For Pros: How to Create a Mood Board

For Pros: How to Create a Mood Board

It can be difficult for a client to see the vision you have for a space. Give them a clear picture of the direction you're taking the space when you learn how to create a mood board showcasing the items you plan to feature in the interior design.

What is a Mood Board?

Mood boards, also referred to as storyboards or presentation boards, bring together the key elements of the interior design. It helps to hone in on a specific style, establish a color palette, and make sure every aspect of the project is thought-out. They can be used by homeowners to help make a choice between a few different design styles or by interior designers to translate their plan for the space. 

Virtual Mood Board Vs. Physical Mood Board 

There are two ways to create an interior design mood board. Each one offers benefits and drawbacks. Use just one method or combine both to keep your look on track both at home and while shopping. 

Virtual Mood Boards 

Within the digital mood board category, there are two options: 

Pinterest 

Pinterest is a fantastic tool for creating virtual mood boards. You can start a new grouping for every room you're designing. As you search Pinterest for inspiration on what you're trying to achieve, start pinning the items you like to the appropriate boards. Digital storyboards are so easy to make you'll want to use them as a starting point for any interior design. 

 This can be a great first step in determining a room's design because it allows you to create two or three different boards and then decide which one you prefer in the end. If you are tackling multiple projects at the same time, it's also a great way to keep all those different areas organized. You aren't limited to looking for products on Pinterest. You can go right to manufacturer websites and pin photos from the site by hitting the pin button, which features a red "P." 

Graphic Design

Pinterest isn't the only way to create a virtual mood board. Creating a full mock-up of finished spaces is increasingly popular as graphic design programs are becoming more accessible. Often created in Adobe Illustrator or Photoshop, these boards do require more training to create, but they can yield spectacular results. 

Not only can you create a full rendering of the space, but you can even size the various items perfectly in scale with the dimensions of the room. Best of all, these electronic mood boards are easy to take to client meetings. They can be pulled up on a laptop or tablet with ease.

Physical Mood Boards

A physical presentation board can be on a corkboard, foam board, or any other flat surface. Clip out photos from favorite magazines or catalogs and tape, glue, or pin them to the board. You can add paint chips and tactile items, such as different fabrics, you'd like to showcase. The best part of a physical mood board is it can be more interactive. You can actually touch the fabrics, and it's easy to take away and add different items in real-time with the client. 

What to Include on the Mood Board 

Now that you know how to make a mood board, it's time to learn what to include on the mood board. 

•Color Palettes: One of the most important factors in any room design is establishing a color palette that's pleasing to the eye and which coordinates with the vibe of the rest of the home. 

•Furniture:Furniture selection and placement are two important factors in any room design. First, select the piece you'd like to showcase in the space. Next, make sure that the pieces chosen are sized appropriately to fit in the space. 

•Wallcoverings: Paint, wallpaper, shiplap, and tile are just a few of the most common wallcovering options used in interior design. Determine what will be on each wall and include any paint chips or product samples on the storyboard. If a wall is going to have a two-toned look, show a mock-up of the finished look. 

•Flooring: The flooring is the foundation for any room. If the flooring is going to remain the same, include a similar sample in the board to use to make sure the items selected coordinate with what's already established. If you're featuring new flooring, place a sample on the mood board. 

•Rugs: Any time there's hard flooring in a room, rugs make both a functional and stylish addition. Not only do they help provide a soft space, but the lines of the rug also help to delineate the area. This can be especially important in open-concept homes where one space blends into another. 

•Lighting: You want the design to shine. Make sure to add any lighting chosen for the space to the mood board. This can include overhead lighting such as a chandelier or ceiling fan, task lighting such as a floor lamp or table lamp, or ambient lighting such as a wall sconce or spotlight. 

•Home Accents: It can often be the small details that really deliver personality to a room design. Pick and choose home accents that reflect the design theme of the room. Some home accents can be purely decorative, while others also serve a function. 

•Wall Art: One of the things that sets a well-designed room apart from the rest is the wall art. Consider what mirrors, artwork, and wall hangings you'd like in the space and include them in the interior design mood board. 

•Furniture Layout: Finally, create a diagram that shows how the different items are going to come together in the space.

Once you've created a mood board for one project, you'll want to create them for every interior design plan. Choose your favorite method for creating a mood board or use a combination of these methods. These boards aren't just a great idea for interior design; they can also be helpful in planning a party, holiday, or special event.