VAN CONVERSION: 5 Regrets We Already Have About Our Home

[@itstommynutter7088]

about the couch beiong too high, could you make it so the bottom drawers have a lid on the top , so that you could pull them out a few inches and rest your feet on them. maybe replacxe the handles with rope so that you can do it by foot. also about the openness flow being the reason for no seperating wall, wat about a wall that comes out about 12 inches from the siide, but the wall is made of a see though surface, such as something like a wire mesh wall in a wavy paterrn, iim piitcturing kindof a towel rail lookin thiing as the seperating wall. that way you can still have magnetiic spice rack, and you can still see through it.

[@bransbach7674]

ITSTOMMYNUTTER only issue with the lids for the drawers would be storing the lids when they weren't in use, like when they have to get something out of the drawer. maybe like telescoping plastic covers hahaha :3 might be a bit advanced xD

[@itstommynutter7088]

id just make lid so it covers the first few inches of the drawer, hinges at the front, so that when the drawer is pulled open iit just flips up if you need it to.

[@danielbocelli]

I would use one side of the pantry to store your dirty laundry, and use the current laundry space for storing dry goods.

[@suzypee]

I think you must have some female brain cells to think of such a great idea!

[@CarlaJPena]

totally agree

[@PaigeLovesPumpkins]

Can you swap the laundry space with some of the pantry space? Also, could you make a cover for the sink? Like a cutting board that fits over the sink?

[@thegingerbusadventures57]

johnsonfamilyvideos1 cover for sink! Great idea!!!

[@paulapatrice5479]

Good ideas!

[@nicoleinman5563]

I had the same thought with a cutting board over the sink. Great minds think alike!! :D

[@monicamarrero5387]

Great idea specially considering they have the pee funnel at the pantry too, food + pee 👎🏻 dirty laundry + pee go better together

[@joycohoon4827]

Cut a little slit in a cutting board and put it over the sink so that it hooks on and your sheets won't fall in 🤷

[@lynnrenee8369]

About the comforter going into the sink. Just add a footboard across the counter area. Something just tall enough to stop the blankets from falling into the sink but doesn't block of the entire area.

[@HayleyTief]

I feel like the issue with that is climbing into the bed

[@bransbach7674]

Dream Weaver Maybe make it of glass so the flow isn't interrupted? :3

[@bransbach7674]

HayleyTief If you added a wall, you could actually cut out a section and make a handle, then it would aid in getting into bed. Someone would have restricted leg space though. :/

[@lynnrenee8369]

Brandon Bachmeier aren't they both pretty short? I could be wrong though. No offense meant guys.

[@fallonstone2466]

Yup .. and I don't think it would effect getting in and out of bed

[@wolfoframa]

Trim a cutting board to fit in the sink to keep the sheets out. Get two folding step stools for the couch

[@Tathix]

Instead of a wall maybe you could hang some fisherman looking netting tight enough so you can hang little pictures off it or something. Basically the right netting could look cool but still give the van the open concept it has. It could look ugly or good...no idea but might be worth trying

[@dinohicks7959]

Add a double shelf lazy susans on each side of the pantry. Go to the cabinet dept at Home Depot.

[@butchjohnson9736]

how about strapping some sort of a net from the top between the sink and the bed? Would keep things open, the sheets out of the sink and you could hook things into it for storage.

[@Kayte...]

That's a great idea and I was thinking just take the wall part way up, leave the top half open and a spice shelf could be attached to the wall but the net idea made me think of using one of those clear vinyl shoe/kitchen pantry pocket storage things that u hang on a door typically. U can put spices in the pockets and whatever else and u can cut to fit. Being clear may keep the open feel. The only problem I see with this is it getting splattered from the sink and it being difficult to clean. Perhaps take the wall up part way and net or vinyl pocket thingy up rest of he way.

[@critterwriter]

I like Butch’s idea. I was thinking just bring the wall up as far as the top of the bedding. But the net idea is good too.

[@charlotte092689]

I was thinking the same, but maybe peg board instead?

[@Buttonsbeauty]

Ok so the sheets in the sink thing, a quick fix would be that you could make some kind of a lid for the sink. So that it’s at least covered and the blankets don’t get wet. You’d still have to make sure the counter around it is dry tho. You are so thorough in your explanations of everything, regardless of the hiccups in your build! I’m learning so much!!

[@melonydever]

I'm with Aubry on the wall. Maybe a trimmed and painted piece of peg board?

[@DAMGoodVegan]

For the pantry, i’d add shelves in the area on the sides then use lazy susans on each shelf. could be good for organizing cans, canisters, and other boxes and bagged food. then for the middle space, you could put in a taller rolling plastic drawers. that way you could pull it out easily to access the side shelves.

