Home Inspiration: Converted Campers, Caravans, and Buses

[Tumbleweed Tiny House Company]

Ever since I first stumbled upon Jay Shafer's Tumbleweed tiny houses I have fantasized about one day owning my own tiny house. I like the idea of road-tripping in a camper or converted bus and not spending money on hotels and food. I'd camp in beautiful spots along the way and slow down a bit in the comfort of a small but spacious mobile home. The Fencl is my favorite, and if I ever won or saved up about $50,000 this would probably be one of the first things I'd purchase.

 [Tumbleweed Tiny House Company]

[Remodelista]

This converted bus is gorgeous! Unlike the Tiny Home which is more like a scaled-down house, this converted bus is more of a comfy sleeping/lounge area and can also act as an extra lounge/guest room when not in use. I love the look/color of this bus because it blends in nicely and wouldn't draw too much attention. You can also read about the process here.

[Lovelane Caravans]

These beautifully furnished caravans are perfect for long trips. I also love the idea of parking this in our backyard and use it as a studio/guest house/study when we aren't traveling. I also thought about purchasing an old camper bus or bus and convert it into a studio.

[adhesiveproduct]

Rodolfo and I spotted this beauty in Santa Cruz, CA. I am drawn to  tiny/mobile homes for many reasons--first and foremost I think our culture emphasizes home ownership and 'bigger-is-better' mentalities and I see that as another way capitalism continues to expand. Living in a small space also encourages me to be okay with less stuff. We are constantly made to feel that what we have isn't enough and we must buy "stuff" to fill our spacious homes. I am pretty critical of consumerism, and although I am bound to the system in many ways, I try to at least be critical of the values we place on ownership of goods and property. I'm still trying to figure out where this awareness fits into my life. I still fantasize about owning a home, although if I own property, I'd probably get an empty lot and fill it with caravans and tiny cottages--it would house a community of friends and we'd have space to grow our own food as well--my little utopia, I suppose. Another reason I like tiny homes is they are generally comfy and spacious, especially if you use space-saving techniques like hidden storage and shelving. Right now I live in a two-room back house about 12 x 24 ft, and for two people it's livable and comfy. We still have a lot of work to put into it, but right now I really like our space. Perhaps in the near future I'll be able to go on adventures in my caravan or camper.