ele HOME chats with artist Elysha Ferris, the owner of Rosie the Caravan. Elysha and husband, Jimmy, took on the renovation of a 1971 Viscount Caravan and have spent the last few years turning Rosie into quite the lady. Elysha shares with us her renovation ideas and talks all things caravan design.
Tell me a bit about your family.
We are a young family of five – Jimmy and myself and our three kids – Indiana, Hugo and Daisy.
How long have you owned Rosie and what have you done to Rosie since purchasing?
We purchased Rosie at the end of 2017 and have been working on her ever since! She has had a complete top to bottom renovation – we managed to salvage the majority of her cabinetry which we loved so much, but everything else from the v-groove ceiling to the penny round tiled tabletop we did ourselves (and when I say ‘we’, I mean Jimmy!)
Can you give me a bit of background on how you found Rosie and why you decided to undertake a caravan reno?
We searched high and low for a vintage van – to the point of our ‘criteria list’ going from a full page to just two items long. We just wanted to make sure the van we chose had a rust-free chassis and was watertight – anything extra was a bonus for us! Jimmy is a carpenter by trade, so we love a project!
Do you have design backgrounds? What’s your personal story?
So Jimmy is a carpenter, and although I don’t have a background in design, I’ve loved designed for as long as I can remember. I am an artist – I paint with lots of colour and texture. I also get to work with the MOST clever people ever – Pip and Rhiannon at The Boathouse Group – I’ve learned so much about design from them, they’re the most inspiring people to be around.
How would you describe your style?
In my home I am absolutely petrified of colour – which must sound strange coming from an artist! My home is all white everything (crazy when you have young kids running around the house I know!). But with Rosie I felt more confident experimenting with colour a little. I’m not sure if it was because I knew I wasn’t going to be spending all day every day in there – or because it was a much smaller scale than a house so I knew I could change it if I ever got sick of it. But in the end, I guess we ended up with a really fresh, calming, fun space to be in and I just love her!
What do you love most about Rosie?
I think the bunks are still my favourite! Especially the little ceramic wall lights.
Who designed the exterior and interior of Rosie?
Jimmy and I did, with a little help from Viscount of course! There is definitely no mistaking her original features!
Your best interior design tip when renovating a caravan?
Create a space that makes you smile – have fun with the little details but make sure the more permanent fixtures are going to last!
What designers inspire you?
Oh gosh – so many! A couple of my favourites are Anna Spiro and Pip Goldsmith – and I’m a huge block fan and still love all the work that Kyal and Kara, Michael and Carlene and Josh and Jenna produce
Favourite pieces in Rosie?
The ceramic bunk wall lights – I had some custom mugs made by Robert Gordon and we turned them in to wall lights
Biggest splurge?
The ‘off grid’ solar / battery system
Greatest budget buy or budget decorating tip?
You don’t have to spend a lot to achieve the look you’re after – there is ALWAYS an alternative to that $300 throw you love!
What’s your family’s favourite way to spend a day in Rosie?
Parked beachside, playing in the water and coming back to burritos under the festoon lights for dinner – followed by popcorn and a movie in bed…bliss!
Rosie the Vintage Viscount can be booked for holiday stays on Camplify – camplify.com.au
Images: @photosbyjessieann
Want more. Click here for Interview: Meet Renovation Superstars – Three Birds Renovations
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