CREATING A MOOD BOARD FOR INTERIOR DECORATING

Creating a mood board is the best way to plan and budget when decorating, as not only does it help you visualise the 'big picture', but helps to keep you on track and avoid expensive mistakes when buying paint, furniture and decor accessories.

Follow these steps for a decorating plan that works:

1. Journal Your Ideas

Use an unlined sketchbook or any scrap book with blank pages. Using magazines and the internet, find and collect pictures of rooms, fabrics, paint colors, furniture, artwork and accessories that appeal to you and then paste them into the book, along with paint samples and fabric swatches. Also jot down any ideas or inspirations that come to mind plus any appealing DIY projects you can find.

Continue collecting and pasting and as the book starts filling up you should begin noticing a certain color scheme and style emerging.

2. Make A Priority List From Your Journal

Paging through your journal, list ideas, colour schemes and pieces you are particularly drawn to which you think may work in your own space.

Be realistic with your ideas and do not list items you think may be out of your budget.

Did you find any good DIY ideas for your project? Can you transform any of your existing pieces through recycling or upcycling? If so, add them to the list.

3. Create a Mood Board

Referring to your priority list, start transferring some of your favourite samples and pictures from your journal onto a large board, about half the size of a poster board. Arrange and mix and match until you achieve the look you want, then paste it all down, not forgetting to leave some space around the items to make notes.

4. Design Your Layout

Now that you have a good idea of what you would like to implement from your board, you need to check that furniture, artwork, shelving etc. will fit into your space before making final decisions. So, before rushing out to shop, draw a layout plan and check all measurements. You can find free room layout planners online if you need some help.

5. Source And Cost

Source and get estimate costing for all the items on your mood board then write down supplier names and prices beside the items for future reference.

Voila! Now you have your very own designer board with costing and you are all set to create your space with a plan in mind and within a budget.