When I post a blog as part of Mood Board Sunday, I often get asked about how I create the actual boards and what goes into choosing the pieces that I include in the designs. So, today I wanted to chat a bit about how you can create your mood board ahead of tackling any renovation or refresh in your home.
Most often, the shape and architecture of a room will be the starting off point for any design that I create. Last year, I helped a client tackle a small dining space, through our E-Design services, that didn’t have a ton of light but needed to include plenty of color and texture (you can take a look at the winning mood board here). While the client chose the mood board I shared with you all, I did create a second option using the steps I’ve listed below:
Know Your Space Intimately:
Before even thinking about a design plan or even what color you’d like to paint the room, start with your measurements! This step is so important and makes it so much easier to decide what furniture pieces can be included in the design plan. When measuring, you want to make sure to add little details like the trim around the doors and windows to avoid placing furniture that scratches these architectural elements.
Mood Board Option #2
Start With The Main Pieces:
Pick that unique furniture piece that stands out the most and that the rest of the design is centered around. In this case, the Ally dining table was a must and set the tone for the modern vibe that the client requested.
I used the Keynote program on my Mac to create the boards and added the table to the room first. At this point, I also added the wallpaper option for this design so that I could have a better idea of how the entire room would come together.
Add Additional and Contrasting Furniture Pieces:
Depending on the room you are styling, you may need other furniture pieces like nightstands in a bedroom, islands in kitchens, and in this case, additional storage and seating. I chose bold green velvet chairs to contrast the dark grey tone in the table and bold black metal bookcases to add plenty of storage to this space. The dining chairs do not seem to be available but I love these as an alternative.
It’s a good idea to add the items to the mood board in a way that mirrors what the actual space will look like once completed. In this instance, I placed the chairs around the dining table, and the bookcases to the right and behind the seating area the way the actual floor plan worked.
Lighting:
Every room needs plenty of this! If possible, it’s best to include multiple lighting options (overhead,accent lighting, etc.). For this smaller dining room, an overage head light source was sufficient, so I chose this beautiful drum chandelier with a gold interior finish that matches the accent on the dining table. So cute!
On to the last and most exciting part!
Accessorize, Accessorize, Accessorize:
This last step is something that I find a lot of people forget. Although it is an added expense, accessorizing a space makes it feel put together and finished. For this room, we started by adding a faux olive tree in a beautiful and large planter. The artwork from McGee & Co. tones down the bold wallpaper behind it. Styling the bookcases, and adding lovely touches to the dining table, completed the deign.
While the concept is simple, creating a mood board is a critical step and can save you a lot of headaches when planning, ordering, and installing your new room. We would love to know if you have ever created your mood board and what programs you used? Tell us in the comments below!
Until next time!
Leave a Reply