Ready for a bit of cut and stick? Creating a moodboard is one of the most fun parts of planning a decorating project, if you ask me. Itโs a chance to look at all the things you like โ think colours, patterns, textures, architectural styles (you name it) โ and start your journey towards what your finished interiors project could look like. If youโre working with an interior designer, theyโll usually create a board for you, but I think itโs always a good idea to do this exercise yourself to really work out what style you want for your home.
But, if youโre a bit of a perfectionist (guilty), it can also be a little daunting. Why? Well, because creating a moodboard is about getting your ideas down, choosing what you like and ultimately, putting together the look for your new room โ whether that be your kitchen, bedroom or bathroom (or even the whole house). Ok, that sounds exciting, actually. Hereโs how to get goingโฆ
Collect what you like
The process of creating a moodboard should start with lots of stuff. Yes, Iโm thinking piles of magazines (KBB magazine, of course), photos, all sorts of samples, textures, colours, patternsโฆyou name it.
Use social media sites like Pinterest and Instagram for inspiration and print out any pictures you like for your moodboard. Tear out things you like the look of from magazines; curate any photos you like โ this could even be photos youโve taken on holiday, around where you live or of something that means something to you โ if youโre drawn to it, thereโs a reason.
Look at your favourite things
Is there anything you already own that you love so much that it could form the starting point for a whole new decorating scheme? Iโve heard homeowners base their new kitchen design around an inherited dresser, a dining table thatโs been in the family for decades, or a range cooker that they canโt bear to part with.
If you own something (even smaller, like a collection of crockery or a piece or art) that you love, well, isnโt that a good starting place for a decorating project as any? This needs to go centre on your moodboard and build around there.
Is there one key item?
โWhat if I donโt already have anything that I want in my new space?โ, I hear you ask. Well, is there anything youโve been yearning for for years, such as a particular type of flooring, a piece of furniture, something decorative, an appliance or an iconic design classic?
If so, get this on your moodboard. If itโs not an item, this could even be a style of layout or way of living. I speak to a lot of people whoโs aim is to create an open feeling connected to the outdoors. Write this down and add key words to your moodboard instead.
Go mad for samples
Itโs ok to resemble a bit of a hoarder at this stage. Look at wallpapers, flooring, paints and colours, fabrics, door swatches, handles, tiles, metalsโฆanything youโd like to include in the dรฉcor (or think you want to include).
Visit DIY stores if you can or take advantage of the many free sample services offered by companies online. Some may charge a small fee, too. Some interior designers may call this type of moodboard a sample board, while the โmoodboardโ is more of a โthemeโ or โoverall feelingโ for the scheme. But for ease and clarity, I like to keep it all together as one.
Edit it down
Now is the time to bring out your inner editor. And some serious self discipline. I get it: in my job, Iโm lucky enough to see beautiful interiors every day, so whenever I get asked what I like, itโs hard to define because it changes so frequently.
But, when youโre creating a moodboard, the edit stage is crucial. Look at all youโve gathered and begin to take away things that you donโt like so much โ even if you quite like it. Quite isnโt good enough here. Be ruthless and ensure that whatโs left are looks and pieces that truly reflect your style and what your dream home looks like.
You may also enjoy: Where do you get your decorating inspiration?
Keep editing
Yes, keep going. Spend time โ days even โ revisiting your moodboard and assess what it is you like and donโt like. When you get to the stage where you like it all and are happy with the overall look, youโre good to go.
Make a wishlist
With a moodboard youโre 100 per cent happy with, youโre ready to make a wishlist of items for your space. Put these in order of importance as this will help to further secure your vision and also help when it comes to setting your budget. In short, spend on the things youโll use most, or want most, and divide your budget up from there. You may need to compromise, shop around, or remove something from your wishlist to balance the books.
Refer back to your moodboard
Stick it up somewhere or keep it where youโll be able to look at it again. Once you start getting into the purchase stage of a decoration project, itโs tempting to go for things youโve only just spotted, or get things because theyโre on sale.
This is fine if it fits with what youโre trying to achieve, of course, but be wary of impulse buys that arenโt in line with the dream look youโve been planning. Keep referring back to your moodboard to keep your vision on track. Naturally, you may switch things around, but best to do this before youโve bought anything to make sure you donโt waste any of your budget.
Should I do room by room?
A common question and it depends on the scale of your project and how you like your home to be. For a cohesive look throughout, create a moodboard for the whole house (you may section by room and see how each works together). Or, if you want to create a different look in each room, or youโre working on one space, create a moodboard only for this. Either is fine, just make sure to follow the steps above to get it right.
Featured image: iStock/oddcomeshort
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