Thank-you to my daughter Stephanie for the chalkboard paint recipe listed in the comments after this blog post and to Martha Stewart Living for this recipe:

Custom Colors How-To
Start with flat-finish latex paint in any shade. For small areas, such as a door panel, mix 1 cup at a time.

1. Pour 1 cup of paint into a container. Add 2 tablespoons of unsanded tile grout. Mix with a paint stirrer, carefully breaking up clumps.

2. Apply paint with a roller or a sponge paintbrush to a primed or painted surface. Work in small sections, going over the same spot several times to ensure full, even coverage. Let dry.

3. Smooth area with 150-grit sandpaper, and wipe off dust.

4. To condition: Rub the side of a piece of chalk over entire surface. Wipe away residue with a barely damp sponge.

Some of Martha’s projects with custom colors:

Here is a pretty interesting dining room I ran across.  It almost looks like it is in one of those old schoolhouses people buy and turn in to homes.

These kid spaces/projects are cute (in the third picture, it is hard to see, but it is also the toy chest sporting the chalkboard surface):

Two unique uses:  A mudroom locker (wish I had one of these!).  The quoteable laundry/linen closet – a door filled with inspiring words, right where you need them the most.

A bathroom that welcomes graffiti.  A green chalkboard wall where you can draw on the stuff you don’t actually own.  And a wall to keep track and keep your stuff.

Colorful, no?

Quick, somebody tell me why I keep loving this room!?!:

Yes, you guessed it-the orange chandelier…and table…and chairs.  I do have more orange paint.

The chalkboard paint yet awaits…Jeanie