Create a Family Command Center
Streamline your family's drop zone with these organization tips.
Photo: Christina Katos
Like most busy families, keeping schedules, paperwork, menus, grocery lists and everything on a daily to-do list can be a challenge. I found an underutilized space in my home (a kitchen cabinet turned clutter hot spot), which became this super-organized family command center.
The ideal setup for a command center is neat and not too busy. Since it's on full display in either a kitchen or hallway you don't want it to scream "office cubicle." It should be easy to keep in order with almost no space for pile ups. Adding your own personality and style are key ingredients to making a space like this work.
Photo: Christina Katos
First the upper and lower cabinets were removed. The cabinets were original to the house but were not being used as kitchen cabinets anymore. With the help of a crowbar they easily came off.
Once the cabinets were removed the floor was replaced using plywood and leftover floor tiles from the previous owner. The holes in the walls were patched, new baseboard trim was added, and then everything got a fresh coat of paint.
Photo: Christina Katos
Next, write down a list of what you need for your own command center. In my case, two monthly calendars (for planning ahead!) were a priority. Lightweight frames were used, finished off with wrapping paper and a monthly template. (The download for the template is available here.) The wrapping paper was the background with the template on top of it. The plastic front of the frame was used as a dry erase board. Each month, the month of the year, dates and daily items are easily wiped off.
A vertical file holder keeps the family organized. Each family member has a folder for weekly homework, announcements, doctors forms, or upcoming projects. When the paperwork is no longer an "active" item either file it or toss it! Some items stay in the folder the whole year, other only until completed, like homework.
Some items were then purchased and customized a bit to fit in with the look of the command center. A metal mailbox and shelf brackets were both spray painted black to match the other items and the overall rustic industrial style (see above).
A menu list, a to-do list, a small corkboard for invitations, and a display shelf complete the command center. An organized clean look was achieved by using similar finishes, keeping a simple color palette, and finally by tying mismatched items together using wrapping paper as a unifying background.
