Thanks to True Value, we’ve added giving our 1980’s kitchen a much needed makeover to our DIY list, or at least up a few notches from where it was (near the bottom). SO exciting! Our dream kitchen knocks out walls/etc. so we haven’t done much in there since moving in three years ago but I’m ready to make a change. Because the dirty-looking-even-when-clean 20 yr old white linoleum floor (duct taped in places by previous owners) and blue laminate countertops are my biggest embarrassment. Our kitchen is functional but it’s butt ugly! We’re still saving for the dream kitchen but in the meantime, a tight budget mini makeover is just what it needs. Our first trip to True Value = “wow! Where do we start?” We came home with a few things to get us started and this
and our plans evolved from there.
Here’s the wall before (new kitchen paint color coming soon)! It’s the skinny wall between the two doorways.
Nothing useful going on there. (you get a peak into the dining room – another mini makeover in progress) There was a Pottery Barn phone hanging on this wall, however we don’t have a phone line to the house any longer and there isn’t one even there behind the phone. Probably the reason it never rang, huh? Purely decorative and now it resides in the basement junk pile awaiting an ebay debut or yard sale. Oh man. More work!
I filled the nail hole and lightly sanded the wall.
Then using a paintbrush and chalkboard paint, I cut in around all of the trim and used a foam roller on the larger middle section.
AH! Hide your eyes! You can see a peek of linoleum that I NEVER show! Dingy white and country blue flowers! Look Away! I line my paint tray with foil. Easy to cover between coats and keeps paint/roller/brush fresh! Paint clean up is one of my least favorite tasks so I keep it to a minimum!
I let it dry for about 5 hours then added another coat and let that dry. It felt a little rough to me so I lightly sanded again and put on a third coat. Then life got busy and crazy so I let the paint cure for a few days.
Love the sanding attachment for my Dremel Multi Max.
Sanding with the Dremel Multi Max makes the job easy and quick! It fits perfectly in my hand too. I love that it’s not awkward. More on that guy in another post.
With the side of a piece of chalk, I rubbed all over the chalkboard area then erased with a chalkboard eraser. I’ve skipped this step in the past and the writing was difficult to completely erase. This works!
Love how it turned out. Perfect place for writing down the day’s events, shopping list or even the menu du jour when Mr. DIY cooks.
It’s little projects like this that get my DIY mojo refueled, spark my creativity and motivate me to want to move forward with the kitchen, tiny budget and all. I love the little chalkboard wall but it looks out of place with it’s surroundings. Every time I walk in there, I feel my big 80s poof growing back! Plans to do something about that! Stay tuned! Oh – I conquered my fear of the miter saw monster so there’s no stopping me now!
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I was one of the bloggers selected by True Value to work on the DIY Squad. I have been compensated for my time commitment to the program as well as my writing about my experience. I have also been compensated for the materials needed for my DIY project. However, my opinions are entirely my own and I have not been paid to publish positive comments.
Oh my gosh.. that place was MADE for that chalkboard! Great call!
Can't wait to see what else you conjour up. 🙂 Go go go!!!
Donna
LOVE it!!! Great use of a small wall!!!
~Ashli
This looks great, Roeshel! What a perfect place to do this and it's already framed for you!
What a terrific idea for this space. I have always wanted a chalkboard wall or even a door in my house. Looking forward to seeing your next project.
You are not alone! I also have an 80's kitchen. I hate when I watch HGTV, and people check out a house to buy, and the kitchen is near perfect, and the new owners are like we have to gut the kitchen right away. They would die in my 80's kitchen. We are saving for a new kitchen.
Love it! When our house is built I plan to chalkboard paint my pantry door:)
Very cool, Roeshel. Hahaha on the 80s poof!
Jami
I'm so loving your blog!
elise
Very cute idea & perfect spot for it. I'm enjoying my little chalkboards too.
Congrats on the True Value gig, I know you are excited.
I just helped update a 1980's kitchen for a client & it turned out pretty remarkable. Amazing what some changes will do.
That space couldn't be more perfect for the chalkboard paint. Hope you are enjoying your new gig with True Value.
What a perfect place for that chalkboard. I can't decide where to put one in my kitchen!
Awesome job and thanks for sharing with us!
That's the perfect palace for a chalkboard wall. I love how it's framed in.
I can't wait to see the kitchen makeover. I have an ugly 1980s kitchen with blue countertops too. I'm still working on talking my husband into letting me redo it though. I'm hoping sometime this year. Finger's crossed.
It looks great and what a wonderful way to spruce up a small wall. I'm going to have to remember that.
Hey…I use the foil in the tray trick also. I thought I was the only one who thinks buying the liners is a hastle. Love the new wall that has a purpose now.
its absolutely fab!!!
What a FANTASTIC use of space! It really turned out GREAT! I have a can of magnet paint I've been itchin' to use… this just may have inspired a DIY project to use it on the office!
Thanks for sharing Roeshel!
😀 Lynda
Love that!! I'd bought some chalkboard paint awhile back, now just waiting to be inspired as to where to use it. If only I had room in my own kitchen!
Great idea, I love it! 🙂
Nice work! Also fun to see your paint chips auditioning above the door.
I have a floor like that. 🙂
I like your wall~that's the perfect spot for a chalkboard.
I love this space for your chalkboard. You have given me the courage to try this in my bedroom turned sewing room.