[@thegingerbusadventures57]

Hindsight is 20/20 First time I saw the sink I said the sheets will be in it. Can you divide couch and use left side for pantry? Move shoes and some other things under bed? Or make a top access to pantry?

[@shannon2776]

Or even a shoe container in the deep pantry area, since I imagine they are only using one pair regularly at a time, and then that drawer can be used for pantry. Maybe this is exactly what you are saying :p

[@jonathansinco2938]

For comforter in the sink issue. Get simple brackets that you could mount to ceiling and counter to slide a piece of frosted plexi glass in. Something nice and thick that could maintain open airy feel and would still let light through. Nice division w/ out compromising the feel of the space. Love the channel!

[@sodapop6603]

For that walk by the sink regret- how about a walk that isn't a full wall. What I mean is something like trellis walls on porches. You could still hang spice racks with hooks or something, and it would keep your sheet tucked in- but would still breath. I'm sure with some searching you could even find something really interesting and beautiful- vs just a generic trellis. Just an idea if you are still debating this!

[@sodapop6603]

wall

[@findinglauren8466]

You could build 2 sleds for the pantry. One to pull the accessible part out, and the other to move stuff behind sideways ☺️ Also for the sheets in the sink, you could make a little cover that could also serve as a chopping board, to go over the sink so that the sink is covered while you sleep. Love what you guys have done with the van! It looks really good ☺️

[@stevezytveld6585]

Solution for the Drivers Swivel Seat. 'Chop' off the end of the sofa. The central part of the sofa can remain fixed in place. The storage stools on either side can be fixed in place with extra-strength Velcro. Or you could turn the entire sofa into a series of block storage stools. Mount them on wheels or attach plastic sliders to the bottom. Cut handles into both side of the box. They can be brought outside the van for extra seating around a fire pit. Each storage block can be individually designed for storage - 2 large drawers, 4 small drawers, X-cube, the enter box used for storage.

[@klabeck1097]

Pantry: install 2 lateral shelves on either side. 4 total. They slide into the center space for access. You can also do that but swap your clothing and pantry areas. For the sink: have a cover. Top side is flat, 2 holes on each side so you can grab it to move it or flip it over exposing the bottom side, which is magnetic (or Velcro??) so you can attach your oft used spices for easier access. Not sure of the size of the sink but looks like you can attach 4-6 metal spice jars. A cover will also help w odors & bugs. Sheets: when getting ready for bed attach mesh netting or a sarong to hooks attached to counter top and roof. Take away in the AM to keep the open flow the same. Good luck! ~K

[@VisaAkuma]

This may have been already suggested, but you could put some tracks on the ceiling and/or counter or bed frame to put a folding and sliding space divider to keep the sheets from falling into the sink. It could be a pleated/creased plastic or harder material, but it could also just be fabric. It doesn't solve the spice rack thing, but it would help you keep the open flow during the day when not in use. Also, I appreciate hearing your honest experiences. I'm not at a point in my life where I can live the van life, but it's on my bucket list, for sure. So, thanks for sharing. 😊

[@KathyM1611]

For the sink: cutting board. For the pantry: Pull out cabinet organizer (The container store)... and some stackable shelving would help.

[@audball911]

For the pantry, I've seen people who use baskets or stackable bins to group like items together. It's easier to pull things out to access the weird hidey-holes in the cabinet - you just pull out one or two baskets instead of 70,000 food items. The key is to keep it organized so you always know which basket holds what you're looking for.

[@stevezytveld6585]

Solution for the Dry Pantry. After you've carved up your sofa into movable 'blocks', you can redo the face of the storage unit under the bed. Use sheets of plastic (think, cut to size - there should be a plastic manufacturer company around, the Ottawa equivalent is Canus Plastics). Three pieces of plastic (cut to the same size, circles cut for openings) mounted on a three-channel aluminium track. The hard to access area beside the sink-stack could hold things that are seasonal or tools you don't use very often. The rest of the compartment you could carve up into longer drawers and divided sections. Plot out what you need (different sized drawers for different sizes of canned goods, bulk storage for grains and beans, etc. and work out what physical size each will need.

[@stevezytveld6585]

Solution for the Pantry access. Take that corner of the couch and chop it into a stool. Mount the stool (now a portable box that can store things) on wheels. Put a folding door (or 3 sliding doors) on the face of the bed platform. Easy access to everything.

