Command Center Round Up

It might be the new year or the scary thought of returning to my full time job, but I'm feeling very anxious about getting organized these days.  I have a filing cabinet in the craft room and a couple of drawers that I use in the kitchen for important papers but, given the amount of things I lose, this system clearly isn't working for me.  I think a lot of us are in the same paper-filled boat because I've been seeing lots of sites with great command centers lately.

Location. Location. Location.  I love the idea of having a central place in my kitchen for all the bits and pieces and paperwork that seems to float all over my house. I've tried using the office but the mail and important things never seem to make it down to the filing cabinet.  And if I actually put the paperwork in the office/craft room immediately, I forget all about it and things get missed.  Besides, don't most of us spend a big chunk of our time in or near the kitchen?

Which is why I'm toying with the idea of a kitchen command center of my very own.   This thought sent me on a journey through the blogosphere and Pinterest to get some ideas for command centers that might work for our family.  There are so many great ideas out there that I had trouble limiting my "research".  Sometimes I get so lost in looking at pretty pictures that I don't get much else done.  I've rounded up a few of my favorites for inspiration and to share with all of you.


This command center from Domestic Imperfection is one of my favorites.  Simple, easy, and the baskets are so adorable.  The backing for the framed map is magnetic so you can pin calenders, notes, and information on the board.  So clever.

I'm super fond of yellow at the moment and this center from The Homes I Have Made drew me in because the colors make it so darn cute.   Don't you just love the bunting at the top?

And the yellow board with sticky notes is pretty awesome.  I use sticky notes a lot and I like the thought of using them in a center.  Once you've completed the task or project, you just toss the note.  How easy is that?        That five slotted mail holder is right up my alley, too.

Stacy at Not Just a Housewife has used a blank wall beside the fridge  I like how clean and organized it looks because as much as I'd like the center to be near a door, I just don't have the space for that at either entrance.  

Oh boy, do I love this center from Better Homes and Gardens. I'm starting to see a theme here....if there's something aqua or turquoise I'm drawn in like a bee to honey.   I wish I had the space for this.  Sigh.  Tons of functional space here with a built in desk and a little nook.  So pretty.

Here's a great idea for a small space from  Two Twenty One  using just the inside of a cabinet door.  We've all got clothes pins laying around and this is a great way to put them to use organizing paper work.   Clever and easily concealed, too.  

The Caldwell Project has the most perfect command center as far as I'm concerned with space for everything.   There's even a separate space for keys, magazines, and cell phones.  Wow!  I long to be this organized.  

Achieving Creative Order also has a space for everything in her super organized center.  Don't you just love that little bucket that holds all the pens and markers?  Hmmmm.....might be a bit tempting to Charming though.  The last time he got a hold of some markers from my craft room he required a bath in the middle of the day. 

I'm pretty fond of the sleek and stylish center from One Creative Housewife, too.   I don't think even I could mess that one up.  

I found this little gem on Pinterest but can't seem to find the original source.  If anyone recognizes it, let me know and I'll be sure to credit the author.  I love the table and and the signs as well as all the different spaces for belongings and papers.  And that cute key that actually holds keys?  Adorable!

I think this center is in an entry way which sounds so practical but I just don't have the space for that.  Unless I'm willing to give up my foyer.  I'm not.  I like decorating the foyer for the changing seasons way too much to let it become a command center.  

As for me, I'm currently using the "Shove it in a basket or drawer" system.  

Along with the ever popular "pile it on a shelf or in a corner".

Or the famous "stick it on the fridge so you don't lose it" method.

Did you notice the drawing for a command center stuffed under my gas bill in the drawer.  Good grief.  I've been looking for that. You can see why I'm longing for some serious organization.

Now that we're all clear that I live a cluttered and chaotic life you can see why a command center is such a sweet idea for me.  Yet  I can't help but wonder if they stay that organized and people actually use them.  Call me cynical but I know that when I've implemented an organizational system it quickly dissolves back into a pile of papers and I don't keep up with it.  With less than two weeks before I head back to the office, I'm feeling the need for a system that doesn't involve me searching for lost things all the time.  Every. Single. Day.   So if you've got a command center, I would love to hear from you. How you put it together, how you maintain, and is it really working for everyone.  

Linking up to some parties this week in the hopes of getting some good feedback.