Carlene and Michael Duffy – The Interiors Addict

Michael & Carlene’s latest vintage caravan: Bumblebee

Bona fide vintage caravan renovation experts (and Block alumni) Carlene and Michael Duffy, of Cedar & Suede, are back with yet another amazing makeover – the aptly monikered ‘Bumblebee.’ Its combination of light timbers and dreamy yellow hues could win the hearts of even the most caravan averse.

“I love the combination of yellow with light timbers and rattan. I always aim for our vans to feel like a beach holiday with pastel colour palettes and a fresh airy feel inside,” says Carlene who acquired the van last year when it was in less than fabulous condition.

“We facilitated and judged a vintage caravan renovation challenge for The Block last year and this was one of the vans that the contestants were challenged with renovating in eight hours. There was extensive water damage so we ended up replacing the entire front frame of the van,” says Carlene.

“This is our fourth vintage van renovation and the style is in keeping with our previous renovations – they always have a vintage flavour combined with the functionality of modern living. I decided I wanted this one to be yellow and the name Bumblebee is a nod to both a bee and the Bumblebee Transformer, because we transformed it,” says Carlene of the van that boasts a new professional automotive exterior paint job too.

Kitchen tap — A brass tap adds some unexpected luxury to the kitchen

But fresh aesthetics aside, the 12 foot long caravan features all the mod cons to make road tripping a breeze including an on board water system, 12 volt lighting system, 12 volt deep cycle battery, a fridge and gas stove. The dining table converts to a bed (complete with new custom mattress and gorgeous bedding), there’s under seat and under bed storage and a great sized wardrobe too.

The bed features a new custom mattress and gorgeous bed linen — The bed features a new custom mattress and lovely bed linen

And as for her favourite part of the overhaul, it’s the gorgeous rattan cabinet fronts. “I guess it’s not a detail that you’d expect in a vintage caravan.”

Another Cedar & Suede vintage caravan reno

The Block’s Carlene and Michael’s beautifully styled apartment

Since Carlene and Michael Duffy’s departure from The Block and Reno Rumble, the couple have been busy with their latest venture, Cedar & Suede. Providing both face-to-face and e-design services, they pride themselves on creating interiors that not only look good, but actually work!

Their most recent project was the furnishing of a display apartment for Boheme, a multi-story residential development by Robina Group. With a brief that was classy, contemporary and cool, with a monochrome colour palette; the couple were determined to step away from the generic display home look.

“The design process was a bit tricky because I had to start ordering furniture before the apartment was even finished,” explains Carlene. “Because we were keeping to a muted colour palette I wanted to introduce plenty of texture to keep the space interesting. For example we used a beautiful soft, tan leather sofa; a pure wool rug; tufted, velvet bedheads; and pops of metallic to add some necessary sass and sophistication!” Other smart decisions included using slimline and low-lying furniture to open up the space and striking artworks and contemporary lamps to add character.

When it comes to creating this look in your own home, Carlene’s tips are simple: “Look for tactile, high-quality items that show longevity as a trend. Although it is okay to mix metals, I committed to brass in Boheme for my pop of metallic.”

With the couple focused on expanding their business in the coming months, they are also keen to put all their reality TV renovating experience to good use. “We are concentrating on growing Cedar & Suede and are in discussions for some brand collaborations. Also at some point in the very near future we plan to renovate our own home, which has been put on hold for too long. I’m looking forward to living in a finished home, whenever that may be!”

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