I have a two story living room that has been languishing in it’s builder grade off-white paint for many years now. Every other room in my home has been painted (and repainted) many times. But for some reason, the living room’s flat finish has escaped my paint brush. Because of the high ceilings, I would have to hire a crew to paint it properly. And since I’ve never been able to come up with a definitive answer on paint color, I’ve just been living with it as is. Recently, the thought entered my head that I needed to paint the fireplace wall with black chalkboard paint. Most of the other colors in my house tend to be more of the soft and soothing persuasion but for some reason it became clear that I needed to go with the bold contrast.
The next question was how high did I want to paint up (half way) and how did I want to finish the edge between the chalkboard paint and the off white paint. I didn’t want to just do a straight line across which tends to look choppy and essentially says, “This is as high as I can reach.” I didn’t want to mess with moulding either so I came up with the somewhat brilliant idea of making the edge scalloped. I believed that way the transition of the two colors would look somewhat intentional.
So here is the wall before. I had started removing all the items from the mantel before I remembered to snap a picture. (You can see some of the other elements in the room that are on the makeover list as well.)
I started painting as high as I could while only standing on a chair. (My secret to paint free floors? Vinyl tablecloths!) The paint I used was Rustoleum black Chalkboard paint. It came in quart sizes from Home Depot and I ended up using two for this project.
Next, I needed to start working on the edge. I taped two pieces of printer paper together and drew a scallopy shape freehand across both pages. I then cut out the shape and began the arduous task of measuring, taping and tracing the template to the wall while balancing precariously on the ladder. I had to repeatedly climb up and down and move the ladder a few inches across the floor at a time until I had a wobbly pencil line going the whole length of the wall.
And then I just started painting. And painting and painting. It took a long time to hand paint the scalloped edge (although I did take a much needed break to watch the season finale of Design Star.)
And here is the finished chalkboard wall with everything back in place. (The drapes are currently on probation and the pair of chairs are due for a face-lift.)
I have to wait three days for the paint to fully cure before I’m able to write on it but I’m actually really liking it as it is.
As a reminder, here is the plain before.
And the fancy after.
I admit that it’s dark and bold and won’t appeal to the masses, but that is exactly what I like about it.
So what about you? Any brash decorating projects on your horizon?
~Miss Charming
Joining the Best DIY of 2012 contest at Not Just a Housewife.
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What a wonderful transformation! Just awesome. : )
Mary Beth|Cupcakes and Crinoline recently posted..Have You Heard About the Pinterest Master List?
Thanks, Mary Beth! Love your blog name.
love it! looks amazing. love that you added the detail at the top.
Thanks, Tammy! It took some time but I’m glad I decided to go with the scallop rather than painting a straight line across.
This looks so sharp! Unique and different. Love the contrast!
Chrissie recently posted..Striped Dresser
Thanks, Chrissie! My kids (and their friends) like the contrast of the black and white, too and have asked me not to write on it just yet. (I do have big plans for the chalkboard wall in October though!)
Ooh, I love this!! It’s definitely bold and looks really great! The scallop edge is really cool, too. Can’t wait to see it after you can “write” on it.
I am thinking of doing something completely brash and out of my comfort zone. Think pink dining room walls.
The House at Bluebird Lane recently posted..Polish Pottery: My Slight Addiction
Thanks, Sharla! Pink dining room walls? (Awesome!)
Incredible idea and dramatic transformation. Great job, I am visiting from TT&J
Lori recently posted..Guest Bedroom Update
Thanks, Lori! I’m really enjoying it.
Awesome transformation. I would love to do this on a smaller scale. Yours really turned out nice.
I would love it if you would share this at the Smart Solutions linky party. You can link up here:
http://theprudentpantryblog.blogspot.com/2012/07/prudent-projects-and-smart-solutions_27.html
Have a great day!
Girl, you rock, that’s all I can say! This is amazing, it’s hard to know what to do in a large space and that is lovely. Lovin’ your ideas
Hugs, Tanya
http://twelveoeight.blogspot.com/
Tanya recently posted..Coconut Macaroons And Easy Painted Cookie Stand
Wow, so cute! I love the scalloped edge at the top! And the empty frames. Love it all!!!
amazing!
Would love to feature this in September for the Chalkboard challenge.
If you would like to be the guest judge that week, email me at dee@thecsiproject.com
http://www.thecsiproject.com
Come on over and look around!!!
AHHH-mazing! i’m impressed with your daring dive into black and white! such a great way to deal with those high ceilings!! love it!
This is AMAZING! I adore the fancy border, and the contrast of the frames against the dark wall.
Korrie@RedHenHome recently posted..Bread & Pastries…and Family!
love love love it awesome simply awesome i think your curtains really pop now
ARod recently posted..This weekends Thrifty Finds
Oh that is just fantastic! You took a typical room and made it so personalized and special. The scallop detail is just perfect. I found you on BNOTP and cannot wait to explore your blog more.
Angela
Angela recently posted..Thrifty Porch Sneak Peak
I think this is Fabulous! I love how you split the very tall wall!
Kristen Duke recently posted..Personal Goal
The scalloped edge was a great choice!
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