Van Life Magic: Unveiling the Perfect Van Life Kitchen Tour
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- Опубліковано 7 лют 2025
- The Best Design I've Ever Seen And I've Seen Many! Natalie created a fantastic kitchen in her small space which includes a HUGE counter space for cooking! She also made a beautiful closet over her bed for her clothes! What a phenomenal van design!
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Thanks for watching!
Hi Everyone, I simply want to thank everyone who watched the video that Brian did of my Van. I also want to thank Brian, Bob Wells and his team of great partners and volunteers who have helped make the RTR so much fun and also for all the service that are given to the Nomad community.
I just finished a 3 months stretch of work on 2 movies and will start traveling to the south west for the winter this weekend. As I mentioned in the video I’m from Montreal and while my Van is well outfitted for cold weather the last month as been unusually cold and uncomfortable so Im anxiously prepping for my leave.
I hope to read all your comments ❤ and Take Care
Natalie 😊
Hi Natalie! I'm also plant based and wanting to get away from the cold weather. I love your build layout. So functional!. I'm in the middle of building out a similar van (chevy express 2500). I heard you say you are tall. I am too. It looks like your bed is laid out side to side along the back doors. I would love to design my bed this way too. I'm just wondering how you do it? Do you not lay out straight or do you sleep on a diagonal or something? Thanks! P.S. I feel your pain with missing your studio. I'm a big crafter and will definitely miss not being able to bring it all with me. ~Dusk
@@DenyDefendDepose358 she explained it in the video of how she sleeps diagonally and exactly where her head goes.
oh, where did you get those tiny bungee cords for the towels to dry at the vent? that's fantastic.
I really do wish you had Amazon shopping links of your own that I could click on. I love your van. I REALLY love your van. Except for the closet which I wouldn't include, and I'd probably go with a longer wheel base, it looks like you have plenty of storage.
Thank you for sharing your home. It's comfortable and cheerful plus very practical. You have mined ideas from many countries and cultures! From Australia 🇦🇺
❤️ First, I would like to thank this kind lady for her generosity in letting us see her abode. And thank you Brian for another wonderful interview. You and Bob both have the gift of letting people talk.
The fact that she took herself into consideration - the things she absolutely wanted near her, the things that she loved to do and needed space and accommodation for - and the fact that roughing it gets old fast when your body is cramped and you don't sleep well and you don't have a comfortable place to lie down or recline and relax. I would suggest that she get a knowledgeable person to put a spout in that adorable Berkey. I'm certain she can find someone, and I think Berkey has spouts that you can put on your system. Just a thought.
Maybe I will reach-out to Berkey. But honestly its never been to much of a big deal, thanks NMR
I like the way the toilet is hidden. So easy to get to when needed, but looks so neat and tidy when folded down. Also, I like the simple shelves with baskets to organize- lighter weight, easier to build, and less materials and expense. The whole build is wonderful!
Thank you Susan!
I’ve looked at so many van builds and Natalie’s is the best layout to date - just an incredible build. Amazing use of space and looks very comfortable too. Thanks so much for sharing.
I agree!
Thank you Lis K
I love this van. My favorite is the removable counter behind the cab. It increases her counter space without giving up her passthrough. Very smart and practical.
Love the counter design! Beautiful build it's like the inside of a yacht.
Yes, the inside resembles a yacht!
Thank you!
Yes, I also like the counter design, and the sink and its inserts. The fridge looks ample too.
Wow, what excellent use of space! It's beautiful! I love the L-shaped countertop where you also have access to the front cab. Nicely done!
Thanks Diana C
the countertop was amazing, so simple and she can get to the cab asap if needed.
I love the van build. I think if she bought a small enclosed trailer and turned it into her studio, she would have absolutely everything she needs!
I agree with you!
I did think of it but its a thing to take care of... And for now it would be complicated maybe when i fully retire in 5 years! Thanks
If I had a van, that's how I'd want it to look. Organized, clean, functional. I am curious about that Japanese stove, as I'm thinking of replacing my current one.
