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This Amazing Camper Van Boasts a Groovy 70s-Style Interior and Multipurpose Rooftop Rack

Psychedelic van conversion with funky interior and massive solar array 15 photos
Photo: Kirby Winson/Instagram
Psychedelic van conversion with funky interior and massive solar arrayPsychedelic van conversion with funky interior and massive solar arrayPsychedelic van conversion with funky interior and massive solar arrayPsychedelic van conversion with funky interior and massive solar arrayPsychedelic van conversion with funky interior and massive solar arrayPsychedelic van conversion with funky interior and massive solar arrayPsychedelic van conversion with funky interior and massive solar arrayPsychedelic van conversion with funky interior and massive solar arrayPsychedelic van conversion with funky interior and massive solar arrayPsychedelic van conversion with funky interior and massive solar arrayPsychedelic van conversion with funky interior and massive solar arrayPsychedelic van conversion with funky interior and massive solar arrayPsychedelic van conversion with funky interior and massive solar arrayPsychedelic van conversion with funky interior and massive solar array
Vanlife is still booming all over the world, and it's no longer just a lifestyle governed by absolute freedom and simplicity; it's become a social movement with a devoted community of enthusiasts and a full-blown industry.
The beauty of camper vans is that they come in many shapes and forms and can be fully customized to fit the owner's needs and desires. But while most builds focus on practicality for everyday living, once in a while, we come across a van conversion that strays away from the norm, like this quaint Mercedes-Benz Sprinter-based build that stands at the intersection of mobile home and rolling art piece.

This is one of the most unique and original designs I've seen so far, and I'm confident it will leave you stunned as well. If the outside looks like a pretty average panel van, once you step inside, you'll discover a groovy, funky home on wheels with a 70s-style design that will blow your mind.

Based on a 2023 Mercedes Sprinter 170 AWD, this DIY camper conversion is the creation of van lifer Kirby Winson and takes camper van design to a whole new level of ingenuity and craftsmanship. Kirby started building van conversions in 2017 with a Chevy Express. Since then, he has crafted eleven mobile homes based on RAM ProMaster vans, and this is his first Sprinter-based build. It's also the most brilliant and artistic, proving that being unique is key if you want a van that stands out from the crowd.

Psychedelic van conversion with funky interior and massive solar array
Photo: Kirby Winson/Instagram
From the moment you step inside, you can't help but get into a funky mood induced by the choice of colors and the unique lighting design. For the interior of the van, Kirby says he took inspiration from his love for 1960s and '70s psychedelic music and describes it as "different, funky, weird, and groovy." From the asymmetrical circular windows and beautiful shelves with irregular edges to the psychedelic patterns on the ceiling and exquisite decor items, like lava lamps, a spinning disco ball, and a replica of Salvador Dali's famous melting clocks, every detail inside the van contributes to creating a quirky living space full of character.

Apart from the organic shapes throughout, the van stands out with its use of natural materials, soft textures, and handcrafted furniture. For the walls and some of the furniture, Kirby used modern limewash paint that shows a lot of texture when lit correctly and creates amazing-looking surfaces, giving the whole interior a relaxed, natural look and feel. Orange mood lighting, a large mirror, and green velvety cushions complement the overall groovy appearance of the van.

But it's not only the aesthetics that make this build special but also the layout, which is well thought out to maximize the use of space and allow for the inclusion of everything you need for life on the road, including a small lounge up front, a central kitchen, a hidden shower, and a living/dining/sleeping area at the rear.

Psychedelic van conversion with funky interior and massive solar array
Photo: Kirby Winson/Instagram
When you slide the side door open, you are greeted by a small L-shaped sofa with integrated storage. It is placed right behind the driver's seat, with a beautiful archway and a curtain separating the living area from the front cab.

Next up is a full-height closet with a large mirror on the door and a unique dresser with angled drawers and indirect lighting underneath each drawer.

The kitchen is compact but offers just enough functionality for cooking meals during your outdoor adventures. It is equipped with a sink and a microwave, 25 gallons of fresh water, and plenty of meal prep space. There is also a fridge/freezer housed inside the front couch.

The sleeping quarters are at the back of the van, where two benches that provide additional seating space during the day seamlessly fold together into a sturdy, comfortable double bed at night. Under one of the overhead shelves in the sleeping space, there is a projector screen that will ensure relaxing movie nights.

Another highlight of this build is the huge skylight (3x4 feet) with tempered glass above the rear lounge/bedroom area that offers fantastic views of the sky.

Psychedelic van conversion with funky interior and massive solar array
Photo: Kirby Winson/Instagram
With two lounging areas, a unique lighting system, and spinning disco balls, this build could be a nice party van. Not to mention that the windows of the van use smart glass (except for the front ones), meaning they can instantly be frosted up at the push of a button to provide complete privacy.

There is no permanent bathroom inside this van, but Kirby found an ingenious solution to save space. He equipped the van with a portable shower whose tray connects to the floor through a small nozzle and snaps to the ceiling thanks to embedded magnets. The pull-out kitchen tap features a flexible hose to be used inside the ingenious shower stall. There is also a cassette-style toilet stowed away in a cabinet under the sink.

Psychedelic van conversion with funky interior and massive solar array
Photo: Kirby Winson/Instagram
The inside of the camper van is kept comfortable year-round by an in-built heater, underfloor heating, and air conditioner, and power comes from an innovative solar product dubbed the "Solar Sail" from Landship Customs. It's basically a multipurpose adventure rack that acts as gear storage for outdoor adventures and holds a vast pane of solar panels (almost 1400 watts) that angle towards the sun. It's touted as the most powerful van solar system on the market, boasts a lightweight aluminum construction, and comes with built-in lighting up front. Moreover, it also doubles as a walkable solar roof deck for rooftop parties and as a massive projector screen with the optional movie theater entertainment package.

After seeing the wonderful interior that exudes heaps of 70s charm and the amount of functional features inside this groovy, whimsical build, we can say Kirby is a true wizard of camper van conversions. He completed this amazing camper van in a record-breaking time of just two months and has then lived in it for about three months. He has recently put it up for sale, and you can watch him giving a short tour in the video below.

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About the author: Ancuta Iosub
Ancuta Iosub profile photo

After spending a few years as a copy editor, Ancuta decided to put down the eraser and pick up the writer's pencil. Her favorites subjects are unusual car designs, travel trailers and everything related to the great outdoors.
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