Blackboard Jungle Gym

A gallon or two of blackboard paint ramps up the creative potential for a kid’s playroom walls.

‘Oh wow,’ I thought, the moment I spotted this sophisticated childrens’ playroom that designer Barbara Westbrook created for an Atlanta showhouse. What delicious fun for little ones who can literally draw on every wall – with chalk, of course. While the drawings on these walls look more adult the bright colors show how the walls can be used and, of course, this eliminates any need to add art. Over the past few years of the current baby boom, blackboard or chalkboard surfaces have been garnered increasing attention, from an adorable draw-on-it table I fell for, to a blackboard in another clever child’s room. Enterprising moms certainly can do it themselves. It may take two coats but chalkboard paints are no longer limited to schoolroom black or green – they can now coordinate with any décor.

But back to the fabulous Westbrook playroom. A striped Ikea Stockholm Rand dhurrie rug (washable) accents the walls while the brightly colored chairs are similar to some I saw at Pottery Barn Kids. Confirmed DIYers could get the same look for way less by trolling thrift shops and resale stores for secondhand furniture to paint but that’s a given these days. Is the table a bit tall? Perhaps. But a low one could be a starting point. Stripes are a motif that always evokes fun and that’s picked up again in the chair pillows.

Perhaps it’s just me but chalkboard and magnetic paint call out to my inner child and make me want to pack my Frog tape and brushes and head out to our daughter’s house for a paint party. Meanwhile, I can dream.

(Source: Westbrook Interiors)

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