A Wall for Julia: Diane’s 1964 Kitchen Project
DIY Kitchen Pegboard
Welcome to The Diane Blogs
A storytelling series from Vintage by the Bite, where we follow Diane - a 1960s homemaker with a turquoise kitchen, a typewriter on her table, and a knack for turning everyday moments into small adventures.
Each entry captures a slice of her life as it unfolds from recipes and home projects to the hum of mid-century living.
Step into her world the coffee’s hot, the radio’s humming, and the story’s just beginning.
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Monday, May 4, 1964 – Julia Child–Inspired Pegboard Wall
The Santa Ana winds finally packed their bags and left town this morning, thank goodness.
I swear my curtains were doing the cha-cha all weekend.
I brewed a pot of coffee, kicked off my slippers, and switched on my little black-and-white TV the one that only behaves if I give it a gentle tap on the side. And there she was: Julia Child.
She was on our local educational channel, wearing that crisp apron and talking about butter like it was a love language.
I leaned on the counter, whisk in hand, completely entranced. When she flipped that omelette clean out of the pan and laughed -laughed!
I decided right then I needed a little Julia magic in my own kitchen.
The next thing I knew, I was tracing circles on the wall by my stove, imagining where my pots could hang.
My landlord might not appreciate the hammering, but honestly, when inspiration strikes, who can say no? Besides, I’ll patch the holes later with toothpaste like a lady.
🌼 The Pegboard Project
I took the bus down to the hardware store on Citrus Avenue, in my pedal pushers and a scarf tied just so.
I asked the clerk for pegboard like Julia’s “the real deal,” I said, “none of that flimsy business.” He smiled and asked, “Who’s Julia?” which told me everything I needed to know about his taste in television.
By the afternoon, I was back home with a sheet of pegboard, a can of turquoise paint, and a dream.
I ended up taking everything down to Mr. Davis’s workshop in 3B he’s the apartment manager and swears he can fix anything with wood glue and “a good eye.” We set up on his workbench between a stack of paint cans and a half-built birdhouse while the radio played Bobby Vinton.
By dinnertime, the frame was dry, the paint gleamed like new linoleum, and Mr. Davis said he hadn’t seen a color that cheerful since 1959.
When I finally stepped back, I had my very own Julia Child wall pots, pans, measuring spoons, and a whisk that shines in the morning sun like it’s ready for showtime.
Peg Board Instructions:
DIY Julia Child–Inspired Pegboard Wall
A simple, stylish way to keep your favorite kitchen tools at arm’s reach - and give your space that vintage, organized charm.
🧰 What You’ll Need
1x2 common pine furring strips (enough to frame all four sides)
Mitre box and saw (for angled corner cuts)
French cleat with screws (for hanging)
Paint - Rust-Oleum Painter’s Touch 2X Ultra Cover, Satin in Vintage Teal
Drill and screws for mounting
⚠️ Note:
These materials and products are shared as suggestions based on what I used for my own project. Feel free to adjust for your tools, space, and budget. Always follow product labels and safety guidelines results may vary depending on materials and skill level.
🪚 Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cut & Frame the Pegboard
Use your mitre box and saw to cut the 1x2 pine strips at a 45-degree angle for clean, framed corners. Lay the strips flat around your pre-cut pegboard to check the fit before gluing.
2. Glue & Secure the Frame
Apply wood glue to the edges of the pegboard where the frame will sit.
Press the furring strips into place and secure them with painter’s tape or clamps while they dry. Let dry completely about an hour or two, depending on your glue.
3. Sand & Prep for Paint
Once the glue is dry, give the frame a light sanding to smooth any rough edges.
Wipe away dust so your paint will adhere evenly.
4. Paint in Vintage Teal
Apply your Rust-Oleum Vintage Teal paint in light, even coats.
Let dry completely between coats for a smooth satin finish.
This color brings that perfect mid-century pop cheerful, practical, and right out of a 1960s kitchen.
5. Attach the French Cleat
Flip the pegboard over and secure your French cleat to the back with screws.
Attach the other half of the cleat to the wall where you’d like to hang it. When you mount it, the pegboard will sit flush and sturdy.
6. Hang & Style
Hang your new pegboard and add hooks for measuring cups, pans, or utensils and mid-century kitchen decor. Arrange everything just the way Julia would functional, tidy, and full of personality.
✨ Diane’s Tip:
If you’re matching your kitchen colors, keep a few shades of teal, aqua, or seafoam handy they pair beautifully with white enamelware, chrome, and wood accents.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make this pegboard in a different size?
Absolutely! You can find pegboard sheets in several sizes at most hardware stores. Have them cut it down to fit your space smaller for a cozy kitchen nook or larger if you want that Julia Child wall of tools look.
2. Do I need to seal or prime the wood before painting?
If your kitchen gets a lot of steam or humidity, a quick coat of primer before painting helps the color last longer. For most indoor spots, though, two coats of Rust-Oleum Vintage Teal satin finish will do the trick beautifully.
3. How much weight can the pegboard hold?
When mounted securely with a French cleat, it’s strong enough to hold measuring cups, small pans, and utensils. For heavier items like cast iron, use heavy-duty hooks and make sure the cleat is anchored into a wall stud.
🍋 Reflections from the Blue Kitchen
Cooking used to feel like a chore, something you did because people expected dinner at six.
But Julia makes it an adventure a little messy, a little bold, always delicious.
Now I catch myself thinking about what I can whip up for the girls this weekend? maybe crepes, maybe brownies with a fancy French name.
As Julia says, “You can always try again.” That’s good advice for omelettes… and for life.
From Diane’s Kitchen Notes:
If you enjoyed this peek into my little California kitchen, don’t miss my other notes and projects in The Diane Blogs a storytelling series from Vintage by the Bite. There’s always another recipe, story, or neighbor dropping by.
