CREATING A MOODBOARD: A STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE
A moodboard is a tool that designers use on every single project, no matter how big or how small. In this article I will explain why using a moodboard is so important for your project and run through a step-by-step guide on how you can create a stylish moodboard for your scheme. Let's get stuck in!
Moodboard created using Canva Pro
WHAT IS A MOODBOARD?
The moodboard is the design blueprint, bringing together colours, materials, and inspiration in one visual document. It's the starting point that helps designers and clients see the big picture. By having everything on the board, decisions are easier, and clients stay focused on the design direction.
Client Collaboration:
The moodboard isn't just a tool; it's a way for clients to connect with the design process. Its visual representation turns abstract ideas into something tangible, making it easier for clients to understand and be part of the decisions. This collaboration ensures the final design reflects the client's preferences and functional needs.
Adaptable Design Tool:
The mood board is flexible as the design evolves. It's a living document that captures the changes and refinements, making it easy to update with new ideas or respond to client feedback. This adaptability ensures transparency and confidence in the design process, showcasing the journey from initial concepts to the final tailored outcome.
Moodboard created using Canva Pro
WHY USE A MOODBOARD?
A mood board is indispensible tool for interior designers—it brings everything together on one visual board. It's not just about pretty pictures; it's the go-to tool for designers because it turns design ideas into something you can see and feel. This board includes colour samples, fabric swatches, and images that capture the feeling of a space. Why do designers swear by it? Because it kicks off the design journey, giving everyone a clear picture of where we're headed. It's not just a tool; it's how designers and clients speak the same visual language. If you've ever wondered why designers enthusiastically focus on mood boards, it's because these behind-the-scenes elements bring a design to life.
DIGITAL OR PHYSICAL MOODBOARD?
For those engaging in mood board creation, various digital platforms such as Pinterest, Canva, Photoshop, Word, or Powerpoint are recommended for a seamless digital experience. You can also use text to image AI apps such as Midjourney and Bing Image Creator. Alternatively, for individuals opting for a tangible approach, physical mood boards can be constructed either at home or by joining a specific workshop. Utilise materials such as magazine tear sheets, photographs, and found objects, attaching them to a piece of foam board or mountboard. The choice between digital and physical methods depends on personal preferences and the desired creative process.
Moodboards created using AI
HOW TO CREATE A MOODBOARD:
Now let’s get started on creating a mood board that will help you visualise and plan a space in your home.
Step 1 – Set the direction
Using just a pen and paper, or your favourite notebook, think about the following questions and jot down your answers. We don’t need whole sentences here, just think simple, one word answers.
Think about the space you want to decorate:
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How do you want to feel in this space?
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What is the intended use for the space?
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Who is using the space?
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What time of day is the space used?
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Are there any practical issues that need addressing?
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Are there any architectural features?
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Which way does the room face?
A little bit about you:
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Which colours do you love?
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Do you like pattern? If so, which patterns?
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Which design styles do you love?
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Which interior designers do you love?
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Who are your favourite artists?
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Which shops do you love to visit?
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What are your hobbies?
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What is important to you?
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List a few key aspects of your personality.
Now go back and highlight some of the key words to include in your scheme. I suggest you choose five words to keep you focussed.
Step 2 – Collect
Following on from the notes you made in step 1, gather images from magazines, or online, that relate to these words. You can use anything you like here; holiday photos, postcards from exhibitions, images from magazines or books, flyers from interior companies, Pinterest, Google images, feathers, leaves, dried flowers… Collect things that you love and that relate to your scheme. To read my last blog post about where to find inspiration for an interiors project click here.
Example 1: If you are designing a living room that is used mainly in the evening you might want it to feel welcoming, warm, cosy and relaxing. Select images that evoke these feelings. You may have images of a knitted blanket, a slouchy sofa, a roaring fire, a stack of books, a mug of steaming hot chocolate all in muted tones which make you feel relaxed.
Example 2: If you are converting a city loft apartment you might go for an urban, industrial scheme with images of exposed brick, concrete floors, metal lighting, chunky furniture and modern, abstract art.
Top Tip: Try to choose images without thinking too much about them, work with your subconscious mind.
Now you have a nice big pile of images, or your Pinterest board is bursting at the seams, it is time to start editing. Take each image and think about what it is you like. Is it the colour of the walls? The tiles on the floor? The lighting? The fabric used for the cushions? The lifestyle suggested? Make separate piles for colours, textures, lighting, tiles, etc. If there are any images you no longer like once you have thought about them then please just put them to one side.
By the end of this task you should have an edited pile of images ready to use on your moodboard.
Step 3 – Add colour and texture
At this point start thinking about your main colours. Are there key colours coming through in your chosen images? Are there accent colours you can use?
Example 1: If you are creating a minimalist scheme you might like to choose one main colour and then add different tones and textures rather than an accent colour.
Example 2: Would you like to start introducing some colour into your scheme but you are feeling a little nervous? In this case chose three colours which will work well together. Colour 1 will be your main colour and will occupy approximately 60% of your scheme (this could be the colour of your walls and/or ceiling). Colour 2 will be a secondary colour and occupy 30% of your scheme (this could be the colour of your ceiling and/or woodwork). Finally, colour 3 will be the accent colour and occupy 10% of your scheme (this could be pops of colour in the soft furnishings, artwork and accessories).
Example 3: Are you a colour lover and want to go bold? Then why not select five colours to work into your scheme?
Moodboard created using Canva Pro
Step 4 – Transform your ideas into a scheme
The time has finally come to start laying the images and collected items onto your board. Layout is important at this point. If you are creating a maximalist scheme then you might want to cover your whole board with the images you have collected. If you are creating a minimalist scheme then you might want to choose just three or four main images and lay them on your board with plenty of space between them. This will create a sense of light and space on your board. You could also use paint your main colour on the board to create a background.
Once you are happy with the positioning of your images and items then stick them into place. You can use spray mount, glue sticks, washi tape, pegs, pins… just remember that whatever you use to secure your images to the board will also form part of your scheme.
Moodboard created using Canva Pro
Don’t forget, this board is just for you and there is no right or wrong way to do things.
Congratulations!!! You now have a completed moodboard which you can use to create your dream space! Use this board to help keep you focussed when choosing paint and wallpaper, and when you are buying furniture and accessories.
Moodboard created using Canva Pro
Top Tip: Take a photo of your board with your phone or get a colour photocopy that you can keep in your bag or purse. This will mean you have your moodboard with you when you go shopping and you can make informed decisions when buying products.