Sabrinas Organizing

menu icon
go to homepage
  • Home Organization
  • Healthy Recipes
  • DIY Home Projects
  • Browse Gift Ideas
  • Donate Stuff
  • Recycling Events 2025
  • Solution Consultations
  • Virtual Organizing
  • Disclosure Policy and Cookies
search icon
Homepage link
  • Home Organization
  • Healthy Recipes
  • DIY Home Projects
  • Browse Gift Ideas
  • Donate Stuff
  • Recycling Events 2025
  • Solution Consultations
  • Virtual Organizing
  • Disclosure Policy and Cookies
×
Home » Home Organization » Productivity » DIY Family Command Center Layout Idea

DIY Family Command Center Layout Idea

Last Modified: May 6, 2025 Sabrina Quairoli This blog uses cookies. It also has affiliate links. We earn sponsored content income.

I received a cute wooden gift box with a sliding lid a few years ago for Christmas and found it so well built that I didn't want to part with it. It was from William Sonoma and had a variety of gourmet snacks in it. Because it was enclosed and easy to slide, I thought it would be perfect for hiding my family planner and other things in the common area of my home. But, it would not be easy to see the calendar if the sliding door were closed. Follow below and see how I made this DIY Family Command Center (Affiliate Link) Layout Idea to organize my things without creating a huge eye sore in my small home.

Jump to:
  • What inspired me to do this DIY Family Command Center Layout Idea?
  • What supplies did I use to make this DIY Family Command Center Layout Idea?
  • How much did making this DIY Family Command Center Layout Idea cost?
  • How long did making a DIY Family Command Center Layout Idea take?
  • How did I make this DIY Family Command Center Layout Idea?
  • The Big Reveal
  • Where to place this DIY Family Command Center?
  • Things to place inside this family command center box
  • Tips on making this DIY Family Command Center Layout Idea

What inspired me to do this DIY Family Command Center Layout Idea?

I wanted to hide my planner from visitors, so I made this to cover it up, but I needed to remind family members to look inside each day. =)

What supplies did I use to make this DIY Family Command Center Layout Idea?

These supplies were things I had around my house and in my craft area.

  • Wood Box with a sliding front
  • Furniture (Affiliate Link) Clinic Wood Stain Dark Oak finish
  • Stain brush
  • Rags
  • Chalk Paint Cream color for the inside
  • Transfer Tape to move the Cricut (Affiliate Link) vinyl to the sliding door
  • Link for the Cricut vinyl design
  • Mod Podge (Affiliate Link) Matte finish for coating the box and lid
  • Paint brushes
  • Small ½-inch long screw or nail to hang the planner
  • A small monthly calendar (7x8 inches or 8 x 11 inches)

Please note these are affiliate links through Amazon (Affiliate Link), and at no additional cost to you, I will earn a small commission if you decide to make a purchase on Amazon (Affiliate Link).

How much did making this DIY Family Command Center Layout Idea cost?

This project cost me $10.00 to make. The cost of the extra paint, brushes, etc.… was zero dollars because I had them all in my craft area.

How long did making a DIY Family Command Center Layout Idea take?

This project took me about 24 hours, including drying time between coats of paint and stain.

Here is what the box looked like before I updated it.

Before image of the box with the sliding door a little open

How did I make this DIY Family Command Center Layout Idea?

First, I stained the wood on the door front and sides, the top and bottom, and the back with a dark brown stain and a cloth sponge. Then, I removed the excess stain with a cloth. It ended up being too light, so I added another coat and removed the excess.

Stain the box

Then, I added a wood knob to this box for easy sliding. So, to do this, I needed to stain the knob too. A double coat made it dark enough to match the cover. And let it dry for a little bit (1-2 hours)

stain the knob
Knob before and after the stain

Then, using Gorilla Glue, I added a dab of it to the door and then added the knob. And, let this door knob dry.

Add the knob to the sliding door

Now, I used chalk paint (creme) for a lighter color and covered the inside sides and back. Painted it once and then let it dry. Then, I painted it again so the wood grain was not noticeable.

Chalk paint the inside of the box and let dry

Next, I went and picked out a quote (Affiliate Link) (I made it up): “Planning Your Day Keeps the Stress Away.” And cut it out with my Cricut (Affiliate Link) Maker. Here is the Link for the Cricut vinyl design. And transferred it to the center part of the door.

Cut out the vinyl saying for door with Cricut Maker
Transfer the saying to box door

Using Mod Podge (Affiliate Link) glue, I coated the inside and outside of the box over the vinyl and let it dry completely.

Mod Podge to the top and sides of the box to seal it.

Then, I added a small ¼-inch nail and my little calendar to the inside of the box. I also added my upcycled tin can project to hold my pen. What’s great about this box is that there is enough room to place my cell phone inside it, too.

The Big Reveal

What do you think of this functional family command center (Affiliate Link)? It's great for busy families like mine and yours. Great for the whole family!

DIY Family Command Center Layout Idea - square image

Where to place this DIY Family Command Center?

This box can be displayed in a variety of areas of the home. Below are areas where you can place this box to hide your personal calendar.

  • in the entryway
  • in the kitchen
  • on a desk
  • on the counter

Things to place inside this family command center box

There are a variety of things you can place inside this box. Below are just some of the things that can be stored in the family command center (Affiliate Link) box.

  • Chore chart
  • Calendar
  • Sports activity calendar
  • List of dates for after-school activities
  • Digital calendars
  • Tablets (Affiliate Link) that hold the digital calendar

Tips on making this DIY Family Command Center Layout Idea

There are a few tips to help you make this all your own.

  • Sometimes, the wood used on these boxes (Affiliate Link) does not have the exact grain, so if you find that the color doesn't match when you stain it, some areas will need to be stained more than others.

