What is a Mood Board and Why Do You Need One for Your Design Project?

You may have heard the term “Mood Board” used in conversations with a friend who is working with a designer, on a reality TV show, or on social media. But what is it? The best way I can describe it is a visual way for your designer to tell you what she is hearing you say you want for your project. 

Frequently, clients and designers have different interpretations of the same design term. Unfortunately, social media, blogs, and even some online publications use design terms incorrectly or incompletely. This can cause confusion between a client and their designer, especially in the early stage of the design process when we’re discussing design style or styles. 

A common example is when a homeowner says “modern.” They might be picturing the most current design trends, but their designer is picturing minimalist elements and clean lines. The term “modern” can mean both of these things, and if we’re not clear on what it is the client wants, we won’t get very far. And clients might lose confidence in their designer.

We don't want that. 

We want a crystal-clear vision that the client and designer share. 

Enter the Mood Board. 

When we first begin a project, we dig into how my clients want the finished room(s) to feel, how they want it to function, and the ins and outs of their lifestyle. 

Usually after describing all these things and we look over inspiration pictures, we come up with a Design Project Northstar together. You can read a little bit more about that here, but that's essentially a guiding principle or phrase that helps define the design vision.

Once the North Star is identified, I create a Mood Board that visually represents what I've interpreted. It usually includes pictures of finishes, fabrics, paint colors, furniture, and a light fixture.

Now, sometimes it takes 2 or 3 iterations of a Mood Board for a designer to get it “right.” That’s normal. Again, because design terms are somewhat subjective. 

Now that you know what a Mood Board is, it’s important to define what a mood board isn’t—and that is a Design Board. My next article will dive into the ins and outs of Design Boards. In the meantime, let’s simply make the distinction that a Mood Board suggests ideas, while a Design Board has actual product selections that I recommend for your specific project once the design vision has been established with the Mood Board.

I create Mood Boards for all of my Design Only and Full Service Design clients. If you’re interested in learning more about what those services are, you can read a little about that here.

I have a growing collection of Mood Boards posted on my Pinterest and Instagram feeds, if you’d like to see some examples.

And if you’re ready to get started on your project with a custom Mood Board, please click here so we can schedule a complimentary call as soon as possible. I’d be honored to be the designer who helps you make your home amazing.

Until then,

MB