed, it still needs to feel open for the dogs as well.
Storage
Above each side of the bed we have storage for extra linens, clothes and anything else necessary.
We also intend on installing outlets directly next to our bed that will provide us with easily accessible electronic charging.
DESIGN FEATURES NOT SHOWN IN LAYOUT
What design elements could we also have in mind that aren’t featured in the model? There are a few worth mentioning.
For starters, we intend to install a shelf over the driver and passenger seats for larger items such as dog food and items we’re grabbing every day like our jackets.
This design focuses on the direct interior of our van, but there will be a couple important design elements that function on the outside of the van as well. As discussed above in the kitchen area involving the dog sprayer, we plan on adding another dog feature in the same spot directly beneath it. There will be another hidden cut out on the cabinet area that faces the outdoors that will include retractable dog leashes. This makes it where the dogs can easily hang outside in places with leash laws, and we can still keep an eye on them while we’re in the van effortlessly.
Exterior Design Features?
On the outside of our van we intend to install an accessible roof rack by ladder for extra storage, solar panels and an off road bumper.