[@charlotte092689]

A couple of ideas -- For regret #3 (the pantry) - Can you add a small shelf above the main opening? Maybe make it more of a "box" without a top so things don't slide off. You could also add piano hinges to the front of the box so you could pop that down and make access even easier. I would also recommend getting a couple of lazy susan type things. That way everything can stay more organized, but you can swing it around to access what you need. For regret #5 (no bed/kitchen barrier) - Using something like peg board might be a nice compromise. You can re-arrange it to fit any of your needs (hang spice rack, cutting board, etc), and you could use it on the bed side as well. Maybe put your phones there? Plus with peg board some of the light would still get through.

[@karleighkershner855]

Another alternative to avoid sheets in the sink may be to have a cutting board fit to cover the sink. Multipurpose by saving space and keeps the sink closed when you’re sleeping! Love your videos and thank you for all the awesome content!💕

[@campervanchick8916]

Im still dreaming and scheming for my vanlife future, and Im really enjoying your journey. Thanks for all the hints and tips and honest appraisals. Keep having fun!

[@vickielane7387]

They make grabbers for the elderly that has a light so you can see what your grabbing, my mom has one. It's great and will help you in your pantry you can probably find on a medical equipment website. Maybe make use of your ceiling with some flat magnetic thing to hold spices. Looks great! How about put a solid lid on the bottom draws ...pull out and there is foot rest. Or pull out draws and put a plank across. You could paint some friendly we coming words on the plank and then you could hang on wall. Dual purpose!

[@laurensavage5798]

Get some sets of plastic drawers for the pantry that are on casters. You can roll them out into your little hallway to access stuff and then roll them back in when youre done with them. Get another dolly for your water jugs. They might rattle while you're driving, but you can fix them in place with hook and eye latches to minimize that. If they're sturdy enough, they can become extra seats as well with a cushion on top. Kinda of like the stool you already have, but on wheels and designed to fit inside your pantry area.

[@mcmy]

I'm with you Christian. No board for the kitchen. Keep it open, nice and bright...

[@paulrock4996]

Met Eamon and Bec in Windermere last week and I'm totally hooked on both your channels. Absolutely love the open plan. Love your friendship with both the vans travelling around. A simple solution to the duvet in the sink is to create a small lip at the end of the bed on the sink side to stop it falling into the sink. Definitely leave the open plan look. Subscribed and cannot stop watching. I have got my girls watching you so they can see what we will be doing in our LWB sprinter. Cannot wait to see your next video. Keep safe and live life to the full.

[@LiveLaughLove138]

Just add a half wall between the kitchen and the bed! It's a good compromise. It keeps the flow open but will help keep the sheets out of the sink! 😊

[@__roku__3764]

An idea for your kitchen, you could still switch your water and fridge. Put the fridge under the sink, in the same position, but slides out sideways toward the couch instead of the towards the front of the van. Then move the water system to where the fridge was, not sure about your plumbing situation. It might be extra effort but this could work.

[@nanabninnab9732]

Use your couch drawer as your step by placing a board on it after you pull it out, or build a top board on a drawer or two for comfortable foot placement. Use a sogi screen wall so light goes through and the illusion of openness remains. Thanks for sharing, your build is almost what I want to do with mine 👍🏻

[@mlemcgeee]

For the pantry- if you're not looking to make any big customizations, you should store things on the left and right instead of the only middle as you currently are. It would double your current space (even though accessibility would be a little tricky) without doing any type of construction.

[@lorcro2000]

Create a sliding tray that goes into the pantry area. Two industrial sliders and a thin tray with an inch or two wall on the sides that you can pull out into the isle. Doesn't account for the side spaces, but lets you get at most of the stuff easily. As for the shower, buy a propane-fueled camp shower. Zodi, etc, and some other brands. All you need is a 5-gallon bucket to drop the pump into, and 12-volt power out of the van, plus a small propane canister, and you can take hot showers everywhere. Either put a tarp between your opened rear doors, or buy a shower tent for next to nothing. Seems like several of your problems are caused by placing the kitchen and sink in the wrong spot. Move it to the other side and put the fridge next to the bed. Fixes the water access issue, and the sheet-in-the-sink issue.

[@collettetyburski1928]

Regarding your couch being too high: You could place a piece of plywood on a hinge at the top of the drawer under the couch. You could slide the drawer out and it acts as a foot rest, then you lift up the hinged plywood to actually access the storage in the drawer.

[@bernadettebockis4120]

You don't need a wall. At night, just hang a curtain up between the kitchen and bedroom for when you sleep. Otherwise, you have the blanket tucked in and it's out of the way. The curtain can be taught against the counter, using hooks, and hook it to a decorative attachment on the ceiling. It can be just by the kitchen, or all the way across to the other wall, crosswise on the van.

