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VW Kombi vans: New retro flat-pack DIY interior kits

By Amy Collins-Walker • 8 Comments

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“When we first bought our 1973 Kombi camper van, its not-so-original interior had clearly seen better days. After a few trips away it soon became apparent that there were more issues than just the crumbling chipboard veneer, so we compiled a wish list of improvements for our dream interior,” says Felicity Joll of Lowd Vans, a new company that produces stylish flat-pack DIY interior kits for VW Kombi vans.

Given Felicity is also the creative director of Melbourne furniture design company Yellow Diva, designing cabinetry for a VW Kombi van wasn’t much of a stretch. “We did a bit of market research and weren’t overly impressed by what was available and since we are both designers, we naturally preferred to create our own,” says Felicity who runs both businesses alongside her co-director David Walley.

LowdVans

“First up, it was out with the chipboard and in with FSC film-faced birch plywood which is sustainable, light weight and water resistant. Our aim was to maximise storage, maximise access and maximise that classic VW style and the result was so perfect we felt we should share the joy. And in a geographically sprawling country like Australia, where logistics are everything, what better way to supply the product than flat packed for DIY self-assembly?” says Felicity.

The kits arrive flat-packed
The kits arrive flat-packed

The Lowd Vans aesthetic is inspired by the original Westfalia interiors that first appeared inside VW Kombi vans in the 1950’s and were the brand’s only officially authorised partner.

“Westfalia coachworks came up with the concept of ‘Camping Boxes’ in the early 1950’s. These off-the-peg kits converted your standard VW van into a ‘landhaus auf rädern’ or ‘country house on wheels’! The aesthetic of the Westfalia interiors was very reminiscent of that of a boat or yacht, with a streamlined silhouette and dedicated places for the accessories. At Lowd Vans we have referenced this heritage in our designs but with a contemporary twist and twenty-first century manufacturing methods,” says Felicity.

Original Westfalia 'Camping Box' illustration
Original 1950’s Westfalia ‘Camping Box’ illustration

Available in a choice of five colours, all with a natural birch ply fascia accent, the Lowd Van kits are made to order in Melbourne with a lead time of around four weeks with prices ranging from $795 for a single freestanding cabinet to $3750 for a full assembly. “The Winkipop Full Assembly is $3750 and comprises storage for cutlery, crockery and saucepans, a cabinet to take a 12v/240v fridge and single burner butane stove, sink cabinet with pull-out larder, plus two top-access locker cabinets,” says Felicity who has also designed a range of accessories to complement including tables and even a herb rack!

Freestanding larder cabinet
The ‘Winkipop’ Island Cabinet, $795
Full assembly kit
The ‘Roadknight’ Full Assembly, $2795

“Although we get enquiries from as far afield as North and South America and South Africa, our sales to date have tended to come from within Australia. There is particular interest from the further flung states – perhaps WA and QLD are particularly suited to life on the open road? We are also planning to set up manufacture in Ireland to service the European market directly,” says Felicity.

Charge devices through the fridge
You can charge devices through the fridge

“The Kombi has been at the forefront of social change since it emerged in the 50’s. Adopted by the counter culture and ‘flower power’ of the 60’s, and the surf culture in the 70’s, the Kombi is now emblematic of both these movements. The iconic vans continue to inspire new generations of enthusiasts through endless opportunities for tinkering and customisation, from slammed or lowered, rat-look to hippy-chic tiny home.”

Lowd Vans

For more | A beautiful vintage caravan restoration

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March 29, 2019

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SALE ALERT! Listen up Sydneysiders, one of my fav SALE ALERT!

Listen up Sydneysiders, one of my favourite home stores @shack.furniture.homewares are having their annual warehouse sale this week, from Thursday until Saturday.

HUGE savings on furniture, homewares and decor with 30 to 80% off. Wowsers!

I'm a big fan of SHACK and can never leave one of their stores without a few styling goodies for my place! It's just too tempting!

While you're at the sale, mention Interiors Addict for an extra 10% off!

Unit 16a, 1801 Botany Rd, Banksmeadow NSW 2019

Thursday 1st to Saturday 3rd June 2023, 9am to 4pm. Not online.

#sydneyshopping #sydneysale #sydneysales #sydneyfurniture #shackfurniture #shackfurniturehomewares #interiorsaddict #theinteriorsaddict #jenbishop #heartyourhome #comeshoppingwithme
A door to door continuous curved stone ledge in th A door to door continuous curved stone ledge in this bathroom is one of the cleverest designs we've seen in a while!

