A young family wanted to do something different in life. They wanted to live in a way that most people would never dream of – in an old school bus.
The couple, the Dove Londons, run a vlog and Instagram account called Ordinary Extraordinary. They document their lives with their young children and showcase how they make it all work in weekly videos and by posting photos regularly.
It took them around 2 years to complete the project but it was well worth all the hard work and patience. When they first started the project, the school bus was, well, very much a school bus. The entire vehicle needed to be completely gutted.
When they first purchased the bus, it certainly didn’t look like much from the outside.
Or from the inside, really. So, for a fresh start, they pulled out all of the seats and flooring of the ‘skoolie.’
With the help of some friends, tons of creativity, and lots of elbow grease, they were able to transform the school bus into a functional and beautiful home for their family of four.
“It was a steep learning curve and a few, so, and a few mistakes along the way,” they say in their video tour.
When you first enter the home on wheels, you’re greeted by a handmade shoe rack so gets can get comfy right away.
They keep their shoes hidden by using a drape to cover the front of the shoe rack. Then, of course, directly in front of the entrance is where the driver sits. All of the writing up front and for the controls is in Japanese, though.
The first area you walk into when you board the Dove Londons’ bus is their living room area. It’s surprisingly spacious and the windows along the entire wall really make the room feel open.
The young couple wanted to make sure they created seating space that didn’t take up too much of their floor space. They’ve also designed the seating areas to double as beds by using high-quality foam.
Blending in or adding storage wherever possible is crucial when it comes to living in tiny spaces.
At the foot of one of the sofas, they’ve created an end table that also doubles as a bookcase. Underneath the sofa cushions, there is also hidden storage for blanket and pillows.
When it comes to a place for dining, they considered a folding table but opted for an adjustable table instead. Most of the time, the family moves the table outside to eat al fresco most of the time.
Past the living room, you’ll find the family’s minimalistic and practical kitchen.
Another one of their friends helped the Dove Londons create lots of counter space with storage underneath. They’ve opted for a corner sink and hanging storage as well. On the opposite side of the bus, is their adorably-sized range and oven. Their food storage is hidden in cabinets that run alongside the stove.
With so many windows, the family installed DIY pull-down blinds made with blankets.
These super savvy curtains are great for keeping out sunlight on hot summer days and closing up for the night before bed.
Just past the chalkboard pocket door, you enter the back half of the Dove Londons’ home.
First, you reach the two bunk beds for their two young boys. Each of them has their own space and the parents made sure to install safety bars so they don’t roll out of bed.
The bathroom sits across from the bunk beds and features just the basics.
The Dove Londons have a composting toilet which is a popular choice this day in age with mobile homes. They also have a custom-fitted shower in bright turquoise.
The couple’s bedroom nook is located at the very rear of the bus.
Using reclaimed wood, the couple created a bed frame and shelving for their cozy little sleeping space. They added a shelf that serves as a desk for a computer sort of like their mini office.
For a full walk-through tour with the family, be sure to check out their video below.
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