You may have spent the summer enthusiastically pinning ideas to make your life more functional but the season is ending and your home is still sadly in need of a refresh. Just in time for school to go back in session, we’ve rounded up some fun — and functional — ideas to turn any cluttered area into a command center, provide a catch-all for papers that you need to keep handy or to simply cultivate your creativity. Just below, 25 perfect IRL pinboard ideas. Forget Pinterest. These pretty pinboards will make all your real-life pinning better.

1. DIY State-Shaped Memo Boards: Show off your state pride and conquer clutter at the same time? These cute memo boards are a no-brainer. (via Brit + Co)

2. Color Block Mood Board: Color-blocking is still seriously stylish, whether we’re talking about a tank dress or a bulletin board. All your most cherished mementos and inspiration pieces just found a beautiful place to call home. (via A Beautiful Mess)

3. Tufted Bulletin Board: Gray textured fabric and silver upholstery buttons transform an ordinary cork board into a perfectly polished place to keep your goodies organized. (via Thistlewood Farm)

4. Travel Map Bulletin Board: We may be living in the age of Google Maps and mobile phones but even in a digital age, the most meaningful way to keep track of all your road trips might be a bit old-fashioned. Display this travel map board in your home as a proud memento of your travels and enjoy bragging rights every time a guest points out the curio. (via Lil Blue Boo)

5. DIY Linen Pinboard: When in doubt, go with a neutral board that will always coordinate with your room decor. (via Jones Design Company)

6. DIY Geometric Memo Board: Keep everything in one place with a handy pinboard. Now you’ll have a unique, sophisticated spot to stash photos of your BFF, reminders and even jewels for tomorrow’s outfit. (via DaWanda Products with Love)

7. DIY Instant Cork Pinboards: Keep losing those keys and other baubles? A small round cork board makes the ideal nesting place for necessaries that are prone to put on a disappearing act. (via Remodelista)

8. Painted Cork-Tile Corkboard: Tacky paper clutter suddenly looks trendy when it’s tacked onto a corkboard. We need one in every room! (via The Happy Home)

9. Colorful Crafting Board: Give your crafting area a colorful, functional focal point. This version is tricked out with handy utensil holders and even a couple clipboards to hang up your latest inspiration pieces. (via Love Print Studio)

10. Metal Mesh Pinboard: Focusing on your studies/grown-up things is a cinch when your desk area is clean and free of clutter. This metal mesh pinboard lends a cool architectural feel to any space. (via Catview)

11. DIY Painted Cork Boards: Want to make a room in your house prettier? These painted cork board rounds will instantly perk up any space. (via Vintage Movement)

12. IKEA Placemats to Oversize Striped Framed Cork Board: Give yourself a beautiful home office that reflects your style and promotes dreaming. A striped cork board is a creative backdrop and catchall for bits of inspiration that you collect over time. This one is crafted from cork place mats and a bit of white paint. (via Infarrantly Creative)

13. DIY Plywood Memo Board: Got five minutes? Then you can make this unique board. (It’s virtually a non-project!) A piece of plywood is all it takes to extend your desk space. (via Remodelista)

14. Real Life Pinterest Board: Take a good look. This pinboard is made from some unexpected items: clipboards! Now you can cleverly clip every inspiring visual piece you discover to create your own real-life Pinterest boards. (via Brit + Co)

15. DIY Bulletin & Dry Erase Board: Want a better bulletin board? Welcome to a two-in-one solution. This clever version was crafted from the end of an old baby bed. (via Houseologie)

16. DIY Cloud-Shaped Message Board: We’re really into household products that have a dual purpose. These cute cloud-shaped message boards double as wall art and make the perfect hostess gift. Smiles all around, guaranteed. (via One Charming Party)

17. Geometric Wall Art Board: We love this combo of colors, lines and geometry. (via Brit + Co)

18. DIY Message Board: This simple upgrade is sure to make your message board a lot more sleek. Then sit back and admire just how clever you are with a paintbrush. (via Emilie sans Chichi)

19. How to Make a DIY Pinboard: When you’re looking for a boost to your creative energy, there’s no better addition to your workspace than a pinboard. This version is so straightforward, anyone can make it. (via AO at Home)

20. DIY Diamond Pinboard: One can never have too many pinboards, especially when they’re cleverly crafted into a diamond shape. We need one in every room! (via Crafthunter)

Which of these pinboards are you dying to DIY? Share your favorites in the comments!

Bethany Kosten
Bethany Kosten is a freelance editor at Brit + Co. and an information junkie who is passionate about creating and consuming clever content. Being an idea enthusiast makes her unique, but also — and this is critical — awesome. Side note: Bethany is a serial chips and salsa eater. (Seriously, hide them.)