How To Get Farmhouse Fixer's Whimsical Summer Camp Decor Aesthetic On A Budget

Does the scent of bug spray and strains of "Kumbaya" immediately transport you back to summer camp? Relive your childhood memories (without the mosquito bites) with a summer camp decor aesthetic. On one episode of "Farmhouse Fixer," Jonathan Knight reveals a charming cottage makeover that harkens back to the cabins, lodges, and lakeshores of camps past. With a handful of nostalgic accessories and motifs, you can make this vintage home design trend your own without spending a lot.

Striped or plaid fabrics, antique camping gear, summer sports equipment, and playful wall hangings all come together for a campy look that doesn't set you back much dough. Nab authentic finds or new knock-offs for pennies, tack up timeless memorabilia to the walls and prop utilitarian sundries artfully on shelves. Whether you embark on secondhand scavenger hunts or fill your virtual shopping baskets, it's easy to bring the feel of a sleepaway camp to your indoor realm.

Jon Knight, with the help of his family, tackled a tired cottage redo that ranged from fresh paint to a full bathroom overhaul. They replaced the home's unremarkable white exterior with a collection of sun-bleached paint colors. The team also brightened the main living space by swapping out the old flooring for bold checkered tiles. Removing the dropped ceiling opened up and illuminated the area even more. Layers of paint in the kitchen, new furniture pieces draped in cozy fabrics, and lots of campy accessories united the different parts of the house. They bid goodbye to the pink porcelain in the bathroom in favor of gleaming white fixtures, a tiled shower, and a soothing gray wall color that tied into the camps-of-old theme.

The Knights' finished product unified all aspects of the cottage into one cohesive concept. The faded yet bright color palette carried over from room to room, outdoors and in. On this brightened-up backdrop, they showcased some of the hallmarks of summer camp aesthetics, like retro Thermoses, a buoy, and a wall hung with oars. Touchable fabrics decorated every room, from Hudson Bay-inspired blankets to a calico patchwork shower curtain and a vintage sports jersey in the kids' corner. You can borrow tips from the HGTV team for a wallet-friendly upgrade to a room or more of your home. With some paint, inviting fabrics, and camp-inspired decor pieces, you can incorporate a camping theme into your home without lifting more than a paintbrush and hammer.

The summer camp flashback trend mixes rustic, vintage, and cabin vibes but sets itself apart by going a bit over the top with doses of nostalgia and humor. No summer camp scene is complete without touchable fabrics in rustic themes. Convert a bed or couch into a style centerpiece with a striped or plaid coverlet, throw, and plush cushions. Earn Brownie points by pairing the two patterns in complementary colors.

Decorating your walls can be the easiest and cheapest way to bring the look home. Maps, nature prints, and pennants are staples as wall art and rough wood appears in furniture and frames. Paint-by-number creations featuring wildlife or forested landscapes pop on walls while reminding us of sessions in the art lodge. Unexpected hangings like canoe paddles, badminton racquets, and first aid kits contribute to the ambiance. 

Keep your eyes peeled at garage sales and Goodwill for camp-style staples. While it's infinitely more thrilling to unearth vintage finds at flea markets and thrift stores, online sources will greatly cut down on your shopping time. Plus, if you search in the right places, you can snag them for Goodwill prices. Etsy has consistent supplies of authentic vintage decor. Don't overlook everyone's favorite online source for budget camp-style wares, either. Scan the supplies at Amazon, including a plaid blanket from Lavish Home for $22, faux-log pillows from HYSEAS for about $20, and DIY paint-by-number kits that won't break the bank.