I have a problem, a clutter problem. The epi-center of this clutter problem is the kitchen counter. It is the dumping zone for everything, mail, school papers, and a lot of random stuff. What makes things worse, is that the counter is one of the first things that you see when you walk in my front door. Ya I know, I have a weird layout. I decided that I have got to do something to get organized, a command center. The mudroom is the best location for my command center. When I began this project, my mudroom was a blue aquarium, from a previous design flop 🙂
The ‘before’ mudroom contained a key holder with too few knobs, and the knobs that were there were really large and hard to put keys on. Because there weren’t enough places for the keys, they didn’t get put in their proper place, so we always played ‘where’s the keys’ game.
I sat down and brainstormed what I wanted the command center to do:
- Easily hold numerous keys
- Sort the mail
- Place for displaying kid’s art/school creations and/or papers needing to go back to school
- Family calendar/message board
- A place for random stuff that gets used frequently
I also wanted the command center to be a little whimsical and a gallery style wall. I had already picked out the wild design for the wall, so I wanted to do all of the command center in white to tone it down a bit 😉
To start off I primed everything white. Then proceeded with my geometric wall. That was a fun project, with amazing results!
After the wall was finished, I began on all of the command center elements. I had an idea of ‘keys & things’. It was one of those ideas that you have in your head and you think it sounds so brilliant, and then you say it out loud to your mom on the phone and it doesn’t sound so brilliant any more. But I had nothing else, so I went with it.
The key holder was inspired from an old vintage keyhole, mixed with a jewelry display project from long ago. I spray painted some little ‘s’ hooks to hold the keys and cut out a keys saying with my scroll saw…just in case we forget in our old age.
The ‘&’ ampersand was cut out with a band saw from an old piece of barn wood that came from Grandpa’s old hay barn. I added a little coral to the raw cut sides to create a little pop of color. I think it turned out cute, for a 30 min project.
The ‘things’ sign is very simple. It is a wood slat from a weathered pallet that is stained dark brown. I made a simple custom stencil with frog tape and an X-acto knife and dry brushed white paint on. Pulled off the painters tape, and it’s done. Hopefully one of these days I’ll come across some cuter baskets, but until then…I have these JoAnn’s specials.
The mail slots have been wonderful! It’s crazy how much mail piles up. Now it’s organized until I get around to doing what I need to with it. The mail bins are from Ikea ($15 for 5 magazine bins.) I mounted them on a piece of MDF and topped it off with my favorite molding. I again used the simple technique of frog tape/X-acto knife stencils to personalize and customize the mail organizer. Why didn’t I do that years ago???
The last element that I added to the command center is the giant magnetic bracket frame. I had a few set backs on this project, namely not paying attention to the metal and the metal not being dry erase marker friendly. I do plan on adding a magnetic calendar to the top portion of the board, but for now my kids have loved covering it with their art projects! When painting that mason jar coral, I decided to try a homemade chalky paint recipe. I found it on pinterest and instead of plaster of paris, it called for baking soda. The out come of the paint was fairly gritty, but if you sand the top layer off, it works out fine. I plan on trying the plaster of paris version to see if it is better.
So far we have absolutely loved this gallery style command center, and it has made a world of difference on reducing the counter clutter!!! YAY! On the opposite wall, I have built a great shoe shelf/bench and cabinets.
Stay in touch, and happy organizing 🙂
Linked to: My Favorite Link Parties, Remodelaholic, Savvy Southern Style, Best of DIY, Metamorphosis Monday
Love the raw edges of the ampersand! I might have to try that on some of my raw edges of items.
This is SO fabulous!! First, I love that geometric wall!! Second, the “things” sign is too cute. And third, I love the coral pops!! great job on putting it all together! Visiting from Friday Favorites! 🙂
Oh thank you so much Amanda
This is awesome! Those bins are so great it helps so much to have organization! I love it all and the wood & sign is very cool!
Thanks Mindi!
Oh my goodness Amy, I’m so impressed with your entire wall from the painted treatment to every single detail! Sharing on my FB page! 🙂
Thank you so much Jane
Beautiful job! All the colors and patterns make something so functional look like an art wall. I have such a hard time getting my kids and husband to go along with the entryway organization stuff. It takes training 🙂
Thank you, and yes lots of training…
Wow … your wall is stunning! Great job:)
It’s just all so pretty! And it’s practical too – win win. Lovely inspiration for my “one day I will get my act together” plan. (when the kids leave home – that’s when I will finally get my act together – probably!)
This is amazing! I’m in awe of how you painted that wall. I’d love for you to share this at my weekly link party. http://www.thelifeofjenniferdawn.com/2014/09/a-little-bird-told-me-link-party-107.html Hope to see you there!
Love the wall full of things that are necessary!
Thank you!
I really love this! Such a great idea to make your command center like a gallery wall! It looks so pretty. Thanks for linking up to The Creative Exchange. xo, Laura
Thank you Laura!
I love this command center. Such great colors! Thanks for linking up to the Creative Exchange.
Thanks!
WOW, this is such an incredible command center and I LOVE all of the fun DIY elements, especially that “things” sign. I need one of those, lol. Thanks for sharing at The Makers!
Thanks Katie
I love your bold style! This command center rocks! It has all the great elements to give everything its proper place. Thanks for sharing at my Creative Ways Link Party!
Blessings,
Nici
Thank you Nici!
This command center blows me away! Amazing! I’m featuring it at this week’s party! http://www.thelifeofjenniferdawn.com/2014/09/a-little-bird-told-me-link-party-108.html
Thank you Jennifer!
The wall stencil! The ampersand! I love it ALL! Thanks for linking up to the Pretty Preppy Party! http://www.southernstateofmindblog.com/
Love this!! What is the metal thing you used to mount the jar to the wall? I don’t even know what to look for! Thanks!
Hi Elissa, it is a hose clamp. http://www.homedepot.com/p/Everbilt-7-in-Stainless-Steel-Clamp-6799595/202309383
That wall is awesome. Love the mail organizer. The bench and cabinets are great. Wishing I had a space big enough to do the same. Fabulous job!