I too fell in love with the Pottery Barn organization system. I looked all over for something similar, but alas just settled for the PB system. It looks as good as the pictures, but I would say it is pricey.

Wow - this is the first time I've seen that, but now I want one!

Perhaps you can find components of a system at the Container Store.

Ikea kitchen wall organizers? Bet you could attach a bulletin board to those too (ribbon to tie to bar with spacers attached to the lower section?).

Bed Bath and Beyond has a collection that is similar without the price tag- search for wall mount on their website, first page shows the file bin, dry erase calendar, second page has mail center and 3 tier storage.... Etc. I've seen them in-stores too.

-Ruth

I second Anita's Container Store idea. I would also recommend Michael's Arts & Craft for some basics. Let me emphasize basics. If you are willing to spend more you would be better off shopping at the Container Store.

I just saw in the new Pottery Barn Kids Catalog a oversize ruler that has three oversize clothes pins attached to it to hang on the wall. They want $49 for it plus shipping but I'm going to make my own version. I think it will be great to have one for each of our children to keep track of homework/art projects etc... but you could use it to organize just about anything!

Peter Walsh from the TLC show "Clean Sweep" has a much cheaper modular magnetic whiteboard system at Office Max:

http://www.officemax.com/office-furniture/desks-laptop-stands/product-prod2940110

I have one of the larger ones of these at home, and it can hold 2 8.5 by 11 calendars with room to spare.

There are a lot of great magnetic accessories to add on like a three part wooden compartment that also has hooks--we use it as a landing pad for phones and keys. There are others like magazine files, and ribbon boards you can use to customize it to your needs.

Board Dudes have a set of framed "Home Decor" white boards, calendar and bulletin boards, many of which are available at places like Target.

http://www.boarddudesdirect.com/neonplasfram.html

Either of these options could easily be taped off and painted if you don't like the dark frame.

Or, to go the DIY route:
1) Get a reasonably big sized magnetic whiteboard, and frame it out in wood if you want it extra pretty.

http://www.officemax.com/office-supplies/boards/dry-erase-boards/product-prod1840126

You can even add custom templates or custom art overlays to these from OfficeMax:

http://www.officemax.com/office-supplies/boards/dry-erase-boards/product-prod2830603

2) Add clear or solid color magnetic file pockets (every office store has them, personally I recommend clear so the kids can see what's in there). You can find all kinds of magnetic backed containers and frames at office stores and Target; I even found a few cool ones at IKEA the other day.

3) Cover a piece of Homasote board (used as inspiration board by architects and designers everywhere) with fabric of your choice for your pin board. Frame it as well if you want.

And there's your system, exactly your style for a little over $100.

Whatever you get, if your whole family will be touching and interacting with it, make sure everything is fastened securely to the wall.

Good Luck!