@@lalylunssporadicchronicles6404just subbed!
Omg that's what I'm planning to do: I'm waiting on my van rebuild by a young company that source old vehicles and repurposes them. It will be my camper with focus on studio!!
Awsome build, lovely lady!
I was blessed to meet Natalie at the RTR in 2022. Instantly enjoyed her company and accent. We chatted about art. While talking she drew a butterfly on a tiny piece of water color paper for me. I cherished it and still have it! ~ Stacey
Awww Thank you so much Stacey!
As someone who loves to cook, I love the design of the L shaped counter. I like the sink in the corner and the removable counter piece. I also like the stove not being permanent. You could use your stove outside on a picnic table if you want. Very well thought out design with lots of storage. I love the hidden toilet too. Definitely a design to work off of for my own build.
Thanks Cathy!
Nathalie’s van is so thoughtfully built. I love the counter space, toilet set up and lounge. It made me think of how brave she was to embark on this. Too many of us make excuses for not doing things. I too am sort of like that. Now that I have a van, I make sure to get away and experience something new, even if it’s just for a night.
Having grown up in Montreal, I can relate to the parking challenges and the thought of building during winter, that is amazing. 🇨🇦
HAHA yess the Parking in Montreal and all the super deliberately confusing signage!!! Thanks Esther
I must admit that my favourite part of your build, Natalie are the counters. I especially like that little counter insert that gives you accessibility to the front seats and also gives you a lot more counter space.
So far if Im organize cooking is a breeze in this space and I’ve seen some class C with less counter😂
That is a fantastic layout! I'm so impressed with it.
Thanks!
Absolutely very inviting and homey.
Thanks
My FAVORITE thing about her van is How much she has in there And it doesnt even feel crowded And I like all the storage she has for everything Especially the counter top for cooking GREAT GREAT van set up
Thanks Mary!
very impressive, very courageous! Thanks for sharing... would have liked to see some of the "art"❤
That’s a nice setup!
I love this layout! One of the best I’ve seen for a shorter van. Dinette seats are a must for me too, and the counter top design is genius.
Thanks Stacie!
Bravo Nathalie! Vous avez allié espace, beauté, utilité et confort! L’œuvre d’une artiste quoi! Je vous souhaite plein de belles aventures dans votre magnifique van 👍☀️😎
For a van that small, I'm amazed at how well thought it was.
I wouldn't have ever imagined that much stuff (especially the art storage drawers) she fit in there in a organized way.
My favorite for tiny vans so far and I've see tons of them.
Very nice! ☆☆☆☆☆
Thank you Chereese!
The L shaped counter was really nice as far as getting the most of a small space, I have never seen the toilet cabinet come up and fasten to the wall, but it's brilliant. She really has used her space to the max, I think.
The toilet cover was the work of Mr Blais my very crafty and ingenious wood worker! Thanks Phendra!
I love the kitchen behind the driver seat instead of the ubiquitous kitchen at the side door. She got a lot of counter space in this design. Great design job. 🔥
Thank you Mark!
She has a lot in there. I hope she is content. The lift cover for her toilet was unique. Safe travels.
Lovely lady, & I so love the counter going across the van with the removable piece.
Wow! Natalie’s van is one of the best van builds I have ever seen! I loved it all, especially toilet dining/kitchen area!
Thanks Sue!
My favorite feature of her van is the way she put her sink and cabinet across the back of her van seats. This is most unusual. I really like it. I also love listening to her talk. What a lovely accent.
I love this design. Nice bed, refrig. Toilet, counter space she has all the basics covered. Like Nathalie( sic) I watched tiny house videos before CRVL and the algorithm sent Bob to me. I have been watching Bob for
6 years. My favorite part is Nathale- what a charming lady.
