get on the good foot

This was possibly the most satisfying Home Improvement project ever, guys. For three years now, I've been fantasizing about creating a shoe storage system that doesn't involve boots being shoved into the corner of a closet, and lone heels being found under the couch. After this summer's temporary apartment and its built-in wall of shelves, I was on a mission build it better than it was before: we have the technology. ("Technology", in this case, being a laser level and a cordless drill.)

First, the Before. This was just sad:

sigh

And then Ruth and Tim came over last night, heeding my plea for slave labor, and were polite enough not to verbally express their suspicion that I was crazy. Note: if you're installing the big fucking Ikea Lack shelves- the ones that are taller than I am- you do not want to do this solo. Trust me on this. Bribe a friend or two to help you out, or you will want to die.

Now, the glorious After. A place for everything, and everything in its place, and bonus: that place is relatively free of cat hair. Behold!

swoon

Is it more than a little Conspicuous Consumption to have shoe shelves as a main feature of my bedroom? Definitely. But I don't care.

(Ruth and Tim are facilitating my apartment decor, one big favor at a time. First the loan of Ruth's antique Singer to make pillows for my couch, and now their readiness with a drill and a hammer: I feel like I should just hire them both as project contractors. My friends are the best, especially when they prevent me from maiming myself with power tools.)