What is a mood board?
Mood boards are visual presentation tools and integral aspects of the interior design profession. While developing an interior design concept, a mood board will help designers working on a project communicate their vision and ideas with clients, contractors, and other stakeholders in the industry.
A mood board must include illustrations, swatches, colour schemes, textures, sketches, notes, and other elements. These will help to capture the style and mood of interior styling projects.
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| Image source: viryabo@polyvore.com |
What purpose does it serve?
For inspiration, feedback, or presentation purposes. A mood board can also help to:
- Clearly define the design concept, theme, style, and finishing.
- Describe the scope of works through illustrations, notes, and finishes.
- Explore different options and possibilities
- Narrow down and refine material choices.
- Present and pitch the outcome to prospective clients, employers, builders, and other stakeholders in the industry.
How to create a mood board
As a professional interior designer, the initial approach is to narrow your focus by asking yourself the following questions. With that, you will be able to have a clear direction for the task and choose the appropriate elements to create a mood board.
- Who are you designing for?
- What are their expectations?
- What are you trying to achieve with the project?
- How do you intend to accomplish your goals?
- What message do you wish your concept to convey?
After providing answers to the questions, it is time to:
1. Collect the required materials that match the theme, style, and ambience. These include images, photos, objects, samples, swatches, etc.
2. Arrange all elements methodically. Use boards, portfolio books, or design software.
3. Review and refine the collection. To create balance and harmony, enhance the features and elements where necessary (styles, colour schemes, finishes, and the like).
4. Share your mood board presentation with prospective clients, work team, or other stakeholders to communicate your vision and get their contribution or approval.
Use grids, collages, or freeform layouts to organize your elements. Add labels, annotations, or hand sketches to explain placements, selections, and design layouts. Remember that your mood board is your reference point and guide for any interior design project.
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