Guest Picks: Creating a Family Command Center That Works for Your Needs
I've gathered a handful of ideas that I plan on incorporating into my own family hub, and a few others I'd love to use if space permits. My goal is to think of the various ways to organize "life" and choose the ones that best work for my home and family's needs, and we'll jump into the school year perfectly prepared. I hope you are inspired to do the same. — Sasha from Lemonade Makin' Mama
Hooks are really important for hanging backpacks, purses and even things like keys. I like to hang them low enough for my kiddos to use. These add a bit of style to organization, which I love.
I have been thinking about adding a square of magnetic paint to my hub wall. That way, everyone can easily tack up notes and mementos we need to keep track of. I love that you can get Martha Stewart magnetic paint in a variety of colors too.
I am always looking for small ways to remind my children to practice good character. These magnets pack a sweet message that they can read as they head out the door to begin their days. (Once a mom, always a mom.)
I want to install a couple of these inexpensive hanging bars from Ikea in the middle of my command center. I'm thinking about attaching some buckets for pencils, chalk and even Post-it notes. They'll make it easy to keep things in one tidy spot.
These containers easily attach to the Ikea hanging bar system. They have so many uses.
I really need something to hold all of the papers that need to be signed, permission slips, upcoming news, etc. I think these would be a great way for my kids to empty their folders each day and not completely take over the table.
Cute folders are a must. I'm considering one design for each child, and they will help me keep track of everything going in and out. I love the cute patterns in stock at this site.
This is a perfect solution for walls that can't have chalkboard paint directly applied to them, such as my textured walls.
I also love the look of a hanging chalkboard. This one has a chic linen frame, because who says a family command center has to be ugly?
I don't like standard cork boards much. Especially when you can find stylish and on-trend fabric-covered pin boards like this one. It will make staying organized a breeze.
You can't have a cute pin board without some equally adorable pushpins. If I can keep my kids from playing with these, they will make a nice addition to the family hub wall.
I've been planning on getting one clipboard for each family member, stenciling initials onto them and then hanging them in a row. They are a great place to clip items and are less than one dollar apiece.
Because my family hub wall is in a room that also houses a washer and dryer, I thought these boxes could be a good way to store old school papers and things. I can easily stack a few on the shelf above my appliances. Plus, they are attractive — a huge bonus.
I have this retro-style clock in yellow and just love it. A clock at the top of the wall helps everyone stay on time.
Before I begin putting things together on my wall, I'd really like to give it a fresh coat of paint. I've been loving the new fall line Pottery Barn and Sherwin Williams collaborated on. I'm thinking a gray or blue would be nice.
I fell head over heels with this print. I wasn't planning on adding any artwork, but I love the sentiment in this. Plus, the colors are fun and go nicely with the watercolor calendar. Framed and matted in white and hung against a pale gray wall, this will be a pop of fun in a functional space.
When looking for inexpensive frames, I always turn to Ikea. These have a nice, clean look and fit my budget. I plan to use one with the inspiring art print I found.
Maybe I will hang a family monogram somewhere just for fun. These typesetter plaques come in different finishes and look great hung on or leaned against a neutral-colored wall.
Because I'll be creating my family hub in a small space, I think this pale ice blue filing cabinet will work perfectly for extra items that don't fit on the wall. Casters make it useful for my needs, as I can roll it out into the hallway or tuck it beside my washing machine when I don't need it.Next: Double Take: The Disappearing Home Office
The first thing we need is a family calendar that everyone can write on and refer to. I prefer a paper calendar over a whiteboard because my family needs to have access to all of the coming months. I was especially drawn to the fun watercolor design and colors in this one.
Q