How to create an inspirational mood board

Why we need mood boards

One of my favorite ways to conceptualize a project is by using a mood board. I do this for many of my flower art prints before I begin shooting, bringing the color, tone, shape, and overall feeling of the end product into focus before I begin my work. Crafting a clear end goal helps me take the steps to get there. 

For something as multifaceted as a room, mood boards can be extremely helpful. I always begin by researching ideas on Pinterest, Instagram, blogs, then move to furniture stores and decor. After pulling these small pieces together - I land with inspiration. 

"For something as multifaceted as a room, mood boards can be extremely helpful"

My new home office is coming to life in whites, creams, cozy peaches, greys, and golds … with touches of blue. A neutral color palette will open up the space in this small room to make it feel airy, while warm tones (cognac, peach, gold) will maintain a soft, welcoming environment. Just take a peek at the board below - how does it make you feel? 

 

How to create a mood board

When people ask me how to best craft their mood boards, I always recommend gathering everything that inspires you first - pull it all together and paste it into a Pinterest board or word document or any creative platform (I love to use Photoshop!). From there, refine. See if you can find a theme that ties most of your images together, and perhaps an anchor image from there. Throw away the things that no longer fit. This will become intuitive, and you can go through this process several times - gather, explore, refine, repeat. Soon, your board will feel settled. 

"See if you can find a theme that ties most of your images together"

A functional mood board

Now that we have inspiration, we can explore function. There are always non-negotiable things needed from our spaces. For example, there are four key items on my wishlist for the new office: a comfortable desk and chair, space to shoot photography and pack my finished prints, a cabinet to store and display props (and fresh flowers!), and a gallery art wall. The last is inspired by my favorite Ralph Lauren store - they always have a divine art collection hanging in the background. Seeing work from others I admire always puts me in the right mindset to produce beautiful pieces.

I’m on a mission to bring my most incredible creations to life, and with them, my most incredible self. Every small step I take to bring my ideal world to life seems to elevate my mood and creative process. I love sharing my journey and I hope it inspires you to create your own magical spaces, dreams and creations. 

If you have any questions, thoughts, or mood boards of your own - just reply below. I’d love to hear from you. 💕

with love,