[@Hannah1790]

Really loving these videos guys! Thank you for all the time and effort you go to for these. 😊

[@teresarossi9392]

i agree totally with the sliding door in the pantry - maybe consider a partial funky curtain stabilized on the floor next to the sink to prevent your sheets in the sink

[@sydmurray]

Build a sled in the pantry where you can slide it side by side.

[@suzypee]

Dede Huchteman Craft Hippie I was thinking the same-ish

[@jessicamacgregor9465]

I was thinking the same some sliding shelves that would make the side spaces more usable.

[@anguskisses112]

add a circular 3-tiered shelving to the pantry that spins.

[@deeterball3472]

Dede Huchteman Craft Hippie they need one of them convertable spice racks that fit in cupboards.

[@melanatedanonymous1306]

Maybe add a lift to the bottom of the bed frame and then make storage spaces inside.

[@sharongriffiths4796]

Suggestion re: the kitchen "wall" - put up some kind of metal or wood filigree that you can see through, but that will keep your sheets and blankets out of the sink. You won't be able to put a spice rack on it, but it will help to make the separation you want. Another suggestion would be to make a cutting board that fits over the sink when you aren't using it (like so many of the RVs have).

[@_maqpie_]

Suggestion: Shorten the couch on the bed side just enough to fit the pull out seat. Make that pull out drawer into a stand alone portable storage seat. Seat can be moved around to access the water tanks and pantry and you get to keep the massively long couch. Also no assembly of seat required. And get a lazy Susan. Thinking shortening the couch wouldn't be as hard because you already made the frame to fit the seat, just cut that section off.

[@michaelbearz]

put a lazy susan in the pantry

[@MakeMeThinkAgain]

A lazy susan would waste a huge amount of space. I would put things in boxes or baskets that you can slide out when needed. I hate plastic, but putting stuff in clear containers makes it easier to find something.

[@ThisIsVickiJ]

On the bed sheets issue, why not just put a board at the sides of the bed, like a bunk bed, so that it stops the sheets slipping off in those areas. Another idea would be to make a removable wall, either using wood, or fabric. If you made a strong and tight fabric wall that could slide up and hook to the ceiling, think window blinds but going upwards. you won't feel like you'll suffer with the leg room as it'll be more flexible and you can get waterproof fabric/kitchen blinds to help with the splash back from your sink. Just some thoughts! Love the new van guys.

[@ThisIsVickiJ]

Also I know you're gutted about the water tank, but you could add a folding table to the kitchen section that's accessible via your open door. More cooking space for summer nights. 👌🏻

[@pufferfssh3430]

When it comes to a wall to separate kitchen from bedroom, you don’t need to have a wall that goes from the top of the van to the kitchen worktop. You could get two pieces of thick ply, measure the distance from the kitchen worktop to the bottom of the cupboard you have above the seating area (yes, I know they are opposite sides) 😄 Cut both pieces of ply so that the height is what you’ve just measured, the length is the same at the kitchens worktop, but you could either cut a curve from one point to the other or cut some kind of artistic pattern. Fit one to separate the kitchen from the bed and the other to separate the “living room” from the bed. That way you define the bedroom and it becomes a “feature” of the van 👍 love you two, keep doing what you are doing 😁💕

[@nynasargent3988]

Nice build 🤗 Perhaps in order to keep the flow, you could put up a simple clear plexiglass “partition” right in front of the sink so your bedding doesn’t go in the sink and you wouldn’t have to tear anything down or restructure anything 😁 The clearness will keep it looking open and all flowy! Just a thought!

[@LaCheshireChat]

Put up a partial stainless steel grid: keeps sheets out of the sink, you can still see through it so doesn't affect "the flow" AND you can hang a spice rack on it!

[@stevezytveld6585]

Solution for the Sofa. Mount hing-able lids on each of the drawers (the height of the drawers might have to be adjusted) to turn the drawer into a hing-able "step". Use piano hinges (for multiple points of contact, this will prevent warping. Because your drawers are so wide you may have to put a T-joint in the middle of the drawer (ie, a a piece of 2x4 (or thinner) piece of wood at a right angle to the drawer face, running the depth of the drawer. That way, when you have young visitors, you can turn the drawers into steps. All the kid has to do is climb the steps to get onto the couch.

