Adding a kitchen message center is a great way to organize your family’s schedules, notes, reminders and more in one convenient spot. A kitchen message board allows you to post important information in a central location where everyone can easily see it. With some simple supplies, you can create a functional and stylish message center for your kitchen.
Choose a Location
When deciding where to put your new kitchen message center, consider visibility and traffic flow. You’ll want it somewhere that’s easily seen by all family members. Some good options include:
- Near the backdoor where kids leave for school and adults go to work. This allows everyone to check messages and the calendar on their way in and out.
- Above a desk or kitchen table. Mounting it in eating areas keeps it front and center.
- On the refrigerator. Refrigerator doors offer a large, flat surface that usually goes unused. Place your message center here for constant visibility.
- Near a high-traffic area like the coffee pot or kitchen sink. Mount it where people naturally congregate to increase visibility.
Consider the dimensions of your chosen space when selecting or making your message board. Measure to ensure it will fit nicely in the spot you picked.
Gather Supplies
Creating your own kitchen message center is easy with the right materials. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Board – This can be a premade cork board, dry erase board, chalkboard or a large piece of wood. Plywood, particle board and laminate boards all work well.
- Frame – If using a plain wooden board, you’ll need a frame. Choose wood, metal or plastic that matches your kitchen’s aesthetics.
- Hanging hardware – Select screws or hardware appropriate for your wall material. Command strips are another non-permanent option.
- Binder clips – These hold notes and papers securely on a board. Mini and jumbo sizes give variety.
- Chalk – If using a chalkboard, have plenty of sticks in colors family members like.
- Dry erase markers – For dry erase boards, stock up on colorful fine-tip markers.
- Eraser – A dry erase eraser helps keep the board looking neat.
- Decorative accents – Photos, artwork and colorful borders personalize the space.
Make the Board
If you purchased a premade board, you can skip this step. But creating your own allows for customization. Here are some easy boards you can make:
Wooden Board
You’ll need:
- Plywood, particle board or laminate board
- Saw to cut to size
- Sander to smooth edges
- Frame materials
- Wood glue or nails
- Paint, stain or decorative paper (optional)
Cut the board to your desired shape and size with a saw. Sand the edges smooth so they’re not sharp.
Cut framing pieces the length of each board edge and attach them with wood glue or nails. Paint, stain or decoupage the board before attaching the frame if desired.
Cork Board
For this project, you’ll need:
- Sheet of cork board
- Utility knife
- Ruler
- Frame supplies
- Strong glue or finishing nails
Measure and mark cutting lines on the cork board. Use a utility knife and ruler to cut it to size.
Cut the frame pieces to size. Apply glue around the cork board edges, position the frame pieces and press them into place. Or use finishing nails for a tighter hold.
Chalkboard
Make your own chalkboard with:
- Piece of plywood or MDF board
- Sander
- Chalkboard paint
- Paintbrush and paint tray
- Painters tape
Lightly sand the edges of the board. Apply painter’s tape around the edges to create a border. This prevents messy chalk streaks later on.
Use a paintbrush to apply two coats of chalkboard paint, letting it dry between coats. Remove the painter’s tape when finished.
Style and Personalize
Once your kitchen message board is up, add finishing touches to make it your own:
- Add borders – Frame it out with decorative paper, colorful paint, or chalkboard paint.
- Include calendars – Hang a monthly calendar for marking events and appointments.
- Add hooks – Install hooks along the bottom to hang keys, dog leashes or handbags.
- Decorate with photos – Pin up family photos or kids’ artwork with colorful clips or magnets.
- Use fun fonts – On chalkboards, use cursive or bubbly handwriting for a fun look.
- Incorporate 3D elements – Attach containers to hold markers or chalk. Install a small shelf for notes.
- Light it up – Install a pendant light above or sconces on each side. This helps visibility.
- Paint it bright – On wood boards, paint a vibrant color or even a chalkboard finish.
The options are endless for personalizing your kitchen message center. Reflect your family’s style in a way that keeps everyone engaged with it. Update and refresh it seasonally or as kids grow.
Helpful Features to Include
The functionality of your kitchen message board relies on what elements you include. Consider adding these useful components:
Calendar
- Hang a calendar you can write on each month. This provides an at-a-glance view of the family schedule.
- Use for noting school events, appointments, activities, trips and more.
- Mark dates with different color dry-erase pens as a color code system.
Chore Chart
- List household chores and rotate assignments each week.
- Family members can check off or initial completed tasks.
- Use magnets with names on them that move to show who is assigned to what.
Meal Planner
- Jot down meal ideas for breakfast, lunch and dinner each week.
- Plan out grocery lists based on needed ingredients.
- Parents can assign kids to help make certain meals.
Announcements Area
- Post reminders about early releases from school or closures.
- Write notes about sports team practices or special events.
- List important phone numbers for caregivers, schools or emergency services.
To-Do List
- Use this section for miscellaneous errands and tasks that come up.
