When I first bought my RV, my goal was to make my space feel like home. So no matter what’s happening outside, I would feel warm, safe, and relaxed inside my RV. I’ve realized the key to making my RV feel like home is coziness. Coziness is all about setting a mood and can compliment any home decor style. Coziness is a feeling of warmth, comfort, and security. Like snuggling in a warm blanket on a cold rainy night. In this article, I wanted to share the art of making your home on wheels feel cozy.
Set a Mood with Lighting
A simple way to add coziness to your RV space is lighting. Your lighting can create a mood and make your RV feel comfortable. Adding string lights and battery-powered changing color lights can set a cozy atmosphere. By adding layers of light, it sets a mood and can dramatically change the look of your space. I found my battery-powered pucker lights and string lights on Amazon. Another great addition is adding rechargeable batteries to save money and not produce constant waste. It can also be an extra source of lighting for Off-Grid adventures.
Touching Elements
Adding soft textures like velvet plush can be a touching element to make your RV feel cozy. Elements like plush throw blankets, warm cozy rugs, and soft pillows can set a cozy and inviting atmosphere you’ll want to stay in for hours. Adding textiles can also be a great way to invite a pop of color to your home decor. Colorful pillows and colorful throw knitted blankets can bring a nice energy and flow to your RV’s style.
Adding rugs indoors and outdoors can bring a sense of warmth and comfort to any living area. I have a soft mat in the kitchen area and a small cute rag rug in the living room. Both are easy to clean and give my home a cozy warm feeling. It’s also nice to not walk on cold wood floors in the mornings.
Give your Space Personality
You don’t always have to look too far to find decor that adds touch to your home. Your RV is a reflection of you and the best way to show your homey vibe is by using things you already own.
One way I was able to add a personal touch to my RV was by turning a scarf I owned into a curtain. It was the perfect size, vibrant and colorful. To use my scarf, I used curtain rings with clips. At night I could attach a separate black curtain behind it for more privacy. I also used matching pillow sheets and bedsheets as my curtains for other windows in the RV. Taking down the old RV curtains and adding my own personal touch made my home on wheels feel homey and unique.
Cozy Scents
After a full day of travel, work, or exploring a new area, it can be tough sometimes to relax, especially in a small space. A comforting way to feel cozy and calm at night is by adding aromatherapy to your motorhome and nighttime routine. Smelling something nice can quiet the mind, help clear anxious thoughts, and focus on the beauty that is around you.
A tasty way to smell something nice is having a small tea collection in your RV. Calming teas like lavender, chamomile and honey, or apple cinnamon can give you a sense of warmth and calmness. Whenever I have guests over, it is great offering them a nice cup of tea to relax. In the hotter months, you can make your calming teas into iced tea by chilling them in the fridge.
To create a warm and inviting aroma throughout your whole RV, diffusers and candles can make a space feel warm and inviting. Pick your favorite scent and find essential oils and candles you like to smell. My favorite scents are lavender, a nice pumpkin spice, and apple cinnamon.
*Always make sure when using candles to have it in a clear ventilated space away from any flammable objects and away from children and pets.
Centerpiece Collection
Looking at something beautiful can change your mood in an instant. Adding centerpieces and artwork can make any home feel warm, fun, and inviting. Start by finding a nice tray or wood slab as your base. You can use this as a placemat for food and drinks or add decor that interests you like fresh cut flowers in a mason jar, your favorite book, and small pottery. On travel days, I safely store my belongings in my cabinets and keep my small mason jar of fresh flowers in my driver seat cup holder.
Wall Art Magic
Filling blank wall space with art and stencils is a fun way to add personality and give your home character. This process might take some time to find the right pieces, but it can be an exciting project that’s all about your personal taste.
When finding artwork, it’s best to find work that’s the right size for your RV. I personally like pieces that are smaller. You can find great art by exploring art walks, farmers markets, and other vendor-related events in the town you are visiting. You can find them by searching on google or on instagram for events in your area. You can even find local art galleries in the towns you are visiting. This can be a fun way to find local, one-of-a-kind art and support local artists. It’s also a way to have a piece of your favorite place with you on your travels.
Stencils can make a wall space come alive and be a fun DIY project. I did a stencil in my bedroom area. I measured the size of the wall and found the right size stencil for my wall space. I used gold leaf which was tricky, but I fell in love with the end result. I added a clear coat afterward to make sure the stencil stays there for years to come.
By adding visual elements to my home on wheels, it made my space feel warm and inviting. It’s a joy walking into my space and seeing all the beautiful pieces hanging on my walls.
Decorate your Small Space Your Way
By adding some elements of coziness to your RV, it can elevate your style and make your motorhome feel good to be living in. Whether you’re renting your space out, going on a long trip, or living in your motorhome full time, when you put all of these elements combined it creates a feeling of coziness.
I would love to hear your thoughts and ideas of how you make your space feel cozy and warm! Let me know down below.
About the author: Vanna Mae is a visual artist and influencer, traveling around the country in her 19ft Class C RV with her cat Indigo. Keep up with their adventures on Instagram @vannamaeart and on YouTube.