Designing With: Grids

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Over the years there have been a few design “tricks” I’ve repeated in nearly every home we’ve had. Simple grids are one of them and they can be used in nearly every room of your living space. The perk of the “grid” is its ability to make nearly any collection of items look tidy, organized, and and intentional. One way in particular to create a simple grid is with clipboards.

I think my love for clipboards comes from my Sister in Law. In the middle of planning our wedding she reminded me how efficient and official(ha!) they make you feel and my house has never been without them since. In our studio space I use them to organize assignments, budgets, photos, inspirational pieces and more.

Clipboard Grids

Yes, I love Pinterest but it will just never replace a need for an old school “pinboard” in my space. The only bummer about pinboards is they can look messy or cluttered. Making a grid with clipboards and using the surface to contain some of the pieces adds a bit of structure. I also change what is visually inspiring me frequently and using these clipboards makes it super easy to swap items out on the reg. Another perk: using clipboards keeps me from having to poke holes in my photos! #winning

Clipboard Grids

I’ve bought clipboads in bulk from the beginning. You can get them in three or six packs and I’m sure the trusty internet will let you buy them in any other quantity your grid might require. I hang them with clear thumb tacks which is also great when you’re renting because they leave the tiniest holes. If you’re going to clip a crazy amount of goods or you’re hanging something heavy on one of your boards a picture hanger will be a better option. I use this same gallery hanging technique to get these up quickly and spaced perfectly. And hey! Notice what else is in grid form in that post?

Clipboard Grids

Our studio space in the loft is relatively small so a grid of 6 is just enough. Although, I’ve always wanted a space that allows for a full wall of clipboards. How cool would that be?! Maybe in our next space!

Obviously grids don’t always need to be made with clipboards. The loft currently has four different grids throughout the walls all made up of different things. Ive blogged about the ones in our entry and bedroom previously. Clearly its a go-to for me but it can be used in so many different variations I never feel like things are too repetitive.

Clipboard Grids

So, are you using grids in your home? Have another awesome use for clipboards? You know I’d love to hear all about it in the comments!

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Bike Storage Part 2

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Bikes. We obviously love them and not long ago I posted about our first bike storage solution. The bike pulley has been one of our favorite finds and it has served us well so far. That said, we were ready to find another way to store the second bike in our loft. We wanted to check out other options so our stairway/ceiling space didn’t get too cluttered. Which is when we found these bike hangers. They can be hung from the ceiling or a wall which meant they provided LOTS of options!

Bike Storage

When we first moved into the loft we didn’t think much about the opening in the down stairs room. I just assumed we would design around it and leave it as is. I should have known better! After trying a few different floor plans for both rooms(either side of this wall and opening) I was really wishing the thing was just solid. So we closed it off with curtains and set up the living room accordingly.

Bike Storage

The space stayed this way for quite some time and my bike lived on the other side. It was generally propped up against the wall and while it wasn’t in the way it still visually cluttered the space. One day while propping my bike up after a ride I realized the bike was about the same size as the opening itself. Lightbulb moment! I lifted the bike up and sure enough it totally fit in the opening. The wall here is thicker than normal so the width of the handlebars also wasn’t going to be an issue.

Bike Storage

After I bought two hangers we installed them using drywall anchors. We spent some time living with a “framed” bike I realized I wanted the option to close the space completely. Back to Amazon to order some basic curtain panels for the office side of this wall! After hanging a new rod and both panels the bike storage part 2 was complete!

Bike Storage

The panels look a bit translucent in the photo but its just the sun/lighting. They are completely opaque and when they are closed you cant tell there is anything behind them. Its insanely easy to hang my bike up and throw the curtains closed after a ride. And nobody would ever guess there is a bike or opening behind these panels!

I realize not everyone has an opening specifically like this but its not the point. The point is to look for unexpected spaces to use for storage! Im sure most people don’t evaluate hallways, banisters, windows, openings, soffits, etc for their storage potential. But if you look past the “assumed” function you may just find a little hidden storage potential.

So what spaces have you converted into storage? Have any other fabulous bike storage tips to share? I’d love to hear all about it in the comments!

Bike Storage
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