Caravan renovation with oak panels - Glamper Edition #13
Katharina, Max and their dog Mia are the perfect example of how a caravan can be much more than just a temporary home on wheels – it can also be a place of security, comfort and elegance.
Based near Hamburg, the three of them use every opportunity to go on a big tour with their LMC 560 HTD, built in 2006. Whether it's Croatia, Italy or other parts of Europe.
The caravan, which was named "Ole", is more than just a means of transport for them. When they bought it, they already knew that this model was something special:
With a generous width of 2.50m and an impressive rear bathroom that is not only spacious but also equipped with a separate shower, it provided the perfect basis for their vision. However, the question they had as caravan newbies was whether the 2.50m width would cause problems on narrow roads. Fortunately, this turned out to be unfounded and with their trusty Mover they always managed to find the perfect position even on the most demanding campsites.
But what is really remarkable is the caravan renovation . From the very beginning, Katharina and Max had a clear idea: their caravan should be a place of Scandinavian peace and simplicity . The name "Ole" was a perfect fit - simple, classic, and with a touch of Nordic serenity.
What was the vision for the caravan renovation?
Katharina and Max already had their vision in mind before they had even found the right caravan.
Instagram played a central role in this. On the platform, they discovered countless inspiring images and creative ideas that showed them how much potential there is in a caravan that is redesigned with attention to detail. Slowly but surely, a clear idea emerged.
It was particularly important to them that the caravan was not only functional, but also comfortable and homely . "Ole" was to be a place of retreat that conveys the feeling of being at home - regardless of whether the sun is shining or the weather is not playing along. Precisely because they don't just want to be on the road in summer, it was crucial to create an atmosphere in which they can feel completely comfortable even in colder temperatures .
The colour concept
The couple deliberately opted for restraint when it came to the color scheme. They avoided bold colors , as tastes can change quickly. Instead, they opted for neutral tones that blend harmoniously into the surroundings and create a calm, balanced atmosphere.
The upholstery in a subtle gray serves as the perfect canvas for variable accents. This means "Ole" remains flexible: if you want color, this can easily be fulfilled with interchangeable cushions or stylish decorative elements without affecting the overall look.
To give the caravan a personal touch, they cleverly integrated boho elements . These small, playful details give the room a certain lightness and a touch of bohemianism that fits perfectly into the Scandinavian-inspired design.
For a touch of nature, Katharina and Max opted for artificial plants that subtly add color without disturbing the minimalist approach. These green accents provide freshness and vibrancy while requiring no maintenance at all - a practical luxury for life on the road.
At the centre of the caravan bathroom is a custom-made oak panel that serves as a stylish base for the new, wall-mounted washbasin . The old wall cabinets are fitted with several small mirrors - a thoughtful detail that gives the bathroom a visual sense of spaciousness. But despite this tricky mirror , it was important to consider what is visible in the reflections. In a small room, too many colours and decorative elements can quickly create visual clutter due to reflections.
Katharina and Max therefore consciously decided to avoid distracting or colorful decorative elements. Instead, they opted for subtle beige towels that blend harmoniously into the overall picture without overwhelming the eye. This minimalist approach ensures that the mirrors can have their full effect without visually overloading the room.
The design of the lower part of the bathroom is particularly exciting, where the combination of materials and the patterned tiles have been used to give the room depth and character. By focusing the design on this area and one side of the room, the upper part remains mostly white . This thoughtful division ensures that the room appears brighter and more spacious towards the top - a clever solution that shows how you can achieve maximum impact with minimal effort.
Best implementations and clever ideas
When renovating Ole's caravan, Katharina and Max placed particular emphasis on natural materials that give the caravan a warm and homely atmosphere. A central element of their design was replacing the worktops and table tops with real wood panels . They chose oak , which impresses with its timeless beauty and robustness.
Although the oak panels have increased the overall weight of the caravan somewhat, they do not regret this decision. On the contrary, they are still delighted with the effect that the real wood has on the interior . The warm tones of the wood create a cozy environment that transforms the caravan from a purely functional space into a real home.
3 upgrades that are taken into account in every subsequent caravan renovation
Light colours for a friendly atmosphere: Choosing light colours has proven to be one of the key factors for creating a cosy atmosphere in a caravan. It makes the room appear larger and airier, which makes a big difference, especially in smaller caravans.
Real wood worktops for a homely atmosphere: The natural warmth of the wood creates a homely atmosphere that you won't want to miss.
Solar & lithium battery: Self-sufficiency is essential. This equipment ensures independence and maximum freedom on our travels.
A fail experience
Katharina and Max learned an important lesson when they did not install the solar panels themselves. The craftsman they hired had the "brilliant" idea of not only gluing the panels on, but also screwing them in place, thus making unnecessary holes in the roof.
This experience has shown them that sometimes it is better to take matters into their own hands.
If you had one wish from Genie
“Please, please, dear genie... We want a chassis that can support a reasonable amount of weight.”
This way they could finally stop pulling out the calculator every time they load their car and worrying about the weight. A chassis that carries their travel dreams without any additional worries - that would be the ultimate wish for more serenity on their adventures.
Favorite campsites
Every year in spring, Katharina and Max start their camping season at the picturesque Ostseecamp Lehmberg near Eckernförde. This campsite is located directly on the Baltic Sea and offers not only beautiful views but also excellent fishing opportunities. It is the perfect place to start the season in style and prepare for new adventures.
In addition to their regular spot on the Baltic Sea, they have found two other campsites that are particularly dear to their hearts. The Glavotok campsite on the Croatian island of Krk impresses with its fantastic "VIP Sunset" pitches, which offer an unforgettable view of spectacular sunsets - a real highlight for all nature lovers and romantics.
The Seiser Alm campsite in South Tyrol is also a favorite. Surrounded by impressive mountain scenery, this site not only offers breathtaking views, but also a perfect mix of comfort and nature experience.
Advice to anyone who is about to renovate their caravan
"Every change you make to your caravan gives it a personal touch. The caravan becomes not just a means to an end for going on holiday, but a real second home. After every small change that you have successfully completed, you gain the courage and desire to continue. It is simply a great pleasure to travel with an individually designed caravan. Get ideas and inspiration from Instagram, YouTube, etc. And don't be afraid to write to people who have already implemented projects. Everyone is happy to help you and share their experiences. "
Exciting before and after pictures
Follow Katharina and Max on their Instagram account @ole_der_caravan : The two offer inspiring insights into their caravan renovation, from the choice of light colors and real wood worktops to well-thought-out details. Carefully selected decorative elements find their place and contribute to the cozy atmosphere.
They also share their favorite campsites, which range from the Baltic Sea to the Mediterranean.