[@daniellegonzales4312]

instead of a wall, you could put a metal grid with hooks to hang spices, you could just put rubberbands around the tops of them and be able to hang them and the grid would keep the sheets out of the sink and the fact that its an open grid instead of a wall might help not make it look so segmented. another suggestion for your pantry area, if you made two sleds to the right where its hard to reach, as well as two to the left like one at the top and one on the floor and left the middle segment, the opening, empty, you could essentially have four shelves you could pull one at a time into the opening so whichever shelf you needed would be accessable when you need it but could slide out of the way. in the middle space you could put the pillows if they ever need to be off the couch or store someting thats easy to pull out when you need to get to the shelves

[@batwood8010]

Here's your free ideas: for #2, make fold down foot rest on one of the drawer fronts, kind of like a shelf with a hinge; on #3, mount a shelf to the back of the cabinet for a bit of storage and you might be able to get a 3/4 pie shape turntable like used in kitchen corner cabinets; on #5 use a chip clip or similar clamp to hold the corner of the covers to the wood end of the bed, or do a kind of open screen like macrame or woven curtain/net that you can open and close back with a snap to be out of the way, and that would keep the cover on its side of the barrier.

[@paulapatrice5479]

I agree with leaving the deep pantry for items that you don’t access very often and use part of the storage under the couch for the pantry.

[@veen238]

Heya! In regards the kitchen sink/sheet situation ye got goin, maybe instead of a full wall, put a partition up to maybe halfway? You could use a sheet of steel maybe, which would act as a backsplash for your sink as well as a barrier.

[@veen238]

That way, you're still allowing light the whole way through

[@veen238]

OH I forgot to say, for the couch, could you put a curve on the end and shorten your drawer just a bit in order to allow the seat to swivel out? If you did that, you could also put a cubby hole in the awkward part of the curve because obviously your drawer sliders won't be able to go on a curved surface. For the problem of not being able to reach the floor from the couch, maybe you could put a tiny ledge that folds up or down on your drawers under the couch. If you cut three pieces and just had a ledge on each drawer, then you could just open down or up the ledge you're sitting above 😁 also I LOVE THE WHOLE VAN and Aubrey, that cushion ❤❤❤

[@JennyMacBallard]

In the pantry, I would add a shelve in the back and the side that is hard to access, plus a basket on top of your plastic storage box for the bread and things like that. The storage box and basket would be easy to pull out, so you can get to the things stored on the floor and shelf behind it. Small storage boxes on the shelf and floor will keep things organised and easy to pull out. As for the wall or no wall between the bed and sink debate. What about a ladder type of frame? It would be easy to make, you could hang a couple of Ikea style storage containers on it to keep spices, yet it is still open enough to not g give the space a closed in feel. Great job with the whole build guys.

[@daniellederome8918]

Great videos, guys! Re problem #5, sheets in sink vs open layout, what if you install a cloth pocket divider. The pockets could hold your spices, & could roll down when you’re cooking or sleeping, then roll up when you want the open space. Have grommets or Velcro in the corners to steady the divider in place with hooks/Velcro. Good luck!

[@DAMGoodVegan]

oh and for the bed... you could make two short curtain rods (the depth of your counter top. mount it to the ceiling and one at the base of your bed. add fabric. this could create a “softer” half way.

[@Cre8edtoshine]

A short term fix would be cut the cutting board cover and place it in the sink and move the water gugs to the area your said you wanted the sink. Of course open it up so you could easily access it. The hardest thing would be buying a longer hose from sink to gugs. You could secure the longer hose to the back of cabinet. Do it in stages. Stage two buy counter top and place sink in new location! Then let the hair washing begin!😃

[@KarinWilcox]

You can fix dangling feet by cutting a small 6-8” board the length of your drawers you can pull the drawer out a bit and pop in the board and have a place for your feet. You could also run a longer length of tubing to the back of the van for your water storage.

[@95caseymae95]

For the pantry , why don’t you put two sets of drawers (one on each side) and leave the middle open to pull them out ! That way you can really use the full width and just have the middle fairly free ! Love the van 💙

[@juliehowman3912]

Use a glass or perspex divide that slots into place when you in bed, which would still give you the flow but prevent the sheets in the sink. With regard to the pantry space, use space savers on runnerswith only a small margin on either side to allow for the food slides. With regard to the water, use the quick release sister Eamon and Bec have that way you can release the pipes and then slide the bottles in and out whilst sitting on the couch. With regard to the steps slide out bottom draw and place a length of timber over each drawer to keep clothes clean. When travelling, or cooking simply push drawers in rest timber on its side. With regards to the front sweet not swivelling, could you not move the lagoon table mount, or seat mount to facilitate the rotation. Just suggestions

[@jimk9892]

Covers in the sink issue... a Cutting board that fits upright at the end of the counter that you can put up when you go to bed. Double duty win.

[@christen5042]

Thought for under the bed. Pull out center (at door) Slide for shelves (each side) these would slide to the center. Use same type slide mechanism you already have used.

