How to create a decorating moodboard
If you're planning to redecorate a room in your house, taking the time to research before you start shopping is key. Whether you're starting from square one and painting the walls, buying a sofa and laying a new rug on the floor or just considering replacing your curtains, the same principles of colour, pattern and texture will apply no matter the space. Creating a moodboard is a simple - and fun - way to experiment with your decorating choices before you pick up a paintbrush or hand over your credit card! Interior designers swear by them - and our homes team won't start their projects without one. Start your own decorating moodboard with a piece of A3 card (try a local stationery shop or Hobbycraft for individual sheets). Physical moodboards (compared to digital ones) are ideal as you can see the real colours and feel the textures as you're planning.
Gather your inspiration
Perhaps you already have the starting point to your project - it could be a beautiful new bedframe or a stunning sofa in a lustworthy fabric. If so, print out a picture and immediately add it to the centre of your moodboard. If you're less organised, though (and even if you're not), it's well worth having a flick through magazines and catalogues and tear out any pages that strike a chord with you - even if they're wildly different in shape or size to your own space, the 'mood' is what matters. 'It could be a beautiful colour used in an interesting way, a window frame that's been dressed beautifully, or even something as simple as how a particular worktop has been arranged in a kitchen!' says James Cunningham, GH's Homes Editor. Research the types of furniture and accessories you like, too. Print pictures of these out from your favourite websites - two or three options of armchair, bookcase or whatever piece you're replacing is a good number to go for when you'll be adding and taking these out of your moodboard.
Think big
'The walls are the biggest element in your space, so it makes sense to think about these early in your project,' explains James. 'If you're repainting, tester pots are your friend,' he says. Try hanging different shades, painted on card, in various spots in your room. See how they work with light and shade at different times of the day. Narrow your choice down to two or three and paint these on smaller pieces of card to place on your moodboard. If you're considering wallpaper, order samples from a number of different retailers in the colours you're thinking of. 'Don't be afraid to explore out-of-the-ordinary options at this stage,' says James. You may be tempted towards a stripe, but don't be afraid of a paisley. The planning stage is all about exploration, after all.'
Walk the talk
Flooring is another crucial element in any room, so should always have a place in your interior design planning. Many retailers now offer samples of carpet, tiles and even wood flooring that can be ordered online, so make sure to request a variety that you think might work. These can be added in to your moodboard and taken out at will. 'Consider a few options and see how the colours and textures interact with the other pieces you've placed onto your card,' explains Christina Geggus, GH's Junior Homes Writer. 'Don't be afraid to follow your gut. If you're not sure, there's no need to settle!'
Feel the textures
If you're replacing the sofa, curtains or blinds, order several swatches of the materials and add these to your moodboard before settling on your final choice. If a print feels like it's fading away too much (as a rule of thumb, it's best to stick to one or two busier prints plus one or two calmer ones), you'll know to go for a bolder option. If a colour feels like it's fading into the background (and you don't want it to), the same applies. Don't be afraid of mixing more luxe fabrics such as silk and velvet with plainer fabrics like cotton and linen.
The finishing touches
Once you have your furniture, walls, flooring and fabrics on your moodboard, it's time for the really fun part - the accessories! Print out images of cushions, vases, lighting fixtures and other decorative accessories that catch your eye. Most retailers have pictures of their product on a white backdrop, which are ideal for this purpose. 'Don't be afraid to add real pieces in and out your moodboard, either,' says James. 'Small practical pieces like a hook or a handle placed in the mix can really help you think, even if you're only popping them on there for a second,' he explains. A miniature pot plant, too, can be a great way to see how your chosen colours and patterns will respond to greenery if you're something of an indoor gardener!
Bringing your vision to life
Now your moodboard is complete, do try making in any final swaps - are you sure about that exact shade versus another? Does that floor lamp work with the coffee table? Once you're completely happy, it's time to start re-decorating.
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