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The caravan blends perfectly with the environment. Exterior painted in Resene Lustacryl tinted to Resene Half Orchid White and Resene Spanish Green. Cabinetry finished in Resene Aquaclear satin with benchtop coated in Resene Qristal ClearFloor 1K. Image by Mike Eastwood.
Making the most of natural and sustainable materials, this caravan has a modern and relaxed feel. Mike loves the silky velvet finishon the cabinetry provided by Resene Aquaclear satin. Benchtops are coated in durable Resene Qristal ClearFloor 1K and the birch plywood walls are finished in Resene Colorwood Whitewash. Image by Mike Eastwood.
Natural-coloured fabrics are teamed with the walls and ceiling finished in Resene Colorwood Whitewash on birch plywood to create a cosy corner for a bed or a relaxing spot to read a book. Cabinetry coated in Resene Aquaclear satin and benchtops and cork flooring in Resene Qristal ClearFloor 1K. Image by Mike Eastwood.
Cabinetry coated in Resene Aquaclear satin, benchtops and cork flooring in Resene Qristal ClearFloor 1K and walls and ceiling finished in Resene Colorwood Whitewash on birch plywood. Image by Mike Eastwood.
This dresser doubles as an office desk and is coated in Resene Aquaclear satin. Walls and ceiling finished in Resene Colorwood Whitewash on birch plywood and benchtops and cork flooring in Resene Qristal ClearFloor 1K. Image by Mike Eastwood.
The man behind the magic, Mike, and dog Oskar enjoying their afternoon on the sunny couch. Cabinetry is coated in Resene Aquaclear satin, walls and ceiling finished in Resene Colorwood Whitewash on birch plywood and benchtops.
The light and modern interior cabinetry is coated in Resene Aquaclear satin, walls and ceiling finished in Resene Colorwood Whitewash on birch plywood and benchtops and cork flooring in Resene Qristal ClearFloor 1K. Image by Mike Eastwood.
A great example of a picturesque cooking spot. Wooden benchtop coated in Resene Qristal ClearFloor 1K, pull-out cabinetry coated with Resene Aquaclear satin and exterior in Resene Lustacryl tinted to Resene Half Orchid White (top) and Resene Spanish Green (bottom). Image by Mike Eastwood.
What a classic and timeless colour combo. Resene Vinyl Etch primer was used to prepare the exterior before coating in Resene Lustacryl tinted to Resene Half Orchid White (top) and Resene Spanish Green (bottom). Image by Mike Eastwood.
Home on the go: Saskia and Mike’s caravan for homecoming summers
Saskia Thornton and Mike Eastwood spend most of their year in Amsterdam but when they come home to New Zealand they enjoy summer in the most Kiwi of ways.
The couple found a caravan to refurbish and transform with Resene products, creating a ‘home on the go’ to enjoy all their favourite holiday spots.
This 18ft 1976 Oxford caught the duo’s eyes right away, giving them classic retro style that embodies lazy summer days.
“We have an apartment in Amsterdam but wanted to have our own base in New Zealand so that we could come back for extended periods and not put pressure on friends or family to host us,” says Saskia.
“We both also value our own space too so having our own home makes coming back much more enjoyable. We did think about a house but didn’t want the commitment of staying in one fixed spot as we have family around NZ.”
The charming caravan is now Mike, Saskia and Oskar the dog’s home while in New Zealand. Mike, who is a joiner and cabinet maker by trade, admits that building a caravan from scratch would have been far quicker than renovating one, but he loved the process nonetheless and enjoyed being able to design and rebuild it. Having complete control over the build meant Mike could quickly refine ideas on the go.
“I must say I underestimated the amount of time it would take just to get to a starting point for the interior build. It was very hard work and I pushed myself to the limit to get it done, but it was well worth it. I now have another project I am truly proud of,” says Mike.
Mike worked around the clock for two months to complete the caravan renovation. Working full time, he completely stripped out the interior and rebuilt it from the ground up. The original interior, although nice, was not to the couple’s taste. They wanted a lighter, more natural and minimal feel. The new caravan got an impressive makeover, including custom-made cabinetry and furniture with a pull-out kitchen and storage access under the bed, new walls, floors and ceiling, as well as solar installation, plumbing, upholstery and painting. This job was not for the light-hearted!
The couple used Resene products for virtually every surface on their caravan inside and out, being especially impressed with the sustainable and environmentally friendly options.
The couple used Resene Qristal ClearFloor 1K urethane on the wooden benchtops and cork flooring and were fascinated at the durability and quality of the product.
“I didn't think the floor would hold up as good as it has, especially being a small space, it has to put up with a lot,” says Mike.
“During winter we always had a towel on the floor at the entrance where we could remove our wet shoes, and this towel would stay wet for weeks.”
“This, in my opinion, for a waterborne product is the ultimate test. During summer it is the most used area in terms of abrasion and in winter it is the wettest. After more than two years it still looks brand new!”
Mike and Saskia used Resene Colorwood Whitewash on the walls, applied directly on the birch plywood, and the effect makes the space very bright and modern.
“Choosing a favourite Resene colour is like choosing a favourite song, which I can never do as it always depends on my mood,” says Mike, “but I must say it will always be an earthy neutral tone of some sorts,” he says.
On the exterior Mike and Saskia decided with Resene Spanish Green and Resene Orchid White for the exterior, a big change from the 70s orange that was consuming the exterior before. He primed the exterior using Resene Vinyl Etch before using Resene Lustacryl for the bodywork.
“I absolutely love the colour combination we chose! The inspiration came from the old VW Kombi vans. These colours together pay tribute to the vintage era this caravan was made but also have a fresh modern feel to them that nestles into the environment like it was always there.”
