Natalie and Dan Isaac may have had to live in a sleepout for a year while waiting on their house to be built, but the resulting home, a modern beauty painted in Resene Quarter White Pointer throughout, was well worth the sacrifice.

Imagine for a moment that you're an infallibly practical person. The idea of filling a wall with framed artwork... well, it would be such a waste, wouldn't it? Sure, there's value in surrounding yourself with pretty things. But useful things can be beautiful, too.

Chalkboard paint tips & tricks: There’s a method to applying chalkboard paint that will make your walls look their best. Make sure to heed these do’s and don’ts, from what surface to paint to how long you should wait between coats to which kind of chalk to use once it’s good to go.

Adding an stylish accent wall is one of the best budget decorating ideas that will make any room look like you hired a decorator.

How to tutorial: How to make a chalkboard at home using chalkboard paint. Easy to assemble frame and you have unique oversized chalkboard.