[@SharonCullenArt]

Cut a cutting board to fit over the sink and number 5 is solved! I am still thinking on solutions for the pantry. Add some shelves for one. This will help. And maybe look at ikea or something for baskets that you can pull all your spices out together and put away when you’re done cooking.

[@ruthc3689]

Here are some suggestions: 1.What if you sleep the other way around? 2. What if you extens the lining of the water and have it sit on the slidder with the refrigerator? 3. What if you do a slidder like your refrigerator like an L shape and have it pull out? 4. For the spice rack if you add a magnetted sheet infront of a door or next to the mirror or where your towel hanges...

[@Valerie_Dawn]

For the storage issue under the bed I would do three sliding compartments for storage... One left, one right and one forward. For the couch height/foot rests, I would build inserts for the lower drawers to become elevated foot rests. You could get one of those small bungee nets hung vertically to cover the gap between the mattress and the sink. It could be hooked up at night and removed during the day. Sorry. I have no suggestions for the other issues.

[@casiannaparadis9302]

If hiking find some branches to make a little wall that can be seen through and you can add little boxes to store thinks in. It can go with your ceiling.

[@rossanderson5603]

Build your wall to separate the kitchen sink and the bed on a hinge. So when you drive you close it and secure it. And when you park, you open it to separate. Still allowing to have to open space and her spice rack storage/ divider.

[@Twilyy]

For the kitchen/bed situation - maybe you could add a grid-like wall. It would still be (at least) half open. It would stop the sheets and you could hang a few things from both sides. just a thought :)

[@nikolajhol]

Awesome video. Easy to see so much love and respect between you guys❤️

[@meganhaas6200]

For the pantry, you could take the drawer you currently have in the middle rotate it 90 degrees and place it in the pantry on the left side so this way you can open the drawer and reach the things but also can close it and it's using the available space

[@lms4778]

Add a slide-out foot-rest in between the drawers under the coach... like they do in kitchens with the slide-out cutting-boards (out of the way when not in use). An idea for the kitchen-spicerack/bedroom separation, you could just build half a wall (the height of bed mattress), so visually doesn't interfere with open space feel, yet offers some storage for magnetic spice jars. (brainstorming!)

[@MichaelKlinePhotoVideo]

Hey guys... I have a couple of ideas on 2 points: #3) You could section (cut and reseam) the mattress enough so that you can lift the front part of the mattress, that creates access to the frame below. Then cut and make yourself an access door to your pantry area from above. Possibly a top door for each side. Of course rigging it to be self supportive. #5) You can still section the kitchen area from the bed, using clear plexiglass or other desired material. Thus keeping the kitchen separated from the bed, but still see-through enough that provides the illusion of an open floor plan. I hope these ideas help. Cheers!

[@AmandaaHug]

For the pantry, maybe you could install a corner cabinet pull out shelves sort-of thing? you're not working with much space to pull it out but they have ones that are circular, you can rotate and move the shelf to access everything!

[@KDad514]

Put the containers in your pantry on wheels so you can move them out to access the other containers. Do a rope style net next to counter between it and the bed and hang smaller nets on it for kitchen storage. You can still see through it so you keep the flow plus it's soft and won't interfere with sleeping if you kick it and it will keep the sheets out of the sink. Also you can do a board with a cushion across the two front seats for extra seating.

[@JordanSmith-jo1id]

Love the sink idea. My husband and I were going to put the sink where you have it, but now we are you go put it in in front of our door. Thanks for the tip.

[@aaronsimmons4675]

2:08 dudessssss you shoulda read the comments on the layout build plan video, I literally suggested you do exactly that, then you could’ve utilized the space on the step and have more vertical space above the water tank potentially for an extra drawer or something. The build does look amazing though. Super stoked for you guys 😊

[@sahanak5041]

For the couch, a really easy solution might be to turn your bottom drawers into step stools by adding a slap of wood on top. You could add a hinge that would allow a plank of wood to sit on the top of the drawer and you could open it to access whatver you have inside. I think it would also be a very attractive looking solution. If you have enough stuff, you may even be able to rest a slab of wood on top of all your items as a good temporary fix Hope this helps:) Also I love your guys relationship, when one of you talks, I love the way the other looks. It’s like a deep sense of pride and love. Love you guys!

[@fancylarue7156]

Use those see through glass blocks to build a small divide but still allows light. Also, you can add a metal sheet, even a cookie sheet, and have your spices in small magnetic tins.

[@hannahbarth5676]

Suggestion for the pantry issue. Since you have the sleds in back for the garage, build the sleds to slide all the way into the unusable space of the pantry and then steal some space from the middle of the garage and use the same sled idea so you can easily pull the pantry out and see/access everything.