- Let family members add needed items like registering for soccer or buying bread on the list.
- Place sticky notes with tasks that can be removed when complete.
Helpful Tips and Tricks
To make your kitchen message center as useful as possible, keep these tips in mind:
- Update it frequently with new notes, calendar events and announcements. Don’t let it become stale.
- Make sure handwriting is large enough to read from a few feet away.
- Use colorful pens, vary handwriting styles and add cute drawings to attract attention.
- Keep essential markers, chalk and erasers stocked nearby so it’s easy to update.
- Allow each family member to contribute notes and artwork.
- Rotate chores, calendar events and assignments each week to keep it fresh.
- Stand back once a week and take a picture. This lets you maintain a record of important dates and appointments.
- Keep small containers attached for thumbtacks, clips or chalk/markers. Keeping supplies well-organized prevents clutter.
- Check on school holidays and closures at the start of each semester. Mark them on the calendar immediately.
- Set reminders on your phone to periodically update meal plans, grocery lists and chore charts.
The kitchen is often the heart of a home. By adding a message center here, you can keep your household organized and family connected. Follow this guide to create a message board that suits your family’s needs and style. Maintain it well, and it’s sure to become a valued system for staying on top of schedules, tasks and family announcements.
Frequently Asked Questions About Adding a Kitchen Message Center
Adding an organized message center to your kitchen helps keep the whole household running smoothly. But you may have some questions about choosing the right message board features and placement for your home. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions:
Should the message board be placed on the wall or refrigerator?
Either spot can work well, depending on your kitchen layout. Wall placement provides more room for adding calendars, chore charts, etc. Refrigerator placement takes advantage of unused space, but may be limited in what you can attach. Consider the size and functionality you want when deciding.
What types of materials work best for kitchen message boards?
Common options like dry erase boards, chalkboards, cork boards or peg boards each have pros and cons. Dry erase boards provide reusable space that easily erases messes. Chalkboards offer seasonal change with fun colored chalk. Cork boards give you the ability to pin up papers and photos. Consider durability and convenience when choosing materials.
Should I buy a premade board or make my own?
You can find many premade boards designed specifically for kitchen messaging centers if you want a easy solution. But for a custom look, making your own out of materials like plywood, laminate or reclaimed wood can provide satisfying results. Skill level and time may help determine the best option.
How can I remember to check the message board regularly?
It helps to place it somewhere you look multiple times a day like near the telephone, calendar or daily planner. Using bright colors and fun handwriting helps the board stand out. Setting phone alerts can remind you to consult it. Making it part of your routines ensures you utilize it.
What kinds of things should be included on the message board?
That depends on your family’s needs! Calendars, chore charts, grocery lists, emergency contacts, and school events make handy additions. Also include anniversaries, birthdays, appointments or schedule changes affecting the household. Think about your unique needs and choose elements to reflect that.
How often should I change and update our kitchen message center?
Aim to add new information at least several times a week as schedules and tasks change. Erasing or removing outdated items ensures it stays current. Swapping calendars, color schemes or layouts monthly or seasonally helps keep it fresh too. Adapt the frequency so it always feels relevant.
What are easy ways to keep my message board organized?
Using baskets or trays to corral supplies like pens, clips and erasers prevents clutter. Categorize with sections, borders or areas designated for calendar, chores, etc. Remove outdated or irrelevant papers and photos over time. Do an occasional overhaul to maintain tidiness. Being systematic keeps it useful.
With a well-organized, updated kitchen message center, your household communication and schedules stay on track in one handy spot. Follow the tips that best suit your family’s style and needs. Soon the message board will be a natural part of your kitchen routine.
Key Takeaways for Adding a Kitchen Message Center
- Choose a highly visible spot like near the back door, refrigerator or sink.
- Gather essential supplies like boards, frames, hanging materials, paper and writing utensils.
- Build your own board or purchase a premade chalkboard, dry erase board or cork board.
- Add calendars, chore charts, grocery lists or to-do lists to help organize.
- Personalize it with photos, fun colors and handwriting everyone enjoys.
- Frequently erase and add new information to keep it current.
- Maintain neatness by storing supplies out of sight in trays or baskets.
- Change up themes or designs seasonally for a fresh look.
- Take pictures weekly to maintain records of schedules and appointments listed.
- Place the board where you already look multiple times a day.
- Let everyone contribute notes and reminders that are important.
A thoughtfully designed and organized kitchen message center provides huge benefits for communication and scheduling. Follow this guide to create one tailored to your family’s needs and style. Soon you’ll have a central hub for staying connected, informed and on track regarding everything going on in your busy household.
Conclusion
Adding a kitchen message center provides a designated spot to organize family schedules, important papers, reminders and announcements. By following the steps here for choosing a location, building or buying the board, adding helpful elements and maintaining it regularly, you can create an efficient communication system. Place your new message board in a high-traffic area and encourage family contributions. It will soon become a vital part of your kitchen routine. With everyone on the same page, daily home life is sure to run more smoothly.