Congratulations on your wonderful van build. Hello from ON. Canada. I am ready to on on the road in 2023. Just need a vehicle…step 1❤
Vert nice home, Natalie! Thank yu for sharing with us!
The removable counter across the front of the van is a great idea! I’m going to keep that in mind for the future!👍
Thanks Steeve!
the carpenter that did her cabinets did a primo job! wow and loved the L-shape of counterspace - they were thought out for sure. The table is in a perfect spot and moves easily out of the way - perfect. I loved the portable bag she uses to wash her hair, where did she find that? Loved the stove - where did she buy that? perfectly organized with all the different baskets! No clutter! looks like it's easy to clean. congrats on her taking the plunge...do it while you can. I'm also obsessed watching the van builds. Tiny homes are nice too if you have land - otherwise it's hard to find a spot to place it
I'd like to know where she got the light? I bought one from Home Depot and it was way too short to be of any value; took it back.
The removable counter is genius. also the fold up toilet cover.You did well with the limited amount of space. I applaud you!
So many innovative designs! Terrific use of small space! The extension of the counter, without losing the walkway to the cab is genuinely unique! Thank you both! I like each of your hats at the end!!
Thanks Buck!
Love ut!it!! The seat designed for the ikea seat cushion that hides the toilet, the extra counter that goes across the opening that can easily be moved to access the driver's seat, and the decor has nice colors, so many thing! Definitely going to save this tour!!
My wife and I full time in a 21 foot Promaster (the biggest) and to see a 17 foot Promaster crafted so carefully is impressive. Great work.
What an intelligent build. I especially like that swinging table and the way the toilet was covered. All that countertop space was also great as well. Thanks for showing us this van build.
Thanks!
This is my favorite Natalie van tour and interview! I’ve admired her build for some time now. Her build is one of my top three builds. She really made it feel like a home.
Thank you Happy cat!
Very organized and ergonomically ready ! Water storage, functional sink ,refrigerator, toilet, plenty of storage , solar energy!Great job!
Well planned out!
Wow, you did an amazing job!
That’s a beautiful van 👍🏻👍🏻❤️
Thanks!
Thanks so much for your; very nice build love the cabinet space. 👍🏽
Thank you to her and you for showing this Van. I loved the layout, the kitchen counter, how she lifted up the wood for the toilet, the lagoon table, etc. She did an excellent job. Thanks again.
Thanks Roset !
I love the flip up counter to extend the counter top area, and still allow access to the front. Very good use of space! I also love that she still has a way to incorporate some artistic outlet in her build, even if not a full studio. One day when I live the nomad life, I plan to have my casita travel trailer, and a van to pull it. The van will be my art studio, and maybe traveling garden. 🤞🤞🤞
Very cool Chick Mama!
Just watched this. I watch tons of these videos and honestly, this is one of the most impressive builds I’ve seen. It’s like a yacht for the land. The extra counter space is amazing. Hope you have a wonderful time traveling in the US.
Loved how she said she watched so many van build conversions.... I felt like she was talking for me. 😂😆🤣
She definitely had a BEAUTIFUL van conversion!!!!
Thanks Tina! Watching a lot of van tour helps a lot!!!
Beautiful van. I love the countertop entry to the front. Also the way the wood cover for the toilette folds right up. So well thought out and well designed and built.
Thanks Megg!
Great design Natalie, Love it, especially the kitchen layout, well done! Happy travels to you.
Thank you Candace!
Great vid. Thank you. Very beautiful van. Nice way of interviewing & asking questions while allowing your guest to answer comfortably 🌸
Liked the tour (her rig is super nice) but loved the fact she realized she had to live now! Just get on with it.
Thank you all so much for this video.
Thank you Sylvia!
Love this van build,. My fellow Canadian has a great personality ❤️
Incredible, compact build. I like almost everything about the layout. Very inspiring.
Thanks!
I want my van like this when I decide to do something. I absolutely love all these videos but this is me, thanks for sharing.
Thanks!