[@tammidunaway1117]

What about a lattice type of wall next to the sink? You would have the wall space, the sheets would stay out of the sink, but keep the openness.

[@advantageous-me]

😊 Put a cutting board over the sink when not in use. No sheets in sink. Fast n cheap! Add wooden removable lids to lower drawers of bench so (when you don't need to access clothes) you can pull out the drawers and have the "lid" to rest your feet on. Go to Dollar tree for organizational bins for the pantry. Possibly have small a lazy susan for spices on counter or in drawer/cabinet. Oh! You can build a large Lazy Susan on the hard to access sides of pantry, plus add shelves [or crates laid on their sides for a cheaper solution].

[@megganrenee]

one trick to see if you might like a separation between the bed and the sink, get a large piece of Foam core from Hobby Lobby of Micheals and cut it to a shape you might be happy with. Just use painter's tape to keep it in place and see how well you might like it. I done this a few times for all sorts of things.

[@iamkat-agnt99-ash-kbt.59]

I just have some ideas, you can ignore if you want to :) The water tank like you said make a sliding door. Get a see through water container and run a hose and funnel that you can just fill it up with out taking it out, just get the other person to stand on the inside and tell you when it's almost full. (maybe) So then you don't even have to take it out. The couch you could attach a cool shelf at the bottom of the draws to they still open and close just really make them strong with steal L brackets and them add some comfy fabric maybe be? So then you have a space for your feet, but you can still use the draws fine. The pantry, just maybe put in some really cool side shelves in, and when they are fitted you could put in a bigger pantry :) Make so you can move them out, that way you can still get to everything :) You can always modify the couch :) hehe Just put one of those covers over the sink and yeah the divider :) hehe. Hope you this helps a little

[@afghan1mystery]

You could add a ‘half wall’ of sorts between the bed and the sink just to give some separation and also add a small spice rack! Or perhaps just make a cutting board that covers the sink? Anyways you should be proud of the build regardless you did this with your own hands, and that’s amazing! X

[@mange2]

hinge the bed and use struts so it lifts up to get access to everything underneath. Lots of beds and seats are made like that to access storage. Just an idea.

[@kelseysattler7226]

For the sheets, maybe just put a piece of wood from the wall to the edge of the counter that’s only as tall as the mattress. Maybe move the sink where the fridge is, put the fridge in the pantry (on a slide out?) and put the pantry in the sink cupboard with two slide out drawers.

[@MakeMeThinkAgain]

It sounds to me like you need to consider taking a 2nd run at the couch. How could you build it to use the space more efficiently? Less wood, more usable space. And a little shorter. I would start with the containers to hold your stuff. My first thought was that they should be as light weight as possible so they are easy to slide out and then set on the couch or counter, but another option is to make them strong enough to be structural, or at least supporting.

[@jesp999]

Im not sure but it seems some of your slight regrets or reconsiders can be connected in a solution for wall/pantry access and water!!!. If you move the sink and water container to where you fridge is, or maybe to the middle of counter (do not know if u have enough space for that) then you have better access to water and the shower outside idea (if you have faucet that can extend. just like you said). Also moving the water and sink you likely have opened up another way to get to the pantry space under the bed. That was my first thought since without the sink and especially the water there, you end up having possible access from another way to that storage under the bed. There are various hinged corner cabinets i have seen that open fully. But there are two more ideas i have as I have connected to this. As I listen to you video there is the spice rack wall question. What if that moved up and down between bed and kitchen. It ends up being a three and one--ie a small wall, a spice rack, and a sort of door underneath to access the passenger side of pantry under your bed combo. If you make the spice rack a raisable and hideable wall/ door, just the height of the counter, and it is like a wall that is was hollow and like 2 inches thick IE the size of spice jars then it can have spice rack on one side and even nooks on the side of the bed and it goes down on out of sight when not used. So sort of like an idea someone else mentions below for a sliding pantry but instead a very light spice rack that is a slide up and down pantry (you might need the right small bungees or the right type of thing to hold spices in so they do not fall when moving the rack spice shelf up and down, but i can already think of spice racks that would work or that you can think of when you design it. You can have some kind of way to lock it so it stays up, the side to the kitchen can be spice rack shelves and the side to the bed is just wall or have its own indentation for holding something on the other side. maybe kind of simple rope pulley to raise and lower it. or a handle on it to grab it and a peg to hold it in place when its raised. Then it also follows if you moved your sink and water since you have to move your your fridge wherever you put it you can put wheels on the bottom of the fridge so you can totally get it out of the way when trying to access the pantry. no need to put any door in front of fridge so it would be easily accessible. Maybe my ideas sound complicated of course it costs money to change things. but I think it if funny how all three of the ideas that pop in my head are totally connected to you moving the sink, or maybe even just the water. I do agree i understand why its kinda nice to have the sink far from the work space so different activities can take place in diff places. Perhaps there is a way to just do the raisable spice rack and make some water lines to move the water tank just to create the space to get to the pantry from under where the sink is now. just some thoughts. i know in real life of course these things take a lot of effort and skill to do carpentry. Also if you ever heard of the word or concept of Samsara, as you said nothing ever is perfect and everything always has a trade off. We can spend all our lives redesigning everything and it is endless, sometimes its good to just enjoy what you got. TBH the main thing related to health is i think the couch. not sitting comfortably or in good posture will affect I think body and mind health a bit from a yogic point of view. that posture ergonomic might be even more important than other things. Even If it is tough to redo something is ok. but also I know with these projects we speed up. I'm doing a ton right now, we all need to slow down and to meditate everyday. I wish i follow my own advice with my own endless creative desires.

