Box in a Boiler and Pipes on a Budget

Here's how to easily box in a boiler and pipes on a budget and turn it into a blackboard with shopping list and meal planner.

Some projects I just have to be in the mood to do and this one my fiance asked for me try while he was at work.  I was dreading it but started to zone in nicely as I started to see it taking shape.

Although this is only temporary as we are knee deep in renovating other rooms, originally I wanted to paint it white as I'm well aware it's a small kitchen.  Small spaces and dark colours are incredibly tricky but when we talked about turning the cover in to a usable blackboard, I was all over it.

I never went out to buy any new materials and recycled and used what we had in the house.

Here's the video of how I did it and a selection of photos below.

I used Wilko's Blackboard paint which is cheap as chips at £5.95 for 500ml.  It's one of the bet paints I've ever worked with too;  apply liberally, no drips, dries so quickly, just needs two coats and is strong stuff when you need to wipe your chalk off.  Here's a little secret, it's definitely going in my June Favourites on my Tastefully Vikkie cooking channel!

I have a shopping list which has already proved useful.  When I run out of something I simply write it down then chuck the empty packet away. 

I also have a daily food planner which my fiance thought it would be funny to write takeaway on every day... I think not... someone has to take control in the house when it comes to saving money and eating healthily.

And what's better, it now matches the new herb planters on my kitchen windowsil.  Here's a pic of when I finished them and I still have half a can of paint left.  I've got my eyes set out for a beautiful picture frame now so I can remove the glass and have another blackboard; maybe for my bedroom?
I hope you find this useful if you're looking for free or recycling solutions to renovating your home.

More DIY Kitchen Fitting Projects You Might Like

• Fitting a kitchen DIY: How to install kitchen base cabinets
• Plumbing a kitchen using speedfit plastic plumbing
• Installing a built in electric oven
• How to upcycle an old picture frame into a blackboard for kitchen to-do lists
• Zebra print furniture upcycle using blackboard paint
• You can find my complete list of fitting a kitchen projects here