The couple have two favourite areas in their caravan. The first is the vanity area which doubles as an office. This inventive space allows them to get ready in the morning then sit down for work during the day, perfect for Saskia who is a business consultant working remotely and has to jump online to work with clients from all over the world.
Their second favourite space is the innovative outdoor kitchen, which features a slide out benchtop with induction hobs.
“Being in a caravan our view is always different! We have made dinner outside in many places, from pristine, white sand beaches to clifftops and camping car parks! It's always a great conversation starter with whoever is parked next to us. When I get up and pull out a beautiful induction kitchen from the side of the caravan, everyone is always intrigued and will always come to investigate,” says Mike.
“We both enjoy living and designing small spaces as it forces you to think cleverly about design and the things you put into a home because every square centimetre is precious.”
As the caravan was purchased during the pandemic, the couple had to spend two weeks in isolation when they arrived back in NZ. Mike didn’t let this get him down and used his time in MIQ cleverly learning everything he could about off-grid electrical systems.
The caravan is now completely electric, has no diesel or gas and is 100% powered by the sun. It accommodates all of their needs such as hot water, power points for laptops and screens, a fridge, water pump and a fan for those hot summer nights.
The whole project was a learning curve for both Mike and Saskia, who also say they wouldn't hesitate to recommend Resene products for professionals and homeowners. The imaginative couple managed to achieve their dream and style of a home that is natural, Scandi, minimalist and environmentally conscious.
“We have a new home that feels completely ‘us’ that we can take with us wherever we go,” says Saskia.
Top tip:
To keep your wooden flooring looking its best for longer, try Resene Qristal ClearFloor 1K, a waterborne flooring urethane designed to protect your timber flooring from wear and tear.
Prep: Ensure surfaces to be coated are in a sound condition, free from dirt, dust, loose material, oil, grease and floor polishes. For new flooring, stop all nail holes and cracked timber with a suitable filler. Thoroughly sand surfaces prior to coating and finish with fine sandpaper. For old clear coated flooring, either totally remove previous varnish, or sand old sound varnish to remove all gloss and provide a key for good adhesion.
Apply: Apply Resene Qristal ClearFloor 1K at the recommended spreading rate in an even manner to achieve a uniform wet film thickness. To avoid increasing entrained air when rolling do not overwork the wet film (lightly lay off with a 50% overlap). Avoid applying pressure to the sleeve when rolling as this will reduce the wet film thickness and reduce the coating dry film thickness.
Recoating can be undertaken when the applied coating is no longer milky in appearance and does not leave a fingerprint when pressed. Apply three to four coats of Resene Qristal ClearFloor 1K allowing at least two hours between coats. Lightly sand with 240 grit sandpaper prior to application of the final coat of clear.
Colour: If you want to change the colour of your timber, use Resene Colorwood natural wood stain in your chosen colour, before applying Resene Qristal ClearFloor.
Making the most of natural and sustainable materials, this caravan has a modern and relaxed feel. Mike loves the silky velvet finishon the cabinetry provided by Resene Aquaclear satin. Benchtops are coated in durable Resene Qristal ClearFloor 1K and the birch plywood walls are finished in Resene Colorwood Whitewash. Image by Mike Eastwood.
Natural-coloured fabrics are teamed with the walls and ceiling finished in Resene Colorwood Whitewash on birch plywood to create a cosy corner for a bed or a relaxing spot to read a book. Cabinetry coated in Resene Aquaclear satin and benchtops and cork flooring in Resene Qristal ClearFloor 1K. Image by Mike Eastwood.
Cabinetry coated in Resene Aquaclear satin, benchtops and cork flooring in Resene Qristal ClearFloor 1K and walls and ceiling finished in Resene Colorwood Whitewash on birch plywood. Image by Mike Eastwood.
This dresser doubles as an office desk and is coated in Resene Aquaclear satin. Walls and ceiling finished in Resene Colorwood Whitewash on birch plywood and benchtops and cork flooring in Resene Qristal ClearFloor 1K. Image by Mike Eastwood.
The light and modern interior cabinetry is coated in Resene Aquaclear satin, walls and ceiling finished in Resene Colorwood Whitewash on birch plywood and benchtops and cork flooring in Resene Qristal ClearFloor 1K. Image by Mike Eastwood.
The man behind the magic, Mike, and dog Oskar enjoying their afternoon on the sunny couch. Cabinetry is coated in Resene Aquaclear satin, walls and ceiling finished in Resene Colorwood Whitewash on birch plywood and benchtops.
The caravan blends perfectly with the environment. Exterior painted in Resene Lustacryl tinted to Resene Half Orchid White and Resene Spanish Green. Cabinetry finished in Resene Aquaclear satin with benchtop coated in Resene Qristal ClearFloor 1K. Image by Mike Eastwood.
A great example of a picturesque cooking spot. Wooden benchtop coated in Resene Qristal ClearFloor 1K, pull-out cabinetry coated with Resene Aquaclear satin and exterior in Resene Lustacryl tinted to Resene Half Orchid White (top) and Resene Spanish Green (bottom). Image by Mike Eastwood.
What a classic and timeless colour combo. Resene Vinyl Etch primer was used to prepare the exterior before coating in Resene Lustacryl tinted to Resene Half Orchid White (top) and Resene Spanish Green (bottom). Image by Mike Eastwood.
Published: 14 Dec 2022
Do you have a home full of wonderful Resene paint and colour? Send us some snaps by emailing [email protected].
Resene Half Orchid White
Resene Half Orchid White
Resene Spanish Green
Resene Spanish Green
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the look
If you're stuck on what
colour to use or need colour
advice, try out the Resene
Ask a Colour Expert service.
