Proportions and hierarchy when designing material sample boards and mood boards

When it comes to designing material sample boards and mood boards, it is important to consider proportions and hierarchy. By using a simple grid system, you can easily create a board that has a well-balanced and professional look. Remember to use different textures, colours and weights to create depth, visual interest and draw the viewer's eye to the most important elements on the board.

A well-designed board can be the difference between a project that looks haphazard and one that looks polished and put together. Here are some tips on how to achieve a well-balanced look in your material sample boards and mood boards.

5 tips on how to achieve a well-balanced look in your material sample boards and mood boards:

Use a grid system

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When it comes to designing anything, a grid system is your best friend. By using a grid, you can easily ensure that your elements are proportionate and that your overall design is balanced.

Use different textures, colors, and weights

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To create visual interest and draw the viewer's eye to the most important elements on your board, be sure to use a variety of textures, colors, and weights. This will help to create a board that looks dynamic and professional. Understanding how to use color to your advantage is crucial when it comes to interior design.

Consider the proportion of your elements

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When you are placing elements on your board, be sure to consider their size in relation to the other elements on the board. You want to create a sense of hierarchy and visual interest, so be sure to use a variety of sizes.

Keep it simple. Use white space to your advantage

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White space is your friend when it comes to design. By using white space, you can create a sense of balance and professionalism in your material sample boards and mood boards. When in a creative flow you can quickly overdo it, and include too many distractions and irrelevant elements. It's good practice to be aware if you are making it too busy. Less is often more and by keeping your design simple, you can create a board that is clean, polished, and professional.

Think about the story of your vision

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Storytelling is the most important objective with a material mood board. Objects that are closer to the centre become the focal point. Objects at the edges are often accents or complimentary tertiary elements. Secondary elements are often near the centre or are in larger proportions with smaller elements on top. It's important to consider the size and layering in relation to your story and vision. For example, having a large wooden board would suggest that wood is playing a big role in your vision. Placing smaller tiles and ornaments on top of the wooden board suggests that the board is a secondary element, a backdrop but not the protagonist. 

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By following these tips, you can easily create material sample boards and mood boards that are well-balanced, professional, and visually appealing. Remember to use a grid system, different textures and colors, and consider the proportion of your elements relative to their specific role in the board.

Proportions and hierarchy are all a part of how you want to communicate the story of your vision. The most basic concept is that the larger the proportion and the closer the element is to the centre of the board - the more important it is and the more it becomes the focal point and protagonist of your vision. If you are designing boards using Mattoboard you can experiment with different proportions and sizes for all of your objects and materials, so you can get exactly the desired effect you want.

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.}