Meet Shelterblack’s Valerie Killeen & Tour Her DIY-Savvy O.C. Digs

[UPDATE: This story was originally published on November 30.]

When we had a hang sesh with Bleachblack's Kristin Reiter this summer, we were equally enchanted by her so-cool biz partner, Valerie Killeen. To satisfy our curiosity, we couldn't wait to pay Reiter's other half a visit and learn more. Word on the street is that the two are pretty much on the same wavelength when it comes to sick style, and now we can confirm: Killeen's totally killing it, too!

We spent the day roaming through the designer-slash-blogger's beachy O.C. abode and couldn't help but jot down a slew of DIY ideas (more to come soon—stay tuned!). The entire pad is filled with Killeen's crafty creations, including a customized surf board, dinosaur-shaped planters, and a sleek plexiglass headboard. Good thing she just launched a site packed with step-by-step tips — plus e-tail, for those of us who are less handy with a pair of pliers. Check out her crib, and don't be surprised if you suddenly add primer paint and a drill to your Christmas list — we already did!