Answer: A healthy serving of black paint – but not just any black paint. Chalkboard paint. Just check out these three delectable rooms (as featured on Design*Sponge, Chapman Interiors, & Re-Nest) that use black in a way that’s fresh and fun – not at all dark or dismal.

These rooms, featured on Design*Sponge, Chapman Interiors, and Re-Nest, all use chalkboard paint for a fun and dramatic effect.

Of course, if the thought of smearing black paint on your walls gives you heart palpitations, then why not introduce some chalkboard into your life in smaller (cheaper!) doses?

Take note, pupils! These chalkboard decor accents are sure to put your home in a “class” of its own!

Perfectly Practical

Clockwise from top left: French Country Chalkboard, $79 from Wisteria; Chalk It Up Wall Bins, $89 from Viva Terra; Key Rack, $41 from Etsy Seller halfpintsalvage; Chalkboard Vase, $27 from Viva Terra; Slate Coasters, $19.95 from Crate & Barrel; Slate Boards, $9.95 – $24.95 from Crate & Barrel; Chalkboard Bench, $108.73 from The Textured Element.

Artsy Accents

Clockwise from top left: IMAX Paris Chalkboard Wall Clock with Magnetic Board, $119.50 from Walmart; Whale Chalkboard, $40 from Etsy Seller benfloeter; Vintage Style Victorian Vinyl Wall Chalkboard Decal, $21 from Etsy Seller SellItOutDesigns; Double Sign Sidewalk, $69 from Signworld on Amazon; Pig Chalkboard, $14 from Sur La Table.

Her “Lists For Life: The Essential Guide for Getting Organized and Tackling Tough To-Do’s” is a mouthful to say but offers helpful hints on everything from planning no-fuss holiday dinners to making the move to your new pad a lot less stressful.

Tahari sees lists and organization as simple ways to make life easier, but — more importantly — sees this structure system also as a form of “empowerment.”  When life is neat and organized, she believes, it’s easier to feel confident about choices, no matter how big or small — which means less time doing last-minute stressing out and more time idyllically eating pie  with Grandma.

Read the full story {ABC News}