Do it yourself: Chalkboard Fireplace

Photo via @eatsleepwear on Instagram

This little gem showed up in my feed on Instagram last week and I immediately fell in love. For all of you city dwellers in apartment rentals that come with funny little mantels and no real fireplace, this is the most clever approach to keeping it the main focal point of your space instead of some awkward candelabra. You know what I mean, when you don't know what the heck to do with it so you just shove some pillar candles in the space to fake-out a fire. Romantic, sure, but this is so.much.better.

DIY and grab a quart of chalkboard paint at your nearest Home Depot. Rust-Oleum's specialty chalkboard paint in Flat Black is the best I've came across and it's only 9 bucks,  you can't beat it. Make sure to tape the sucker out... you don't want any of this paint to mark up your mantel because trust me, it will be a pain to get off later.

The best part about this DIY is that it's a quick one. Depending on the size of your inner hearth, it should take you no more then 30mins total. For $9, and 30minutes, I think this project makes a HUGE impact to your decor. Get yourself some attractive chalk at a dollar store or even a teacher supply shop and write something pretty! You can choose anything from motivational quotes, countdowns, holiday greetings, or hell, why don't you monogram it? Sick of the monogram, just wipe it off and pick something new. What a great way to customize your space! I would still have some assortment of candles on the base of the fireplace for ambience and all that, but please make sure the paint is dry. No open flames near wet paint! You should even follow the technique of @eatsleepwear and add some chotchkies that have some meaning for you. If there is one thing you learn from me, there is always room for chotchkies! But, cool ones.

If you're wondering on where to use the rest of your leftover chalkboard paint, and you fit the pre-req of being a brave soul, why not bring it into the dining room as an accent wall? This photo taken in a restaurant in Brooklyn showcases how awesome it could be to chalkboard big or small. 

Photo via @thelifestyled Instagram

The point is, there are no limits to the creative process, you just need to explore yours and see where it takes you.

Photo via pinterest

Edit: If you only have enough for a small space, how about trying it in your kitchen for your grocery lists like this person did?