Saturday, September 24, 2011

Paint It Black, Part Two--My New Chalkboard Refrigerator


I know painting your refrigerator with chalkboard paint is not an original idea, and definitely a trendy one too.
But I thought it could be fun for a while. Fun until it starts getting on my nerves with all the chaotic drawings, quotes and grocery lists!

Yesterday, Bob the Painter installed the newly painted panels, which were original, to the 20 year old Sub-zero. I've had stainless steel panels on the doors for 5 years, and thought this would be a fun change for the kitchen.

I had fun writing a few quotes relating to food that I've been gathering.



My son's friend, Bob got into the spirit and drew some pictures for me.
We didn't know what we were aiming for, but it sure was fun being creative.

It is going to take some getting used to.
Like I said, I'm not sure about the messy feel....

Here's how we did it:
(Luckily I kept the original wood panels in the garage--they came in handy for paint matches.)
Bob the Painter set up an area on the side of the house for the project.

I wanted to only have the inside panels be chalkboard, so Bob taped off the moulding....

...and sprayed the panels with chalkboard spray paint, about 3 coats.

The stainless steel panels were easily removed...

...and voila!
I "seasoned" the chalkboard by rubbing the edge of a piece of chalk all over the black, then wiping it off several times. Now it was ready to draw on.

I think it's going to be fun changing the quotes and drawing new pictures.
Of course, the proverbial grocery list will be a staple!

I can't wait for my two granddaughters to come visit. They will love to draw on grandma's refrigerator! Zoe gets the left side and Reese gets the right side. I might have to move my quotes higher! Oh, and by the way, I would welcome any food or inspirational quotes, so send them my way please!

It's not exactly the glass front Sub-zero that I dream about.
But, I figure that it's only paint, and when it gets on my nerves, I'll paint it or put the stainless steel back on.

So, what do you think?


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29 comments:

Decorating Lady's Humble Abode said...

What a creative way to change out the look of your refrigerator it looks a lot better than how it was before. I think the trim and chalkboard paint flows better with your cupboards plus makes for a family friendly kitchen. Thanks for the pics Decor. Lady

Kathysue said...

Omgosh D!! I love love it, black and white is the perfect addition. I think it is a really good addition, it grounds that area really well and it actually looks as if it was always that way,that is a good sign that it is perfect. It does not look like you just plunked it in the room, it is totally integral to the whole look. Great job once again. If it is black and white I am so there!! xo Kathysue

Lisa @ Fern Creek Cottage said...

I LOVE it!! It looks so great! I think you were very brave to go for it. I don't think I would have had that kind of vision. It looks terrific and such fun to play with (for grown ups and kids). :)

Michelle said...

There's got to be something in my kitchen that my husband will agree to let me paint into a chalkboard. I love your fridge!

RobinfromCA said...

I love it! What great fun for the grandchildren too! Somewhere I have a bunch of food quotes I wrote down while sitting in a restaurant in London. They were painted all over the walls and so much fun. If I can find them I'll email them to you.

Robin

Julio Muao said...

I love it Delores! A fun yet useful and stylish idea. Great job.

Pinky at Designs by Pinky said...

OMGoodness, I LOVE IT!!!!!!!!!! I think it is perfect! I ahve been asking my hubby to make me a frame so I can makle a LONG chalkboard for one wall of our kitchen. I think it will take a while for you to get tired of it. I don't thnk I would. XO, Pinky

a quiet life said...

looks like loads of fun, and the timing is funny, i was painting blackboards today myself :)

Elizabeth@ Pine Cones and Acorns said...

I love it! Great update to the room! Plus, it is always nice to have a place for the grandkids to write that is not the walls.

Tricia Rose Rough Linen said...

I think change is the stuff of life, go for it! (though I'm still wrestling with the no cheese = one eye concept)

Shenita @ Embellishments by SLR said...

Love the chalkboards! I think this is a wonderful addition to your kitchen. Won't your granddaughter's just love it?!

Marty@A Stroll Thru Life said...

How fun is this. I would have never thought of that in a million years. So fun. Love your quotes also. Hugs, Marty

Unknown said...

Very creative...and I love your quotes!

Karena said...

I adore this idea for the frig!! It looks great! It will be so fun I would use a panel for lists! Oh and yes great quotes like yours!

xoxo
Karena
Art by Karena

Unknown said...

Love it! :)

Kim @ Savvy Southern Style said...

Such a cool idea. I wish I had panels over my fridge. Really wish the fridge would quit working so I can get a new one. Wonder if I unplug it hubby would find out.

Yvonne @ StoneGable said...

The new frig front is such a creative and upscale addition to your kitchen. It adds that lived in touch, in the best of ways!!!! Warm and inviting... and so artistic. I say keep it! I would love to do that treatment to our old frig!
Yvonne

The enchanted home said...

Absolutely love it! It looks amazing....and I think you are really going to enjoy it. Adds so much charm to the kithchen.

On Crooked Creek said...

Delores,
The change is refreshing! But more than just the change is the inclusion of your granddaughters participation on another level with Grandmother!...Memories in the making...simply divine!
Fondly,
Pat

Victoria said...

The refrigerator looks great, Delores. Practical, creative and charming...oh, that's just like you! I too was obsessed with the Pro48 when I was first planning my kitchen and it was $4000 less. That would have been a stretch, but now I just cannot justify it. I am going to get the 36" glass door SubZero and am not worried about the glass. I am the type who keeps thing in size place with the labels facing front.
Best...Victoria

Donna in Potomac said...

Love it! Two of my favorite food & wine quotes are:
"Food for thought is no substitute for the real thing." Walt Kelly

"Up to the age of forty eating is beneficial. After forty, drinking." The Talmud, 200BC

I can attest to the latter!

Rettabug said...

"Let them eat CAKE!" Marie Antoinette

I ♥♥♥ it, Delores! So creative & I know your g'girls are going to have a blast. It will be hard to erase their creations.
When we lived in FL, I once left a perfect little handprint from one of my g'kidlets on my sliding glass door for months! It helped me not to miss them so much. Now I live 4.5 miles away & I STILL miss them! LOL

La Dolfina said...

I love it... what's not to love about chalk boards?

Sarah said...

What a fun idea! I think it looks terrific and will offer a great topic for conversation and for interaction.

Lizabeth said...

That's really a great idea! I can see where it could come in quite handy! The grandkids will definitely love it.
I like that it's not permanent and you can change your mind if and when the time comes!

coastal femme said...

Delores,

I absolutely love the chalk board doors on your refrigerator! The black and white combination is gorgeous. About a week ago, I painted a small section a of wall in my kitchen with the chalkboard paint. I just love writing menus,quotes,to do lists etc.on it.

Lori E said...

Well I guess I am the only one who doesn't like it Delores. One nay vote.

AT HOME BLOG said...

I loooove your refrigerator chalk board doors!!!!!
xxx
Etta

Taylor Greenwalt said...

OMG, what a great idea. The kids must love it. Also handy for honey do lists! Creative and looks fantastic.

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