Rather than early morning rides to school, for Jeremy and Mira Thompson’s young daughter, the iconic yellow school bus will always evoke memories of home. After roving the United States in the bus as newlyweds, the Thompsons transformed their old wheels into a perfectly practical (and perfectly cute!) cedar-clad cabin, outfitted with a master bedroom, a living room, kitchen, and bathroom. As for the playroom for their young daughter, that’s what the leafy surroundings and nearby lake are for! Read more about the school bus cabin here.
Design & DIY
The iconic yellow school bus gets a second life as a cozy cabin
School bus cabin
To transform the school bus into a livable home, Mira and Jeremy gave both the exteriors and the interiors a major overhaul. Jeremy utilized his auto-body and carpentry experience to shield the bright yellow façade with cedar shingles. While the shingles wrap the sides and back, the front of the bus remains untouched and intact. A welcoming pastel blue door was installed, as well as multiple windows to brighten-up the narrow space.
School bus cabin
Inside, the quaint space contains a kitchen, living room, bathroom, bedroom, and a loft nook. The space is filled with warm tones and cozy materials: the ceiling is made from reclaimed wood sourced from an old home, the flooring is made of Douglas Fir, and the interior walls are clad in pastel-pink panels with crisp white trimwork. Although the entire home measures only 37-feet, each nook and cranny is utilized with innovative storage, shelving, and décor.
School bus cabin
The kitchen contains a sunny yellow fridge from 1959, a propane-fuelled stovetop, and a large double sink. Cookbooks and placemats are neatly tucked away in the custom-built cabinetry, keeping the counter space free for prepping family dinners. The bathroom is located between the kitchen and the driver’s seat. (The bus is still drivable!)
School bus cabin
The master bedroom is framed by white millwork that offers some privacy as well as 11-drawers for storing clothing. Above the bedroom is a loft nook, complete with more seating, twinkly lights, and a massive portal window, making the nook the perfect place for Jeremy to play guitar.
School bus cabin
One of the design challenges was finding a way to hide the bus’s huge wheel wells. To disguise one of the wells, the Thompsons used it support the cast iron stove that provides heat. Ornate silver tiles add a decorative touch and draw attention to the rustic stove.
School bus cabin
A custom-designed loveseat hides another wheel well. The open shelving unit is made of vintage boxes the couple found while scouring flea markets.
School bus cabin
Our favourite area of the home is the master bedroom. Although the queen bed occupies the entire space, bright bedding and bunting add the perfect amount of coziness. A built-in shelf works as a side table, while a window brings in natural light.
