Colorful Camper Couture

A chair stylist/author who embraces the bright side of life fills a reproduction camper with color and whimsy, putting the glamper in camper.

- AUTUMN KRAUSE

When the world slowed to a stop during the 2020 pandemic and Wendy Conklin of Round Rock, Texas, found herself with canceled traveled plans she decided to get a little creative. And getting creative is as natural as breathing for Wendy, who is the founder of Chair Whimsy and is an author and chair stylist known for her effervescently bright and happy aesthetic.

Camper Life

A camper is a big investment, so Wendy is here to share a few insider tips to help you if you are considering taking the plunge into camper life.

• PUMP THE BRAKES. If you've never had a camper before, don't spend a lot of money on one before knowing if you will like it or not. "Before purchasing a big one, think about the stress of hauling a long camper," Wendy says. "Taking sharp curves around a mountain is not for the faint of heart if your camper is really long!"

• MODERN OVER MOD. Vintage campers have stylish appeal but, if you aren't a renovator, consider investing in a reproduction-style camper. "I would have loved an old camper, but we needed a functioning bathroom, and we are not equipped to service an old engine or fix mechanical issues," Wendy says. If you get a reproduction camper, all you need to worry about is decorating it and hitting the road.