What is a moodboard?
Put simply, it’s a condensed scrapbook that acts as a tool to communicate your visions and ideas behind a project.
It can include images, fabric swatches, wallpaper samples, colours, quotes, even natural objects like dried leaves – anything that inspires you.
The idea is that both the process of creating a moodboard and the end result can help you create the final look you’re happiest with.
Physical or digital?
"There are no strict rules on how to create a moodboard, so you can be as free and creative as you want," says Justyna Korczynska from the Crown Paints Design Studio.
Physical
"If you enjoy a craft project, you can create a physical moodboard.
"It doesn’t have to be costly. You can use magazine clippings, cuttings from product catalogues, paint swatches, carpet or wallpaper samples or absolutely anything you like," she says.
Digital
"If you’d prefer something quicker to make, or that you can easily share with someone online, then creating a Pinterest board could be a perfect way to gather all the ideas in one place."
The Interior Designers at My Bespoke Room produce digital moodboards to help their clients visualise their new space.
“Seeing the colour palette, textures, furnishings and décor all in one image allows you to grasp how the room will look and feel once complete and is a great guide to follow when implementing a design.
If you come across something you adore, simply copy and paste an image of it into your digital moodboard to see if it fits with everything else. Easy!”, says Lucy, Head of Design at My Bespoke Room.
Why bother making a moodboard?
"Creating a moodboard will not only help you to make all the big decisions in finding the perfect look for your home, it can also help you to stick within your budget," says Justyna.
Your moodboard could also make shopping for your home project much easier knowing exactly what you’re looking for.
"Moodboards are a safe tool for experimenting with different styles and colours, especially if you’re not yet sure what you want," she adds.
"And they're a great way for sharing your ideas with the rest of the household."
Think big...
Don’t worry about your moodboard starting off as a brain dump – that’s the whole point, says Karen Blue of Karen Blue Interiors.
"I tend to throw everything at my moodboard initially and then extract ideas that will make it to the final design.
"Whether from Pinterest, online browsing or magazines, start by gathering images of rooms you think have the kind of wow-factor you’re looking for.
"Seek out colours, fabrics, furniture styles and design features that draw you in.
"They won’t all end up on your final moodboard, but they will help you to shape those initial ideas and hone down your favourites: rustic or minimalist, greys or greens, for example."
But start small…
You may already have a favourite piece of furniture, a rug or an heirloom that you’re particularly attached to, or an architectural or period feature that you want to enhance.
"Take photos of it and stick it in the centre of your moodboard, then build everything else around it," suggests Charlotte Ringart, who used moodboards to design the interiors for her amazing and inspirational self-built home.
"It will help to see it against different colours, textures and designs," she says.
"And if you have a favourite wallpaper sample or a colour you’re really keen on, that can be a good starting point to set the scene."
Get creative
"It can be quite fun to create a physical board as you get a greater sense of texture and you can be creative with the materials you use," says Karen.
"You don’t have to buy special card. Cut up a cardboard box instead and stick on ideas with blu-tack or alternatively use a cork board with pins.
"I’ve also used plywood boards that have come as packaging as you can paint wall colour samples straight onto them, so you get a better feel for colour."
Or you could get creative with a Pinterest moodboard – and the added bonus is it’s free.
In fact, online moodboards make it quick and easy to change ideas around and play with the design.
Plus you can just send the link to friends and family for their input.
Lucy at My Bespoke Room suggests pulling together blocks of paint and fabric colours as well as textures, such as those of your new flooring and furnishings.
“Copy in images of preexisting furniture and perhaps some pieces you're eyeing up, as well as décor details like artwork, mirrors, lighting, pillows or house plants.
Even though a digital moodboard isn’t tangible, having all those materials, textures, and colours on one screen can really help you see how everything fits together!”
Take inspiration
Collect inspiration from anywhere and everywhere – online shops, photographs, magazines, brochures, even your favourite artworks.
"I take a lot of real life photos – a particular shelving unit I like in a restaurant, for example," says Charlotte.
Lucy at My Bespoke Room notes: “When clients come to us with no idea where to start, we often look for inspiration in their wardrobes and see what colours and textures they wear in day to day life.
"Existing pieces such as artwork are also a great place to pull colours, patterns and texture from,”
When exploring your favourite ideas, don't just think about colours and textures, include different furniture and accessories - and don’t forget lighting.
Experiment too. Twigs might make you realise you want to soften everything with natural wood for a more rustic feel, while exotic fabrics might draw you to an Eastern look.
Narrow it down
"The whole point of a moodboard is to narrow down your choices and refine them before making decisions," says Juliette Thomas, managing director of Juliette's Interiors.
"So play with all your tear pages and prints outs, move them around, take things off, put them back on and try different combinations.
"Do not discard anything, as you may find you come back to it later."
David Conlon, head interior designer at En Masse Bespoke Interiors, says: "You’ll see quite quickly that multiple patterns may clash, or certain colours won’t work together, but equally, they can surprise you."
“Pinterest is a fantastic tool to narrow down your ideas, by gathering inspirational images in one place you can see what works together and what doesn’t.” says Lucy from My Bespoke Room.
“Plus, its clever tech will suggest other images which are similar to your style, allowing you to gather more cohesive ideas.”,
Take your time
"Creating a moodboard is not a five-minute exercise," says Juliette. "For it to be truly useful, you will need to spend time collecting samples and ideas.
"You don’t have to complete your moodboard in one sitting. If you’re not sure about something, take a break and come back to it later with fresh eyes.
"You’re about to make an investment that's both financial and time-consuming, so you’ll have to be sure you love every bit of it."
Be bold
"Above all, have fun with your moodboard," says Suzann Bozrgi, founder of interior design studio RoomLab.
"No one is holding you to your final design, so if you like the idea of a bright yellow sofa, put it on your moodboard.
"You can always adapt that splash of colour into a cushion or throw at a later stage – it’s the ideas that matter most."
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