Impressionism meets joy with designer Madalyn Liebst and Karndean.

What is your background as a designer?

At the end of college I began an internship with Textron Aviation as a graphic design artist, which led to my current full time job. Within my current role I produce 3D renderings of Textron’s aircraft interiors as well as design the exterior stripe schemes. I am also currently pursuing my Masters of Science in Architecture and Sustainability from the University of Florida.

How can choices in color, materials and patterns generate a sense of joy in a space?

Colors scientifically correlate to human energy and emotion. So in order to make a joyful space, I incorporated colors that spark serotonin in the brain. Specifically tones that could be found in a field of flowers, grounded yet vibrant. Texture is important because it’s a tangible experience someone can have with a living space. Balancing dynamic textures and patterns with simple ones is a way to give a space character, without making it overwhelming. Utilizing textures or patterns that are symbolic or meaningful to you is a beautiful way to make your style more personal.

What inspired your Karndean-branded mood board?

A recent art museum visit sparked my creativity for this project. I was inspired by Impressionist style art works from Klimt, Matisse, and Monet. Particularly pieces depicting flowers & nature. This style brings me joy because it evokes a childlike sense of wonder, almost as if looking through a vibrant lens that allows life to be less structured, and more focused on emotion and color.

What drew you to the Impressionism theme, and how did you translate its essence into your design?

I believe Impressionism invites us to think in a colorful, less structured way. This perspective creates room for authenticity instead of rigidity, and being authentic is the first step to being joyful. When you’re in a space that feels inviting and playful you’ll feel more comfortable, so I leaned into this feeling when selecting products, and fabrics.

How do you approach balancing practicality and creativity when designing a space?

Being balanced is a trait I can thank my parents for. My mother is extremely creative. In contrast, my father is an engineer for Boeing and NASA which lead to him being very practical and technical. My parents traits together create harmony, so when I’m making creative choices I try to channel both of them.

Why did you choose Croftmore Oak as your Karndean flooring of choice?

Croftmore Oak has a classic character that transcends time and trends. It contains intriguing patterns while still remaining clean and polished. This style of flooring is seen a lot throughout traditional European buildings and I find it charming.

What do you like in particular about Karndean products and the Karndean brand?

I enjoy the variety of products! Karndean has flooring products that will accentuate any design style.

Take us through your process of building this mood board.  

1. First I input inspiration images into MattoBoard
2. Then I create a color palette, drawing tones from my inspiration images. 
3. Next I create an interior layout by inputting furniture and decor into MattoBoard in the logical structure of a room. I choose furniture and materials that correspond to my initial inspiration.
4. Finally I re-position my layout. I balance heaviness, texture, and color, utilizing the rule of thirds, and prioritization hierarchy for a photogenic end result.
5. Once I have the final layout I make sure shadows and lighting are optimal for rendering.

How do you think a mood board can communicate emotions and tell a story?

I use mood boards for human connection. Oftentimes people don’t have the ability to visualize what they want in a space but they can describe it, so I create a visual for them. I try to show a person's character through color, artwork, textures, and decor. It’s about understanding someone’s spirit and translating it visually through design principles.

Where do you look for inspiration for new projects?

Art museums, traveling, nature, and fashion.

What’s your favorite aspect of MattoBoard, and how does it elevate your creative process?

My favorite aspect of MattoBoard is how effortlessly customizable it is. In my current role, I work a lot with 3D modelling and it’s tedious work to create objects and tile each material. I remember being awestruck when I found MattoBoard and realized the modelling and tiling was pre-done!

How has MattoBoard changed the way you approach mood board creation and conceptual design?

MattoBoard elevates my mood boards entirely. I used to make them in 2D because it took too long to create physical mood boards. Now with MattoBoard, I can focus my creative energy on what matters the most and always achieve an elevated end result.

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‍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.