Kitchen Nook Art & Chalkboard Wall - Ready For Use

When I saw this latest painting by Max I was excited, knowing it was just right for the kitchen nook wall. I asked him if I could hang it here. Can you believe he looked at me and said, "No, it's for sale."

Oh. Can I buy it?

After giving it some serious thought he replied, "Hum...okay. It's $5.99."

Wow, really? And off I went to get my wallet. I was actually relieved I could afford it because it had to be hung on this wall!




I have a plan to add simple frames around these canvases, though with the holidays here I probably won't get around to that DIY project until the first of the year. There are probably a dozen canvases in our home that will look even better once a thin slice of trim is added around the edges. Of course I'll be sure to post a tutorial.


The stripe running up the wall really works here, visually anchoring the corner and relating to the bands of brown accenting the drape edges. The brown chalkboard paint color, Strong Addiction from Hudson Paint, coordinates beautifully with the roman shade and drapery fabrics.

This may be my last project for awhile, with Thanksgiving next week, though the fabric for the master bedroom duvet just arrived! Shoot. Perhaps the following week I'll get to it. With the completion of the duvet and a couple additional pillows that project will be done, I really can hardly wait.

Also, look for my latest Houzz Ideabook tomorrow, which interestingly features kitchen nooks. You may spot a nook I got a bit of inspiration from!

Kitchen Nook Art & Chalkboard Wall

I still love the result of the chalkboard art wall in my husband's home office! It's an interesting mix of these two approaches to dressing up a wall. And while I have been thinking of hanging art on the wall behind the kitchen nook table, it wasn't until I got the idea to paint a chalkboard stripe to frame the art did I get inspired to move the project forward.


I began by ordering a can of Strong Addiction from Hudson Paint. What a great name, referring to the color of a strong cup of coffee! And how fitting, as the one piece of artwork I knew I wanted to hang here was the I Love You Blogs and Coffee print by Jen Ramos.

After testing a spot of color on the wall, which looked so strong I had second thoughts, I taped out the stripe. I have to tell you, my husband had his doubts as well, but I reminded him (and myself!) that the chalk rubbed over the surface would soften the color significantly.


Next the wall was painted. I had thought about just painting a rectangle underneath the window, rather than running the paint all the way up from the baseboard to the window casing and up to the ceiling. However, I thought the tall sweep of color would feel less "chopped up" and help unify the window and future artwork.


Ah...much better, it is already less harsh.



A bit of rubbing followed by wiping and then deciding what art to hang. It's still a work in progress...I'll show you where it lands tomorrow.

Somebody Stop Me...

...Before I end up covering my entire house with chalkboard paint. What is it about this stuff?


Is it because it is just such a fun project?


Or is it because of the moment when it looks like there are a zillion stars staring back at you from the walls?






Or is it because of the wonderful texture left behind after wiping off the chalk?




Or is it because it encourages you to WRITE on the walls...without getting into trouble?



Whatever the reason, I love chalkboard paint.

Loving The Chalkboard Wall

With help, the chalk was rubbed onto the chalkboard wall
this past weekend...


and yesterday I started wiping it off.




I can hardly stand how happy I am with this chalkboard wall.


I love that it is not perfect...is that me talking?!
A little bit of perfect holds quite the appeal to me.

The chalk has taken differently to various areas on the wall. I did read in the directions not to overwork the chalkboard paint when applying. It did not go on easily, leaving roller marks here and there. I listened to the directions and stopped trying to get it just right. So, perhaps I could have gotten the paint rolled on better, but I certainly like that I didn't.


The color of the chalkboard wall brings out similar undertones in the Turkestan drapery panels...that works for me!




As for hanging the art, photos and empty frames on the wall, I just want to rush in and finish this project so I can show it to you. (Recognize the photos by Mrs. Limestone? They will be hanging here as well.) However, first I need to find frames, I want to hang a few empty frames adjacent to the images. Then most likely they'll need to be painted and I'll have to figure out the layout. So, it may be awhile until I start hammering nails in the wall...


In the meantime I'll be cleaning up the hardware on this storage piece. I keep wanting to know what to call this cabinet. I remember it from my Grandfather's woodshop when I was a kid, but I think it must have been intended for a kitchen. The doors on each side pull out an at angle with the original large metal scoop still in one of them! Does anyone know what a cabinet like this is named?

Chalkboard Wall Progress

This past Friday I started painting the Home Office Redesign feature wall with chalkboard paint. I have to say I am very excited about this wall and my plans for it!

First, I edged the area with tinted primer...


and then painted the entire wall with the primer.


The next day I edged the wall with the chalkboard paint...

followed by painting the remaining surface. The color is reading a very dark blue/black. Once the surface is covered with chalk the color will become more muted and work great in the room. Plus, a portion of the wall will be covered with art and frames. Thanks, by the way, for all the tips on where to find frames at a steal. I've begun searching for a few based on your suggestions.


Yesterday I got to the cover the entire wall with chalk part of the project, which was actually a lot of fun. The surface was covered using the edge of chalk sticks. This took a lot of sticks.


Before using the chalkboard wall this step is necessary. If the surface is written on before it is rubbed with chalk, I'm told you'll have a hard time erasing the writing off completely.



Finally the area is all covered. I actually loved how it looked at this stage. Can I just leave it?!

Then, with my favorite help, the chalk was rubbed into the wall.






Come back tomorrow to see the completion of this step and what comes next.