Our Family Command Center

 In a few short hours, we are headed to our kid's back to school night where we will meet our kids teachers, catch up with friends, and quite possibly eat tacos (because rumor has it, there will be a taco truck hanging out at school. . . how cool is that?!?)  Anyways, one of my projects this past spring and this summer was finish the work area/command center that we made in a corner of our family room.

Last Winter, we changed the way we organized our kid's room, giving them more space to build, but also make it a bit more mature, since now we have an almost 10 year old and a 7 1/2 year old.  In that process, we decided that the desk that Ethan had in there was more of a place to pile stuff on than a place where homework could actually be done.  Plus, it was taking up  space we wanted to use in another way.  Plus, Weston wanted a desk and there was no way we were going to fit two desks in the bedroom that they share. 

So, we headed to our favorite place for inspiration (Ikea, of course!), and measured and took notes and didn't buy a thing.  I had an idea to build from sratch, because I wanted it to go from the wall to the walk way between the kitchen.  We spent so much time in the office/desk area of the largest IKEA ever, which included one of the kids needing to go to the bathroom (ever been to IKEA when your kid has to pee. . . it's quite the maze!)  Anyways, my original idea wasn't going to work because it just wasn't long enough.  I actually got really frustrated, but found this one narrow black desk that might work. . . we measured it and then added the measurements of the Ikea drawers.  We have two of them in the office and love them, so we knew they would be a great fit for art supplies and learning supplies to keep us organized through the week.  We ordered them from the Ikea website with minimal shipping (compared to the gas to drive 3 hours to our nearest store).  We didn't order chairs, because my plan was to get some metal stools that I found at Target. 

Unfortunately we tried those metal stools and another pair of stools from Target, but they were just too high.  We new we wanted something stool like, because of it's ability to completely push under the desk, making a clean walkway between the desk and the couch when it's not in use.  I really didn't think it would be as hard as it was to find something that worked and looked nice.  I found a lot of pin on our favorite inspiration sight and realized that people were just using these cool step stools from Ikea.  So we ordered two and saved a ton of money!  They work perfect and if I feel like painting them in the future, I can. 

My goal for this corner was to make everything accessible for the whole family.  There's a computer for the kids to use for homework, or for drawing their favorite book character on Art Hub (thanks to my sister in law for that recommendation!).  The old milk crate on the floor is where we store our library book bags and books and the kids backpacks hang on the metal hook basket.  Everything is accessible to the kids and us.  We also keep our monthly calendar, a weekly calendar and our menu plan for the week to help us keep things organized for the week. 

 Each kid has a desk drawer with markers, pens, pencils treasures, and a place to put their notebook. I love how my oldest has a stash of baseball cards in there for safe keeping. 

 We've been using this set up for a few months now and we love it!  It took a lot of planning and creativity and returns, but once we figured it out, we were happy!  One thing I love is that the computer is accessible to the boys.  We really didn't feel comfortable with it being in their room (they love watching YouTube videos a little bit too much), and being in a room where everyone is watching keeps everyone accountable.  Plus, when they need help with homework,  someone is always close. 

We are far from being completely organized, but this has really helped!  Do you have a family command center or a specially designated spot for homework?  How does that work for your family? 

Where to find everything:
Desk: Micke by Ikea in black brown
Stools: Beckvam by Ikea in white
Drawers: Alex by Ikea in black brown
Wire Basket with Hooks: Home Goods
Burlap Bulletin Board: Home Goods
"Blessed" sign: Hobby Lobby
Fake plants and planters: Ikea