Fun with Pegboards

Since we moved into our new house not a weekend’s gone by without a trip or two (. . . or three!) to a home improvement store. At first it seemed like each night we spent unpacking was just another chance to lengthen Ye Ole To-Do List but after completing this project we’ve really been enjoying the fruits of our labor. Our previous apartment was tiny and made of cinder blocks so bike storage was tricky. We kept tools on she shelves of a built-in unit, spare parts under the bed, and since we couldn’t drill into the walls, Nick built two bike racks to hold all our rides. They press against the ceiling and floor to hold in place and avoid any wall blemishes, like so: Since the ceiling here is vaulted (awesome!) we needed a new approach. A pegboard seemed like the best option for us: simple to keep organized, easy access, less furniture/shelves to buy. But of course we couldn’t stand the thought of hanging a white square with holes in it on the already white walls, so we did the cool thing and spray painted it! Cut your pegboard down to the size you need, tape off your design, and spray away! We bought a 8×12 pegboard and cut it down in 3 pieces to fit 3 different projects. After a couple coats of paint and a few beers, voila! Although most of the pegboard is covered in tools and bike gear, it’s nice to have some fun color involved. After we hung the board, we took the hooks off the old bike rack and simply drilled them into the wall. I don’t think I could be happier with how our little “dining nook” turned out. Having everything out and in one place is so convenient. And mounting the bikes upwards really takes advantage of all the wall space created by the super high ceilings. It also prevents scuffs on the walls from just leaning all our bikes in a pile. It also prevents the bike pile in the first place! It’s so wonderful to watch each space come together and see how it transforms a rental house into an actual home that’s perfect for us. If you can’t be out riding, where’s your favorite place to park your bike?

Mid-Century Manhattan

I am completely smitten with these photos of Don Draper’s apartment! If that name isn’t familiar to you then it might be because you don’t watch the show Mad Men. But no shame from me, I’m like the only person I know that doesn’t watch it, either. I just stumbled across these set photos and can’t stop thinking about them! The fact that I am moving soon coupled with my interior design background just makes me want to curl up in this apartment and call it home! The mint doors, circle rug, striped hanging light, sunken living room, perfect L couch, and funky spice rack are just a few of my favorite details. Do you have any favorite design elements from the 60′s?

Photo credits: AMC (via latimes)

Treasure Hunting

I started out looking for vintage cake stands on Craigslist and next thing I know. . . this desk is staring back at me! I can’t believe how unique and pristine it is. The ad says it’s a 1950′s optometrist desk, hence the neat cutout and swivel chair. I would swoop it up in a heartbeat if I had the room (and money) for it!