I hope this DIY project shows you how to help you stay on top of your family activities in a fun, upcycling way. Please leave a comment or question below if you need more information.

Popular DIY posts:

Below are some great DIY projects to help you organize your home and office.

  • How to Make Repurposed DIY Day of the Week Closet Dividers in Square with title
    How to Make Repurposed DIY Day of the Week Closet Dividers
  • After accent table
    How to Upcycle an Old Bench into an Adorable Accent Table
  • DIY Corkboard Picture Frame to Organize Your Day Featured image
    DIY Corkboard Picture Frame To Organize Your Day
  • Create A Custom Marker board
    How to Create A Custom Markerboard for Your Home
DIY Family Command Center Layout Idea - pinterest image
(Visited 70 times, 22 visits today)

More Productivity Organization Tips

  • a personal talking to her self with the title at the top right - square image
    Overcoming Negative Talk To Clear The Clutter
  • a house on the beach with an umbrella and the title of the post in the center - square image
    The Best Summertime Areas to Organize when It Is Hot Outside
  • messing sofa and living room and the title of the post overlay at the top center - square image
    Tons of Motivating Organizing Challenges to Get Your Home Organized
  • How to Host a Declutter Party - square image
    How To Host A Declutter Party {Step by Step Instructions}

About Sabrina Quairoli

I love sharing my passion for organizing life and home. I hope you get inspired when visiting my home organizing tips, quick weeknight recipes, party planning ideas, and DIY organizing projects. Visit the About Me page to read my story.

Sabrina owner of Sabrina's Organizing and Admin Services

Hey, I'm Sabrina!

Thanks for stopping by and checking out my blog, where you can find Home Organizing, Quick Weeknight Recipes, and DIY Craft Home Organizing Projects. Feel free to browse around to get motivated to improve your home life!

Learn More
Sabrina Morresi Quairoli Received the NAPO Certificate of Study for Essentials of Productivity - digital badge
Sabrina's Organizing Supporting individuals since 1997 BANNER 25 year banner
Ready to Streamline Your Home - Get this year's Declutter Challenge ebook for Free long image

Recent Posts

  • square image - a gift with a tag on it with the title of the article at the right corner.
    Great Gift Kit Ideas For Your Loved Ones
  • Chicken Sweet Potatoes Bean Stew Recipe square image
    Chicken, Sweet Potatoes, Bean Stew Recipe
  • Square image that has the title at the top center and a photo colleage wall with blank white inside the frames on a brick wall.
    Easy Steps to Arrange Photos For Better Theme Placement
  • How to Make a Fabulous kids Playroom - square
    How to Make a Fabulous Kids Playroom

Popular Posts

  • Yummy Curry Chicken Salad Recipe
  • Places To Donate Jewelry You Do Not Want
  • The Ultimate Cruise Packing List Everyone Needs
  • 43 Positive Mantra Sayings to Keep You on the…
  • This Year's Recycling and Shredder Events
  • 13 Ways to Make Your Bedroom An Oasis
  • Incredibly Easy Tips for Organizing An Older Adult's Home
  • Welcome to Sabrina's Organizing
  • 7 Book Storage Solutions For Small Spaces
  • Powerful Professional Organizer Advise For New Organizers
Get your free copy of our Home Management binder ebook
Get our Holiday Season Planner to help you save money and time with free checklists and Printables to make this season amazing

Amazon Disclosure


Sabrina's Organizing blog is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

Sabrina’s Organizing Web Stories

Click on this badge to learn about what this badge means on NAPO.net

Sabrina's Organizing & Admin Services Registered & Insured through 2025

Footer

↑ back to top

About

  • About Me
  • Privacy Policy
  • Disclosure Policy and Cookies
  • Google Analytics Privacy Statement and Opt-Out Option
Sabrina's Organizing Supporting individuals since 1997 BANNER 25 year banner

Newsletter and Certifications

  • Sign Up for emails and updates
  • 2024 NAPO Business Stamp of Approval
Sabrina Morresi-Quairoli received Essentials of Productivity Certificate of Study from NAPO.

Contact

  • Contact
  • Solution Consultations
  • Virtual Organizing Consults
  • Write for Us
Productivity and Organizing Blog Carnival Ultimate Star Blogger Member
Sabrina's Organizing,  Sabrina's Admin Services, Organizing on a Dime, and Recipes to Chew On blogs by Sabrina Morresi-Quairoli is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 4.0

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Copyright © 2011-2025. Sabrina's Organizing Blog content by Sabrina Morresi-Quairoli is licensed. Based on work at Sabrina’s Organizing blog, social media content, and newsletters shared, permissions beyond the scope of this license may be available when contacting me.

Manage Consent
To provide the best experiences, we use technologies like cookies to store and/or access device information. Consenting to these technologies will allow us to process data such as browsing behavior or unique IDs on this site. Not consenting or withdrawing consent, may adversely affect certain features and functions.
Functional Always active
The technical storage or access is strictly necessary for the legitimate purpose of enabling the use of a specific service explicitly requested by the subscriber or user, or for the sole purpose of carrying out the transmission of a communication over an electronic communications network.
Preferences
The technical storage or access is necessary for the legitimate purpose of storing preferences that are not requested by the subscriber or user.
Statistics
The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for statistical purposes. The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for anonymous statistical purposes. Without a subpoena, voluntary compliance on the part of your Internet Service Provider, or additional records from a third party, information stored or retrieved for this purpose alone cannot usually be used to identify you.
Marketing
The technical storage or access is required to create user profiles to send advertising, or to track the user on a website or across several websites for similar marketing purposes.
Manage options Manage services Manage {vendor_count} vendors Read more about these purposes
View preferences
{title} {title} {title}