[@heatherrenton2086]

Love the colours you chose. Clean and bright, looks open and airy!

[@EFTwithLucy]

HI BEAUTIFUL SOULS! Thank you so much for the content you publish! I really appreciate your vulnerability and transparency about so many aspects of your life. As an aspiring vanlifer, I love being able to live vicariously through you all until I can make the dream happen in my life. You both inspire me, and I have loved getting to know your personalities throughout watching your channel. It is so heartwarming to see the love you have for each other. (Seriously, you are my favorite people to late-night youtube binge, and you guys are my best motivation to get through tough assignments for school!) I just watched your most recent video about all the hate comments, which makes me want to spread positivity to the wonderful community you have created. I love all the content you make, I have always enjoyed it and found it valuable and awesome quality. Keep doing your thing and being your awesome selves because you bring so much light into the world and keep the dreams of young-ish aspiring travelers like me within sight :) Much love and light

[@buildandgrowcollective6113]

You can put slides in the pantry so that you just pull it to the center and access everything! It would still be possible for you to do that now, and would make getting to your food so easy!

[@meganhughes4517]

In regards to the sheets falling in the sink, you should get a curtain that runs to the floor so when you sleep you can pull it over and it’ll act as a barrier between the kitchen and the bed and it’ll also be good for like if someone needs to change and you have people in the van or if one of you wants some extra alone time or something

[@plm4462]

Easy fix for the couch. Cut a board & upholster it with thin foam for the top of drawers (when pulled out) and use them as foot rest. Make it portable and store the board you cut for the step

[@annf1801]

Add a sliding curtain by the bed (i know what I’m thinking of but I don’t know if that’s the name). You could keep it closed to separate things when you want them separate but open them when you want to have a nice flowy area. A stiffer one would keep the sheets out of the sink too.

[@cpcaroff]

For a step stool for the couch, I would have a 1x6 board laid across the bottom drawers when they are open a bit when you are sitting on the couch and tuck the board under the cushion when you don't need it.

[@TheBrainfishes]

One solution for the pantry issues is to have a hinged bed, where the top can lift up like the hood of a car so you can lean in and grab whatever you need from the top. For the water - you could install a filler cap on the outside of the van where the water is and run a pipe into the water containers, so you don't have to take them out. You could do the same in reverse and install a spigot on the outside for shower / external water. Run your water through a switch-over valve after the pump so you can switch from sink to exterior and back again. For the sink, a simple method (that's already been mentioned) is a sink cover, that will also help with odors and stuff. Alternatively, you could have a sliding curtain that zips or snaps at the bottom so you can retract it when you don't need it and it'll be firm enough to hold the sheets etc back when you do.

[@TheSecondLastStraw]

Measure up really carefully and pour a resin wall, a live timber edge with leds in the resin section it would be transparent which would suit the open plan feel and possibly solve the problem.❤️👍✌️

[@donaantoniamomm7749]

For the kichen/Wall thing, why don’t you put up a white wire grid that’s separates it. That way you could hang some spices and maybe a small plant or something without narrowing down the space with a solid wall or something and doesn’t disrupt the flow. The pantry storage space thing: you could literally just put 2 or 3 plastic or wood planks in there to spectate them. Maybe one of these gives you an idea :)

[@karolinealicea1216]

Can’t wait to see your adventures for the summer!

[@daydreamsanddiesel6932]

Put a slider in the pantry so you can easily reach the stuff behind your plastic drawer

[@pemghustlewomanlife6425]

Suggestion....use a type of old bottle wooden crate and hang with chain attached on top and bottom by the sink and the light will come through....