This Huge Paint Trend from the 2010s Is Making a Comeback — Are You On Board?
Remember chalkboard walls? It’s probably been a few years since you last bought a pot of chalkboard paint or pinned dozens of chalkboard walls as inspiration. The look became massively popular for modern farmhouse style homes, thanks to Joanna Gaines, but the trend hasn’t been as blazing hot recently — until now.
To prove this paint trend is making a comeback for 2021, I’ve rounded up eight fairly recently-designed spaces that creatively incorporate chalkboard paint and reflect a number of different aesthetics. If you’re looking for a little dimension on your walls and don’t want to go the way of limewash or plaster, a chalky finish just might be your best bet.
Simple reminders
Blogger Heather Bien’s apartment came with a built-in chalkboard wall in the kitchen, which she turned into a makeshift calendar. By writing down upcoming travel dates, Bien is able to stay organized and provide herself with something to look forward to every time she enters the space. If you’re not sure how to fill an entire chalkboard wall, you can always tape photos and invitations to it, as Bien did here.
Down to business
Installing a chalkboard wall in a workspace, as blogger Linda Braden did, makes it easy to get creative and jot down inspo as soon as big ideas arise. Bonus points if your space sports industrial style furnishings such as this one’s metal shelving and sawhorse desk combo. The chalkboard wall, kept blank here, has a raw quality that feels right at home among these more urban yet rustic design elements.
Command center
Designer Christina Kim incorporated two chalkboard walls into this pretty and practical work area. Chalkboards work wonderfully in shared spaces; it’s nice for everyone to have their own area to write down thoughts and get creative, and this kind of feature makes it easy to leave notes for roommates or family members.
Delightful door
Why limit yourself solely to a chalkboard wall when you can paint a chalkboard door? Blogger Jessica Bailey of Pretty Providence did just that in her mudroom, which couldn’t be a more perfect place for such a feature. Write down anything you have to remember as you’re heading out the door, preferably well before you’re leaving so you don’t forget.
If you’re not into black or green chalkboard paint, you can always try a slate blue, as shown here. This hue almost always works for traditional and transitional spaces like Bailey’s.
Vintage vibes
Get the vintage look with a green chalkboard wall like this one, which takes me right back to my elementary school days. Blogger Tiffany DeLangie designed a chic playroom for her children that’s ideal for both relaxing and learning. The matte finish manages to still look super sophisticated, even when surrounded by picture books, toys, and games.
Fun-ctional accent wall
A chalkboard wall, like this one by content creator Jessica Jelly, adds a whimsical touch to a shared kids’ bedroom. Little ones will enjoy writing messages to each other or drawing before school, and this kind of wall just might make tasks like studying for a spelling quiz more enjoyable. That said, I could totally see this working in a guest room. How fun would it be to have your guestbook right on your wall? Talk about a space saver!
WFH whimsy
We’ve already seen chalkboard paint worked into a built-in, but designer Mel Bean made it happen on the entire wall of built-ins in this family-friendly study. This application makes working from home feel a little more personal and laid-back, especially if you include doodles alongside your to-do list.
A new, tonal take on the wall mural
Wall murals have been so popular recently, and chalkboard paint provides yet another way to create one of these bespoke pieces, either in shades of black, white, and gray (as shown here) or in full color. Just look at how much design punch and dimension this chalk mountain landscape adds to this nursery.