In my house, if there isn’t a dedicated space to store something, it’ll get left out on the side and a mess will usually start to accumulate around it. So there has always been a pile of post, papers and lists on the countertop in the kitchen, which quickly becomes a place that all odds and ends of items end up – a torch, batteries, keys, pencils and so on.
I wanted to create a place where all this could be stashed away but I couldn’t fit an extra cupboard into my kitchen. So, I came up with the idea of creating a ‘command centre’ for my home using an old frame that was missing its glass front.
This is a renter-friendly project as it can be hung on a wall the same as any picture frame – you just need to check your rental agreement for the guidelines for hanging pictures. I’ve shared the full step-by-step guide to DIY your own command centre on the Do It With Cans website so be sure to check that out.
The whole back is painted with chalkboard paint, providing the ideal space to create a shopping list that everyone can add to when a grocery item runs out. It also gives you space to write reminders, to-dos or notes to other family members when you’re heading out. Attaching a piece of chalk to the side of the frame using string helps to make this extra easy.
The command centre is also a place where all the family can hang their keys – so no more last-minute scrambles looking for lost keys. Plus, you could write on the chalkboard to label each hook with the name of the person whose keys belong there, or you could write ‘shed’ or ‘garage’ to make it easier to grab the correct key.
You can hang up mail on the bulldog clip as soon as it hits the doormat, keeping the hallway much tidier. You can never find a pen when you need one, but now they’ll all be in the upcycled tin can along with a torch, scissors, screwdriver or other practical essentials.
Any picture frame is suitable for this project so you can go as ornate as you link in a traditional, period interior or you can use a broken wooden frame for a more rustic look. I’ve spray-painted my melamine frame to match the UPVC kitchen door I’d previously painted but you could use any paint, stain or varnish to coordinate with your interior.
Head over to the Do It With Cans website to see the DIY guide to make your own handy command centre from an old picture frame. Plus, while you’re there, you’ll find plenty of upcycling ideas and interior decor projects all using DIY supplies in sustainable metal cans, which are endlessly recyclable.
Let me know if you have a go at making this command centre for yourself in the comments below and I’d love to see photos of how your own command centre turns out so please do tag me on Instagram @Cassiefairy. Happy DIYing!
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