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

March 29, 2019 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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Not many friends in life fall into the unofficial Not many friends in life fall into the unofficial family category and they're a special gift. So ends three weeks with @danisteve81 who left her husband and son in the UK (I'm forever grateful they lent her to me!) to come and cheer me up and help me in the most practical ways after I spent Christmas and New Year in hospital. There were tears and I miss her so much already but how amazing to have had all that time together as adults. Such a rare treat and would never have happened without having been through something so challenging. Silver linings and all that. So many other friends have also been incredibly thoughtful and kind. There aren't many times I'd say this without cringing but I am 100% blessed!

I still cannot believe we have been friends since we were 12! 12! Are you still close with your childhood besties?
The renovation of this 80s beach shack @camillo_ho The renovation of this 80s beach shack @camillo_house is a work of art and while almost every surface was updated, the decision to keep the original slate floor was genius if you ask us. 

Owner @clarehillier__ says: "With its purple, pink, red and brown tones, the slate was the starting point for our interior palette."

Come and check out the before and afters via link in bio now and read the reno story. It's a real beauty.

And you can book it for your next holiday too!

Blair Smith Architecture @kateshanasy

#slatefloor #slatefloors #80shouse #80sbeauty #camillohouse #interiorsblog #interiorsblogger #interiorsaddict #theinteriorsaddict #jenbishop #realreno #holidayhousesofinstagram #morningtonpeninsulahomes #morningtonpeninsula #morningtonpeninsulasmallbusiness #blairgowrie #blairgowriebeach #airbnbstyle
Me and my boys 💗 Me and my boys 💗
Just a couple of dorks who've been friends for thr Just a couple of dorks who've been friends for three decades going out for a child-free dinner 💓😁
Excuse me while I die of a cute attack 🥰 @damia Excuse me while I die of a cute attack 🥰 @damianfrancis 

This doesn't happen often these days!
Hello friends! Just thought I'd say hi. Two weeks Hello friends! Just thought I'd say hi. Two weeks since leaving hospital and I'm doing much better than I expected to be at this early stage. A long recovery road ahead but making progress in how much I can move my arm and although I drag myself through some days non-stop yawning, others I can go for a little walk or out for lunch before collapsing on the couch! I can now tie my own hair back and put on a real bra which is very exciting 🤣 Having my bestie here to help us with the boys, drive me places and just be brilliant positive company is the best thing I could have asked for not to mention the many Dinner Ladies vouchers from friends! Thanks for all your kind messages, cards, flowers, gifts and offers of help ❤️
I definitely feel like a statistic now but hoping I definitely feel like a statistic now but hoping to raise some awareness off the back of my misfortune (and also very lucky escape).

@newsouthwaleshealth have just put out this warning about a rise in serious bacterial infections. iGAS (invasive group A streptococcus) is what caused my necrotising fasciitis and sepsis.

Apparently there's similar happening in VIC too.

It's extremely rare but very serious nonetheless so please have a read and be aware of symptoms. I've linked to the article from a button via my link in bio.

#interiorsaddict #jenbishop #necrotisingfasciitis #groupastrep #groupastreptococcus #sepsis
While new technologies continue to shape the inter While new technologies continue to shape the interior design scene, one that has been getting a fair bit of traction of late is marble-look porcelain. A cheaper alternative to natural stone, the latest printed porcelain tile technology makes it difficult to distinguish from the real thing.

Founded by husband and wife duo Anton and Rita Bourtsev, Sydney’s @kaolintiles has a unique offering in this space with over 100 different marble-look tile designs in small and large formats.

More via link in bio now.

#porcelain #porcelaintile #porcelaintiles #largeformattiles #largeformattile #marblelooktiles #bathroomtrends2023 #interiorsaddict #theinteriorsaddict #heartyourhome #realrenovations #goldsink #brasssink #jenbishop #kaolin #kaolintiles #interiorsblog #interiorsblogger
Promise this is the last wretched hospital photo I Promise this is the last wretched hospital photo I'll post and I hope to be home and with my lippie back on by Monday. You know it's serious when I'm lipstick free, right?!

This was about a week ago in intensive care. And although my arm is still bloody sore I'm now on a normal ward and no longer attached to any drips, drains or a catheter. I've come a long way.

This has been the most physical and mental challenge of my life but I'm through the worst. I kept my arm. The doctors saved my life.

I cannot say it enough times. If you're worried about your health, don't hang around. Things can change so quickly. 

A huge thanks to my amazing husband @damianfrancis We've had the hardest year yet and our marriage has never been stronger, even if my rings did get cut off my finger in hospital 😜

As great of a job as he is doing at home with the kids, I cannot wait to get home now. Countdown is on to a new year and a fresh start.

And I can't say enough just how overwhelmingly grateful I am to all the medical professionals involved in my care, from the @healthdirectaus nurse who sent me to Emergency to the exceptional surgeons, doctors, nurses and support staff.

Happy New Year, everyone. Remember you never know what's around the corner and this is not a dress rehearsal!

And huge thank you for all your kindness here. Has been amazing while stuck in bed.

Xxx

For those who missed it, I was unlucky enough to get necrotising fasciitis. You'll have to Google it.
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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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