Writing on the Walls: Chalkboard Paint

This month's Domino magazine feature on the home of Jenna Lyons is just stunning. Most intriguing to me is the bedroom, which Jenna and her husband painted using chalkboard paint. The effect is deep and dramatic, a serene yet striking retreat. And it makes me wonder about the uses of chalkboard paint in decorating. It always looks so darn cool...

The rich, opaque finish of the black paint contrasts so nicely with the dusty, ephemeral chalk writing---such a unique textural layer.

Here the paint contributes to the cool feeling of metal and marble, but it also adds a playful dimension to this angled industrial space.

Different shades of paint create a calendar grid for a decorative element that is functional too. And I love how they've teamed up the chalkboard paint with that great clock and a high-style interpretation of a teacher's chair. Perhaps we can call this 'Schoolhouse Chic'?

Green paint looks earthy and organic on this refrigerator, tying in an otherwise ordinary appliance with the slate tiles on the floor. Though I have hard time identifying with a household that has champagne and goat cheese on their shopping list...mine would read something like 'Kool Aid and Velveeta'.

Rather than painting a whole wall, what about doing just a slim horizontal panel? It breaks up the space without overpowering it, and provides a nifty focal point that you can change on a whim.

I just adore this children's room. Not only does the bright green chalkboard paint inject an element of whimsy that both kids and adults can appreciate, but the application has such graphic appeal. LOVE those woodland silhouettes where green meets white!

But I'll be honest, guys. Knowing my brainy husband who loves to tinker, I'm skeptical about how chalkboard paint would go over in my house. I fear it would end up looking more 'Mad Scientist' than 'Martha Stewart'. So I pose the question. Is chalkboard paint a Do or a Don't? And while you're mulling it over, be sure to scroll down for today's tasty recipe!

Image Credits: 1. Domino 2. Erik Johnson 3. James Merrell 4. Marie Claire Maison via Erin Wilson
5. Noisette Family 6. Nibs Blog 7. Domino 8. New York Times

Comments

[sarajane]

I first saw the chalkboard fridge in the movie "Because I said so" (terrible, don't see). I have a 20 yr old GE side by side with black lexan panels. I removed the panels nad replaced them with steel panels painted green chalkboard. It looks great, makes my vintage fridge look of the moment, and its super practical. My kids write notes on it to me. First day of new panels my 16 yr old son wrote "I don't like this fridge" :)

[compact flash]

Hi Guy's,
We have a little one in our kitchen but this has inspired me to paint a bigger patch with it. I especially love it as art with the little birdie, gorgeous.

[OlsonGabrielle34]

I opine that to receive the personal loans from banks you ought to have a good motivation. But, one time I've got a sba loan, because I wanted to buy a building.

[Cheyenne]

So nice article! Thanks for share it!

[taobao spree]

i love you posts

[canister set]

Chalkboard paint, the way it has been used in the photographs surely highlight its flexibility and potential for function as well as art.

[Steve]

Great look on that refrigerator. Love it!
www.fridgefreezersite.com

[Toronto Home Renovations]

I adore the calendar look, as well as the application of green traditional chalkboard paint.I especially love it as art with the little birdie, gorgeous. The dustiness of it is beautiful.I'd love to put one in! Great post!

[Kitchen Doors]

Simply awesome and interesting blog. Chalkboard is always a great fun and I too enjoy it too much.

[Rosetta Stone Software]

so lovely! thank you for this beautiful post!

[mbt sale]

That was my thought,too.

[pandora bracelet]

This is very beauty article, I like it, thank you!To the word you may be one person, but to one person you may be the world.