Thanks, Natalie, for showing your home in a van, and being bold taking steps to live a nomad life you dream of. Great built.
Thanks Stevie!
Great interview, beautiful woman, beautiful home. Thank you.
Like many others, I also love the kitchen L with pass thru to the cab. Lots of space for food prep and Whatevers. The dining / work area looks good for socializing hospitality times. I could go on! Love the build, including the loo. Might be tempted to pull a hat trick convertible table top though. Saving this video! Thanks to both of you. Happy trails, stay safe 🙏🏼🐾🎶
Thanks LonestarLaurel!
My favorite part of her build... how she extended her kitchen counter-top; great idea!
Thanks Lone some colt!
wonderful and practical . . . makes me want to hit the road!!!
Very cosy and love the layout.
Great workable space! O darling your smile is enthusiastic. Still looking around for a home on wheels.
Natilie has got a really nice build and is so pleasant to hear. I hope one day she will be able to fit in a small studio cause she so misses it. I understand because I love to write so I always have my tablets of lined paper, pens, pencils and an eraser for my passion. Thanks Brian for bringing us this video.
Thank Janet!
Very nice!😎
Lovely home. What a good job. What I see most to enjoy is the overall pleasantness - making the most of the space while also being neat.
This van was very well done. Thank you for showing.
Fabulous for a short van! I love the way you did the kitchen counter, toilet/chair, swing table, sink, and art supply box - it all matches.
Thanks Kalla!
Love the way that toilet seat folded up! And the cabinets are great.
Good job Natalie! Good use of space...my goal is smaller van for parking in cities when visiting family. Lot's of good ideas here!
one of the best builds I've seen for a small van! 🤩
Thanks!
Super nice layout. Love it!
Thanks!
Really like the toilet set up as well as the counter top...great build...
The word you're looking for is MESMERIZED. I know because that process of going from tiny houses to trailers to campervan videos happened to be. I became mesmerized and obsessed!!!
To me, not "to be". Sorry.
I really liked how Natalie had the extra counter space across the back of the cab plus the drawers behind the passenger seat & drawers across from them. Also, I liked how the seat over her toilette folded up. Excellent in limited space!
I really loved the L shaped kitchen. I wish I could do that with my Van but I don't have the same type of van. I have a conversion van with two side doors that open out. So the first door that opens is the one on the right which would be in the way of the long part of the kitchen. I love her design and you are right Brian where you sometimes have to redo your setup a few times to get it right. But for me that's part of the fun in my van. Thank you to both of you. Blessing, Teri Hope on the Trail
What a wonderful home! I'd love a link to the screen in the back doors, thanks!
Great build! Loved the use of space in such a small footprint. The dinette, the counter top (including the lift up counter), great storage and the overall vibe inside was quite comfortable and homey. If the owner wants an art studio, maybe a smal trailer towed behind. I know that complicates the mobility and parking issues. But her art seems very important to her. Van life is ALWAYS about compromise. In her case, the loss of mobility and ease of parking might well be worth having her passion being towed out back.
Perhaps in the future but for now I will experiment with intelligent storage Thanks Micky!
Some really creative ideas packed into her van. Interesting that she was able to get help from several different people to do various aspects of the build. I liked the idea of having just 1 or 2 power points..... much simpler to make adjustments to the layout for people getting started that anticipate tweaking the setup. It would be good to do a follow-up interview with her artwork and help market what she creates..... assuming she sells her creations. Not sure if HOWA helps people create small websites to sell products without giving away a chunk to eBay or Etsy, etc, but it would be nice to do something simple if you have people with those skills. I don’t have the abilities to set up websites but perhaps there are people who do have the skills and would like to help artists get set up to sell online ..... ???
Thank you Douglas the business aspect isn’t always the forte of artistic people...
