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How to start composing and designing the perfect interior design Material boards

Designers, have you ever had trouble starting on a project? It can be difficult to know where to start, what materials to use, and how it will all come together. In this post we'll show you how to start composing and designing the perfect interior design material board!

December 30, 2022
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12 min

What is a mood board and why should you use one?

A mood board is a collection of images, textures, and colors that help you visualize the design of a room. It can be helpful to use a mood board when decorating because it allows you to experiment with different ideas before you make any actual decisions. See it as the perfect way to test and trial!

A mood board can also help you stay on track and make sure that your design is cohesive. It gives you a solid foundation to return to if you get lost on your design journey. It can be helpful to create a mood board before you start shopping for furniture and accessories, so you have a clear idea of what you’re looking for.

You can also use a mood board to select and visualize paint colors and flooring, so you can be sure that the colors and textures in your room are compatible.

When creating a mood board, it's important to think about the overall feel you want for your room. Do you want it to be casual and comfortable, or elegant and sophisticated? Do you want to echo a certain design trend like mid-century modern or Japandi style? Once you have an idea of the feel you're going for you are ready to start creating!

How to create your mood board

Creating a mood board is a great way to get started on designing the perfect room. By putting together a board of images and ideas, you can get a better sense of what you want the final outcome to be. Here are some tips for creating your mood board to design the perfect room!

1. Get Inspired

To create a mood board, you'll first need to gather some inspiration photos. You can find inspiration from different sources such as magazines, websites, and even Pinterest. Think about the mood you want to create in the room. Are you looking for a cozy and inviting space, or a more modern and chic vibe? Once you have a few photos that you love, it's time to start sorting them into categories.

For example, if you're going for a modern look, you might want to group your inspiration photos into categories like color schemes, furniture styles, and lighting fixtures. Once you have your categories sorted out, start thinking about how you can incorporate each of them into your design.

2. Start with a basic color palette

When creating your mood board, start by selecting a few colors that you want to use in the room. These colors may come from your initial inspiration photos or you might already have a palette of colors you love in mind. Either way, deciding this early on can help form your vision and make it easier to choose accessories and furniture for a cohesive look.

Starting with a basic palette is less restricting and allows you to add in colors throughout the process, leaving room for spontaneity. 

3. Select furniture and accessories that fit the style of your room

Once you have selected your colors, start thinking about the furniture and accessories that will fit in with the overall style. Pro tip: select pieces that are all the same style or have matching finishes.This will help to create a unified look in the room. Or if you want a more eclectic look, choose a variety of finishes and styles. It's important that you create a space that reflects your or your clients personal style and taste.

4. Add a variety of textures

You want to communicate how your room is going to look and feel through this mood board. Therefore it is ideal to incorporate all of your different textures to not only visualize whether they go well together but to also get a sense of the room's aura. Remember you are not tied to everything you place on your mood board - you can swap and change any time.

5. Don’t forget to add images

When searching for inspiration, you will have collected a bank of great imagery. Add a few of these images to your mood board to help communicate the vibe you are wanting to create. Whether these are lifestyle, color palette or decorative images, they will add an extra dimension to your mood board and help your vision come to life!

6. Use a tool to help you

Create your own 3D material board with Mattoboard.

Consider using an easy 3D software mood board maker like Mattoboard. To make the process a little easier, it gives you access to variety of textures and materials in the form of a 3D material library. This is also a great place to start if you don't have material samples to hand.

7. Take your time

Designing the perfect room doesn’t happen overnight. Take your time and trust your intuition when putting together your mood board - don’t be afraid to change things up if you don’t like the way they look. With a little patience, you’ll be sure to create the perfect space for you.

The power of mood boards for communicating and selling your vision

Mood boards are a great way to communicate your vision for a room. By putting together a board of images and ideas, you can show potential clients or collaborators exactly what you have in mind. This can be helpful in avoiding any misunderstandings and making sure that everyone is on the same page.

In addition, mood boards can also be a great selling tool. If you’re trying to sell your services as an interior designer, a mood board can give potential clients a taste of your style and help them to see how you could transform their space through a visual story.

If you’re looking to get started in interior design, mood boards are a great place to start and look amazing in portfolios.  By following these tips, you can use your mood board to design the perfect room. With a little patience and creativity, you’ll be sure to create a space that you love.

Creating a mood board is the perfect way to start any interior design project. By selecting colors, furniture, and accessories early on, you can create a cohesive look for your room that will be sure to impress. Not only are mood boards great for getting started, but they can also help you during the final stages of your project when it comes time to select flooring and window treatments. With a little bit of creativity and imagination, you can easily create a stunning mood board that will help bring your vision to life. Thanks for reading!

Mattoboard is a 3D tool for designers. Our drag and drop technology helps you design quickly & experiment endlessly. Stay on trend and use visual storytelling to create mood and material boards.

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