This DIY Camper Van Boasts a Clean, Functional Design and Plenty of Clever Storage Options

When deciding to embrace nomadism and take their lives on the road in a converted camper van, many folks rely on the experience of professional converters or reputable companies to build their dream home on wheels because it's the most convenient and less time-consuming route to take.

But the sense of pride and accomplishment you get from turning a standard van into a home on wheels with your own hands is unparalleled. Joren and Laura, the owners of the beautiful camper van pictured here, experienced these feelings firsthand after spending about 18 months working on it.

The couple are both passionate about photography and the outdoors and have been dreaming of making travel their daily lifestyle for a while. After selling their house and moving into a small apartment, they felt they could go even tinier, so they bought a 2020 Ford Transit for $40,000 in 2021 with about 23,000 miles on the odometer and chose the DIY route to turn it into a full-time, off-grid tiny home on wheels.

Throughout the design phase and building process, the two focused on creating a modern yet simple living space while also including the necessary amenities for a comfortable life on the road. They wanted a place that suited their minimalist lifestyle but also felt like home.

On the outside, this Transit-based camper van looks pretty standard, being finished in white paint. There are a few indicators of the van's camper DNA, though, including the solar panels mounted on the roof, an accessory rack, a built-in backup camera, and a Rover Vans Expedition Box at the back of the vehicle. But in spite of these elements, the camper can still seamlessly blend in urban environments.

The couple upgraded the tires and the suspension system of the van to better prepare it for off-road adventures. Other exterior modifications include the custom roof rack built out of aluminum Unistrut that holds the solar panels, exterior lights, and an awning.

Upon opening the sliding door, you'll discover a clean and functional design characterized by balance and practicality. The simple layout has the kitchen in the center, the wet bath opposite it, and the lounge/sleeping space in the back of the van.

The modern aesthetic is highlighted by light-colored vinyl floorings, white shiplap walls, and custom oak plywood ceilings. For the furniture pieces, the owners chose a minimal design and a neutral color palette of white, beige, gray, and black.

The kitchen is compact yet fully functional, with plenty of cabinets, enough counter space for meal prep, and electric appliances. An under-counter fridge, a decently-sized sink, an induction cooktop, and an electric multi-cooker ensure the couple can cook delicious meals on the road. Some distinctive features in the kitchen space include a couple of toe-kick drawers, the Aspen countertops, and the lack of hardware on the cabinets.

A beautiful wallpaper that imitates wooden slat panels and enhances the modern aesthetic of the space is used as a backsplash, with a similar design visible on the exterior wall of the bathroom.

For food storage, there is also a floor-to-ceiling pantry with movable and customizable shelves. On the back of the pantry, the owners installed a large mirror, which comes in handy for getting ready for the day, especially since it's right next to the dresser area, which includes a cabinet with three large drawers.

The fully enclosed bathroom is located on the driver's side and comprises a shower and a composting toilet. The interior is made of smooth FRP boards, a material that provides great durability for high wear and moist environments, while the shower tray is custom-made out of poplar.

As in any motorhome with limited square footage, the back of the van is multifunctional. Outfitted with a large U-shaped sofa and a table installed on a swivel mount, this area serves as a dining space, lounge, workspace, and bedroom. When it's time for sleep, the table fits perfectly between the two lateral benches to create a comfortable full-size bed.

The side benches also hide some valuable storage space underneath, holding a 30-gallon freshwater tank, the heating system components, and the electrical system.

What makes this camper van conversion stand out from the crowd is the abundance of ingenious storage solutions integrated throughout the van. Apart from a myriad of cabinets in the kitchen and the back of the van, there are also other clever storage options toward the front.

For instance, there is a big cabinet above the headliner shelf, some hooks for jackets and coats, and a small bookshelf behind the driver's seat, as well as no less than three different spots for storing shoes - a box behind the driver's seat, under the passenger seat, and underneath the kitchen sink.

Other ingenious solutions can be found in the lounge area. A custom cubby built into the wall next to the sofa is the perfect spot for storing the owners' laptops when they're not working, and there are also two custom built-in nightstands.

All in all, this DIY Transit van conversion comes with many useful features cleverly packed in quite a compact space. Laura and Joren have been living in their self-converted camper van full-time since the beginning of 2023, and they still fully enjoy the freedom to travel the world, sleep under the stars, and wake up to stunning natural views every morning.