Get the Look Decor: Where the Rubber Meets the Road

Etsy.com handmade and vintage goods
Iheartmoustaches

Story by Christine Domanic

Published on Apr 15, 2012 in Shop

Iheartmoustaches

This weekend’s Get the Look Decor is inspired by Sharkey, the cozy vintage motorhome of Jessica Rose and family. They purchased their 1976 Sportscoach back in 2010 on a bit of a whim and have since updated its interior to create the perfect cheerful retreat for the whole family to enjoy.

Stop by Jessica’s blog, vol.25, for inspiring photos from life on the road and check out her gorgeous Etsy shop where she creates warm and fuzzy digital art prints.

 

   
   

[Clockwise from top left: Travco Motorhome Edition by vol25 ; Vintage Portable Camping Light by OceanSwept; Yellow Tree Bark Cloth Pillow by erinflett; Mobile Manor Embroidery by Moxiedoll; Crocheted Afghan Throw Blanket by pedestrian; Yellow Kerosene Lantern by BMTvintage.]

Why did your family decide to purchase a vintage motorhome?
The decision to purchase Sharkey (what we’ve affectionately named the motorhome) was completely spur of the moment. I’ve always been fascinated with the character of older RVs. We go camping as a family, and we had discussed purchasing a camper or motorhome at some point, but hadn’t really decided for sure when. I just happened to be browsing the Portland, Oregon Craigslist and I came across a listing — a 1976 motorhome with fairly low miles and one owner.

A few days later, I casually mentioned it to my husband around my parents, and they offered to drive us the three hour trip to take a look. An hour later, we were in the car and headed to Portland. We ended up purchasing it and Jaydon and I drove it back the same day. Well, Jaydon (my husband) drove it. I am not that brave, and I’m not going to lie, we both wondered what in the world we were doing. It was just so spur of the moment and out of character for us. Definitely an adventure driving that big guy home for the first time through traffic, in a Portland rainstorm, with no heat/defrost, one headlight, and license tabs that dated back to 2008!

   
   

Clockwise from top left: Plate and Mug Picnic Set by LuLuVintageFinds; Organic Cotton Flour Sack Towel by ohlittlerabbit; Orange and Yellow Pyrex Dishes by thevintageruby; Farberware Stainless Teakettle by SpeckledChicken; 5 TeaTowels and fabric basket by inoda; Stainless Skillet Fry Pan by oldetymestore.

What inspires you when it comes to decorating?
With the motorhome, I was really inspired by a neutral rustic color palette. I wanted to bring the peaceful feeling of the outdoors inside, but I also wanted to play with bold patterns. Because we didn’t want to completely gut the motorhome or turn it into a big renovation, I chose to work with the yellow bathroom counter. I’m so glad I did. It feels nice to keep some of the original features.

Because the space was so small, I was really able to have fun with the design, and my husband gave me complete freedom. I knew painting the cabinets white probably wasn’t the smartest way to go, but I really wanted the space to feel refreshed and calming. So far, I haven’t regretted doing so. It brightened things up, and truth be told, I have a spider phobia and white = great visibility and a better night’s rest.

   
   

[Clockwise from top left: Pair of Designer Custom Curtains by CastleCreekDesigns; craspedia cluster in white by floresdelsol; Bird pillow cover by ClassicByNature; 50 Lemon Yellow Striped Paper Straws by moiety; Mid Century Eames Era Dinette Set by laurensharon; Vintage Glasses Set of Two by lovelyvintageblue.]

Do you have any tips you can share for decorating small spaces?
Less seems to be more when it comes to small spaces. Our house is also small (2 bedrooms, 900 sq. ft. and built in 1892) and I’ve found that I tend to keep things minimal. Not only does this mean less dusting, but it is easier to update a room’s style when I have the urge.

What is the best part about owning a motorhome?
Having the ability to show up at the campsite late at night and not have to wake up the kids, move them to a bed, set up a tent, etc. Listening to the sound of the rain on the roof and not worrying about water leaking through the tent on the kids in the middle of the night (true story)!

   
   

[Clockwise from top left: Bunting Banner Garland by spottyhen; Huge Deer Head Wall Hook by TheDoorStop; Smile Pillow in Yellow by HoneyPieDesign; Set of two 18x18 Grey Chevron Pillow Covers by DreamPillowZzz; Polaroid Inspired World Photo Series: Nature 5x7 by ThirdFloorDesign;  Woodland Friends Fat Quarter by sewfreshfabrics.]

What are some of your favorite memories from your motorhome travels?
We’ve really only been able to take the motorhome out on two trips so far, but I think camping with an older motorhome is always going to be an adventure in itself. The last trip we took , I actually baked a pie and was able to do some cooking inside. That was really fun! I also enjoyed hosting a movie evening for my girls and their cousins on the last trip we took. I turned the table into a bed and made a tent inside the motorhome. They watched Rio on my laptop. Outside, everyone enjoying the fire popped them popcorn. They really had fun!

   
   

[Clockwise from top left: Pair of Chevron Pillow Covers by FestiveHomeDecor; Chalkboard with driftwood gray frame by DAcustomframes; Owlet Stuffie by birdmafia; Zipper Pouch by ZestyNotion; Travel Journal by makingthishome; Owl Crayons - Set of 7 by MyLittleOtter.]

Where are you and your family planning to travel next?
I would like to try out some of our local campgrounds and parks this summer. We will also make at least one trip to Little Naches (here in W.A .state) for a weekend. It is really pretty up there, and they have quite a few off-roading trails in the area.

 


Looking for more styles and interiors? Check out our video series, There’s No Place Like Here, where creative types show us their unique spaces — infused with their aesthetic and filled with the treasures they collect. Get involved and show us your amazing space in this Flickr pool.

More Get the Look: Home Decor Editions.

Housewares Category | Vintage Housewares

Seller's Items

177 comments

Sign in to add your own