Going from bed to family room with TV and picture and finally to work desk, may be the ultimate task, that I set for myself, yet it may be the perfect solution for comfortable living in a small space, such as a converted cargo van.
In finding the best layout for the new cargo van conversion, I have been tinkering with a large, elevated bed in the rear with storage space below for bikes.
This allows me to put in a rear kitchen with adjoining toilet/shower room. Two lower cabinets next to the shower, extend to sliding side door. A fold-down table could be attached to the side of cabinet, where you can sit, work or just look out the sliding door window on colder days.
On the drivers side, between the fridge and the front seat, is enough room for a murphy bed. I plan for only a single bed, but it is simple to incorporate a double bunkbed, if necessary.
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To add to the versatility needed to get the most out of such a small space, I would add a small TV and a special picture frame to the bottom of the bed.
The TV and picture would be available during the day and out-of-sight when the bed was down. The TV is well located, close to the passenger swivel chair.
A few shallow cabinets below the bed can be used for storage of the blankets and pillows, while similar cabinets above the bed would complete the setup.
A low bench seat can be used in combination with the desk, the fold-up table at the sliding door or as a comfortable;e footrest in front of the passenger swivel seat.
This is just one concept sketch out of many that I plan to create before making the decision for final cargo van layout. Most, if not all furniture and decorations will be made in my woodworking shop. View more concept sketches here.