This mega ledge, made of Corian, even incorporates a sink, seamlessly.

Combined with venetian plaster on the walls, it's no wonder this Illawarra bathroom by @birdblackdesign feels like a day spa!

Come check it out via link bio.

Lead designer Stuart Gibson says: "One smooth curve, right around the room, from either side of the door opening. As it moves around, it creates a ledge for the bath: for bath oils, lotions, a book and a champagne glass. The ledge continues around and becomes the vanity, widening out to create a custom seamless basin."

#bathroomhappiness #bathroomdetails #bathroomshelves #bathroomshelf #venetianplastering #coriandesign #coriansolidsurface #spalikebathroom #spabathroom #sustainablebathroom
Catch the season finale of @sellinghousesaus last Catch the season finale of @sellinghousesaus last night?

We have all the before and afters for you on the blog now, via link in bio (and swipe for a taster).

#sellinghouses #sellinghousesaustralia #foxtel #lifestylechannel #beforeandafterkitchen #beforeandafterlivingroom #beforeandafterrenovation #realitytv #housetours #interiorsaddict #theinteriorsaddict #jenbishop #heartyourhome
😍 Not sure what's better: the custom mirror abo 😍 Not sure what's better: the custom mirror above the fireplace in this Art Deco one-bedder or the wallpaper in the kitchen (swipe)?!

It's been a while since we featured an apartment makeover on IA. Would you like to see more apartment interiors? Head to the blog now to see more of this one. Via link in bio.

#artdecoapartment #artdecointerior
#artdecomirror #artdecofireplace #artdecomelbourne #artdecofurniture #artdecobuilding #artdecointeriors #apartmentrenovation #apartmentinterior #smallspaceliving #melbourneapartments #melbourneairbnb #kitchenwallpaper #wallpaperaustralia
Low tox and planet friendly laundry liquid (and sh Low tox and planet friendly laundry liquid (and sheets and soap and powder!). We have a great roundup of the best options on the blog today. 

A whole host of brands are offering eco-friendly, low tox alternatives to the more chemical-laden ones. Not only that, they often smell amazing, look good on your shelf and come in recycled or recyclable (or even better, both) packaging. 

Good for your skin, your clothes and the planet: what’s not to like?

Do you use any of these?

COMPARE THEM ALL VIA LINK IN BIO NOW.

#lowtoxliving #lowtoxlife #lowtoxlifestyle #lowtoxhome #lowtoxlaundry #lowtoxswaps #naturallaundry #naturallaundrydetergent #naturallaundrysoap #ecolaundry #lowtoxcleaning #ecofriendlyhome #ecofriendlyhouse #laundryliquid #laundrypowder #laundrysoap #naturalcleaning #chemicalfreecleaning #interiorsaddict #theinteriorsaddict #jenbishop #heartyourhome
Play room goals!👌🏻 This is just one room fr Play room goals!👌🏻

This is just one room from today's real house tour which I really love because in employing interior designer @issyandhcreative the owners weren't looking for a complete rip out and re-do but rather to work with what they had in their new suburban home (including a dated kitchen) and give it a largely cosmetic glow up with styling and new furniture (some of which was upcycled). 

The brief was to create a family friendly home. "They weren't looking for perfection but rather a warm and relaxing retreat for their busy young family." This playroom though? Pretty close to perfect! And the mum did the colour coded books herself. Love that😁

Head over to the blog now via link in bio to see the rest of this home.

#playroomideas #playroomgoals #playroomdecor #familyhomes #kidfriendlyhome #kidfriendlyinteriors #familyhomedecor #sustainabledecor #affordablerenovations #interiorsaddict #theinteriorsaddict #jenbishop #heartyourhome #beanbagchair #beanbags #colourcodedbooks #colourcoded #toyroom #kidsroomdesign 

Pix by @tealily
All the heart eyes for this little setup 😍 Hea All the heart eyes for this little setup 😍

Head to the blog to shop this and two other gorgeous styled images from @greenhouseinteriors 

The stunning @mrsniceart artwork has already sold but the good news is, you can still get prints of it!

Styling by Aisha Chaudhry for Greenhouse Interiors, assisted by Nikki McGar, Kylie Harris, Rachael Blake and Max Green. Photography by Stephanie Rooney. 

