(page 26) JANUARY 2015
AT HOME WITH CAITLIN AND BUCK LINDBERG
“This was a strange little book nook that we couldn’t figure out what to do with, so we put in a fish tank.” (Pictured opposite page bottom left.)
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CAITLIN AND BUCK LINDBERG Caitlin and Buck Lindberg took a leap of faith when they bought their west Rapid City home. The 1955 structure had previously sheltered a virtual menagerie, thanks to the animal-loving previous owner, with the scars to prove it. What they saw was mid-century modern house with few contemporary features, but unlimited potential. The home the couple shares today with their two young daughters is a testament to that vision. In front of the garage sits Buck’s matte black hot rod, bearing the logo of his business, Buck Nakeds Chop Shop. Specializing in custom upholstery and restoring cool old cars, it operates out of Vinyl Pro of the Black Hills, which Caitlin runs with several members of her family. Buck’s handiness doesn’t stop in the driveway. In the seven years since the Lindbergs moved in, he has given the house a near-complete overhaul. “Buck did all the tile,” Caitlin said, beginning our tour in the kitchen. “He’s my handyman. We redid the countertops, painted the cabinets… Buck added, “…And all of the thresholds and the floor. We wanted to leave the grooves in it so it looked like barn wood.”
Another distinct feature of the kitchen and upstairs living area is the exposed wooden ceiling beams, which are original. The architectural feature helps the home’s rooms appear cozy and cottage-like. The living room furniture is comfortable, yet deliberate in an unfussy way. While the pieces are not matchy-matchy, they share similarities in shape, structure and space-conscious proportions. Built-in cabinetry also helps maximize the living space. Nearly two dozen family photos are proudly displayed on the recessed shelving, including a shot of the couple’s 2008 wedding in the Virgin Islands. The space-conscious storage unit also features a glass-fronted display cabinet, which houses a treasured family heirloom — Caitlin’s great grandmother’s dishware. “We just got the china in September. I was so excited. It’s the only thing we have from her, so we’re not allowed to use it. I don’t even know how many pieces we have because we have some in storage as well. I don’t think she ever used it, either,” she said, indicating its pristine appearance. “I