Once relegated to auto shops and factories, peg boards have become a stylish and versatile way to decorate any room in your apartment. Doubling as storage and décor, these simple accessories can dress up a wall behind a stove, function as a bulletin board, or optimize space inside a pantry.

Here’s everything you need to know to get started:

Materials: Visit your hardware, craft or big box store of choice and pick out your peg boards, which can be found in steel, plastic, wood and even magnetic varieties. You’ll also need hooks, wire, magnets or strong adhesive, depending on what you plan to attach to your boards. Paint and other decorative accents like borders or stickers are entirely up to you.

Hanging: The pre-drilled holes are the perfect places to insert nails and hammer your board to your wall of choice, with one nail in each corner for the best stability (as always, make sure you are careful when hanging any decorations. Your security deposit depends on it!). Adhesive is also an option if you won’t be hanging anything heavy, or if you’re attaching it to a closet or pantry door instead of a wall. Make sure to use a level, and consider using spacers between the board and the wall if you’ll be sticking larger items or hooks through the holes.

Decorating: Now comes the fun part: You should have already decided what you’ll put on your peg board (or at least a general theme). Before you put in any fasteners that can’t be removed, plot out your layout on a piece of paper. In the kitchen, use it to hang up pots and pans, measuring cups and cooking utensils. In a closet, it’s the perfect spot to hang belts, purses or jewelry.

Keeping it fresh: One of the best things about peg boards is that they can always be changed. Add new items as you acquire them, remove things you no longer like or use, or start over entirely and give your board a brand new look.

How do you use peg boards to decorate your pad? Leave your success stories and tips in the comments section below.