#poolart #sideboardstyling #buffetstyling #consolestyling #vignettes #greenhouseinteriors #barcartstyling #shopthelook #bluehomedecor #poolumbrella #beachumbrella
Bookworms need a cosy book nook! 📖 🐛 Seb an Bookworms need a cosy book nook! 📖 🐛

Seb and Charlie had one of those kid size couches in their playroom but frankly, they'd outgrown it! I picked this Aussie made compact 2-seater Ruby sofa from @fantasticfurniture 

I'd usually go for grey to keep it neutral but as it's in a kid's room I went for this heather blue fabric to make it a little more fun while still classic. There's more than 50 fabric choices for Fantastic's Aussie made range so good luck choosing 😂 

I left the legs off to keep it below the windowsill. I'm super happy with the quality. It looks a lot more expensive than its $699 pricetag 👌🏻

Books, natural light and a cosy couch = happy boys! And let's not pretend they won't be watching the odd movie on there too 🍿 because #keepingitreal

#FantasticFurniture #FantasticFamily #booknook #booknookstagram #booknook #bookwormsofinstagram #littlereader #littlebookworm #cosycorner #cosycorner #playroomideas #toyroom #interiorsaddictfamilyhomereno #interiorsaddict #theinteriorsaddict #jenbishop #heartyourhome #aussiemade #aussiemadefurniture #twoseater #kidssofa #kidscouch #bluesofa #loveofreading
Last week we interviewed chalk paint pioneer Annie Last week we interviewed chalk paint pioneer Annie Sloan from her UK base about colour and Aussies' relationship with it. (And how's this for a before & after kitchen?! 😍)

Annie’s latest green hue, Coolabah Green, is inspired by the Eucalyptus trees of her childhood (did you know she was born in Sydney?). “I made it in tribute to Australia and I’m thrilled to say that’s been really popular both here in the UK and in Australia. It’s a kind of smoky, silvery sage green that’s very easy to work with and would complement accents of Amsterdam Green deliciously.”

Sales stats show Aussies are all about greens while elsewhere in the world greys and blues are more popular from her range. So tell me, are you a green lover?

Head to the blog to read Annie's thoughts on upcycling furniture and more. Via link in bio.

#chalkpaint #chalkpainted #chalkpainting #chalkpaintfurniture #chalkpaintlove #chalkpaintmakeover #anniesloanchalkpaint #anniesloanhome #anniesloanpaint #paintedkitchencabinets #paintedkitchen #paintedkitchens #upcycler #upcyclers #upcyclersofinstagram #upcycledfurniture #interiorsaddict #theinteriorsaddict #jenbishop #heartyourhome #anniesloan #greenkitchencabinets #greenkitchens #greenpaint #coolabahgreen #coolabah
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Amy Collins-Walker

About Amy Collins-Walker

Amy is our regular feature writer, an experienced journalist and interior stylist living in Perth, Western Australia. Find out more about her styling work at http://www.amycollinswalker.com/

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. AvatarClayton says

    May 16, 2019 at 5:43 am

    Just bought a new transporter van and want to do a retro fit out inside can you custom size?

    Reply
    • AvatarJen Bishop says

      May 16, 2019 at 10:05 am

      Hi Clayton, best to contact the company via their website and ask them. Thanks!

      Reply
  2. AvatarWayne says

    February 7, 2021 at 11:50 pm

    Can you please send me more info on Kombi flat pack interiors?
    Many thanks
    Wayne

    Reply
    • AvatarJen Bishop says

      February 8, 2021 at 7:29 am

      Please contact them via link at end of the post 🙂

      Reply
  3. AvatarHank eekelschot says

    June 10, 2021 at 11:11 am

    I would like more information. I have a 1974 kombi camper. Just like you said in your introduction, the chipboard has had it. Not a bad design for almost 50years old. I wouldn’t mind a bed setup that possibly folds to the wall so I don’t have to make it up after happy hour. Cheers Hank. Please contact me. 0418745559

    Reply
  4. AvatarSusan Rose says

    December 6, 2021 at 3:42 am

    Would like to talk to someone about a kitchen in my Kombi, I’m located in north Qld, can you help.

    Reply
  5. AvatarMargaret says

    January 29, 2022 at 10:42 pm

    We are currently restoring a 73 kombi and will be working on the kitchen soon. We would like to have the option of cooking inside and out, maximising our space by utilising all the modern features available. Are you able to help ?

    Reply
    • AvatarJen Bishop says

      January 31, 2022 at 9:06 am

      Hi Margaret, you have contacted us, the blog that wrote the article, rather than the company who does the Kombis. There’s a link to them at the end. Thanks!

      Reply

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