I’m an artist so I love the workspace, the lamp, and that chest of storage drawers. Super! I like this lady and how she got things done. ❤️
She has done a fantastic job of this build! It’s such a nice set up. She could pull a small cargo trailer easily and have a studio for sewing, painting and lots of crafting. I’m sure she could outfit a small cargo really well. Her van is impressive. I love the counter space and that composting toilet space. Nice job. 🌷
Thank you Shannon!
Wow Nathalie tu roules! C'est trippant de voir ta belle belle van sur le Tube
I loved the whole Van
Super job 👍 🥰
I liked the thoughtfulness of this build. Bien fait, Nathalie! Je vous souhaite des bons voyages et des bons séjours 😊
Merci Sammi!
Very nicely done! You have done wonders in such a small space & made your van into a comfortable home.
Thank you!
That removable bridge to the driver's cab is ingenious.
This Is The Best Design I've Seen And I've Seen Many. The Best Part Is The Way She Has The Space Up Front. Would Have Liked To Have Seen The Door With Window Closed. Great
Heard myself say, 'Wowww' aloud in seeing the counter and pullout IKEA storage, the frig, THE TOILET set up. Dang!
I think her build is a beautiful well thought out design. I especially love her kitchen set up with the counter and the air vent above to let out steam from her cooking! Her toilet area is a smart set up as well 👍🏻
So glad to see you are doing well. Your van really reflects your style. Happy travels to you and Lilly.
I think her build is brilliant. One of the best I’ve ever seen!
You did an amazing job. So organized. And you managed to bring a lot. I think you should bring your sewing machine. Yes your table is small, but once you tuck the sewing machine away, you have all your room back. You could spread your material out on that counter that is in front of the front Van seats.
I love the different blue colours. I like the fridge!
It is nice to see Canadians on this channel. I live in eastern ON.
Eileen
😊🍁🇨🇦🎶
I love the counter space, the cabinets…the whole thing!
Oh my goodness. This woman is like me. Where ever ago, thus goes my painting and sewing supplies. 😮
I thought she could have a small trailer with a Springbar tent or a Clam Pop-up as a studio for her art work. Give her a feel of her own studio and then she could pack it up quickly and move on.
Natalie I love to hear you talk, I could listen to you talk for ever lol.. Your van is sweet, 🚐 bug screens are so nice..well done👍
Thank You Everybody for All that you are doing for our Planet Earth.. Peace Shalom Salam Namaste 🙏🏻😊🌈✌🌷☮❤🕊
I really love the style of your decor!
Ohhhhhhh, yay! First off, fabulous build. You fit so many different living spaces in the shortest van. Amazing. Second, I keep telling people that I want a removable or hinged counter piece so that I can comfortably get to the front whenever I want but especially in an emergency. I’m 52. I’ve no interest in twisting myself into a pretzel to get through a tiny high up opening into the cab. I love how you did it! Great Canadian minds think alike, eh? ❤
Unbelievable!! She thought of EVERYTHING!! Fabulous.
I fell in love with this set up . God bless her
I use that travel Berkey water filter. I mounted it in a small shelf and added a hose where the filter end comes out of the bottom. I just pour in and filter what I need. Slow - but works great.
The you mean the thing in the bottle? 😊
Thanks!
This is such a PRACTICAL BUILD I LOVE THE COUNTER ACROSS THE FRONT OF THE VAN WHAT AN AMAZING IDEA 👍🏼👍🏼 BET YOUR GOING TO START A THING WITH THAT 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼
I LOVW THIS BUILD THE FACT ITS SO DIFFERENT THEN ALL THE OTHERS !! IT LOOKS COMFY, HOMEY, SAFE, WARM AMAZING I M ABSOLUTELY IN LOVE WITH THIS BUILD !! YOU NAILED IT 👍🏼👍🏼
My favorite part of her build is the counter but just all her storage too. I just loved the whole build.
what a super design. It is really well thought out and different than the majority of builds. Very nicely done. Good quality and great imagination. Your carpenter did an amazing job. His pride in craftsmanship shows.