5 Happy Planner Dashboard Hacks

If you love the Happy Planner dashboard layout but hate the colors, you’re not alone. I see this as one of the biggest complaints amongst Happy Planners. But no need to worry, here are some hacks you can use to cover the colored boxes and make your layout your own. 

The dashboard layout is fast becoming my favorite. It is versatile and gives you space every week to plan for the extras on the left side page. 

If you are looking for more decorating ideas, please see our Planner Decoration Ideas blog post.

The dashboard layout is setup with boxes on the left side for: errands, to buy, calls/emails, bills to pay, and a focus section. The right hand page has boxes for Monday through Sunday. 

The planner pages come with different colors which is fine most of the time, but sometimes you might want to change things up and add a little different color to your layouts.

I have a great free dashboard printable in the Resource Library. You can get access to the Resource Library here.

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Hack #1 Cover Boxes with Scrapbook Paper

This is totally my favorite way to cover boxes because there’s just some many different colors and patterns to choose from. You can find scrapbook paper in different colors and patterns at Michaels or Hobby Lobby. But you can find the cutest scrapbook paper at specialty scrapbook and craft stores.

All you need to do is cut the scrapbook paper to fit the size of the box and stick it on. Use a double sided adhesive runner like this one from Scotch and voila! 

I found this bright yellow patterned scrapbook paper at Michaels and used stickers from the Color Story (You Can!) sticker book. 

Happy Planner Dashboard layout lemons yellow and pink

Hack #2 Avery Sticker Paper

Use some plain white sticker paper like this one from Avery. It comes in full sheets so you can just cut it to fit the size of the box you need to cover. Now you can use the space for whatever you need. Add a motivational quote or a big sticker to go with the theme of your layout. 

Hack #3 Computer Paper and Washi Tape

Most people have some plain white computer paper laying around. Grab some and cut it to fit the boxes. Keep it in place by adding a washi tape border around the edge. 

Check out my dashboard layout below that I used plain white computer paper and washi tape. I added stickers from the Color Story (You Can!) sticker book. 

Happy Planner Dashboard layout she’s magic sticker

Hack #4 Post-it Notes

A standard size Post-it Note will cover a majority of the upper corner box on the left page. Add a washi tape border around the edge to secure it in place. In the dashboard layout below, I used a bright blue Post-it Note I had with some pink floral washi tape. I love how it turned out. 

Happy Planner Dashboard layout post it and washi tape

Hack #5 Layer Stickers

If you don’t have a sticker big enough to cover the entire box, try layering a few stickers. There are usually several larger stickers included in any of  the Happy Planner sticker books, but they usually aren’t big enough to cover that upper corner box. Try layering a few stickers in order to cover the box. 

Putting It All Together

If you’re like me, you love making your planner your own. You can make it work whatever you want it to be. You don’t have to settle for what comes pre-printed on your pages. Think outside the box and have fun decorating your Happy Planner Dashboard!

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Happy planner dashboard, lemons yellow and pink, 5 happy planner dashboard hacks