In this post, Hixson Interior Designer Allee Amstutz reviews two tools Hixson designers use to help our clients envision their space: Mood and swatch boards.
As we continue to collaborate digitally during these pandemic times, the industry and Hixson have shifted perspectives in ways to convey design intent through online presentations. It is all about knowing who our clients are and the way they receive design concepts. Some see floor plans and test fits as a sufficient way of decision-making; others need imagery and touch. To help stakeholders see their spaces evolve in ways that are meaningful to them, we designers here at Hixson have been making efforts to create all-in-one presentations which address these different learning types.
Mood boards are a great way of showing clients what their space could look like. As designers, the way that we select imagery is careful and intentional: We first listen to the wants and needs of clients and note what problems must be solved. When choosing an image to place on a mood board, we want to be able to speak on the elements within the image that will help solve the problems in the current design. For example, if a client needs movable/tactile furniture to create areas of collaboration, we show them images in groupings that convey the styles of possible furniture layout options. Will they go with that exact desk system in the image shown? Most likely not. Yet we show them that to get a reaction, whether positive or negative. Mood boards are all about getting a better direction so we can give the best possible outcomes to our clients. This is very similar to creating a Pinterest board for an idea you have and showing it to friends to get their opinions. Mood boards are an effective and engaging way to see concepts that will lead to other conversations and evolve the design forward.
Swatch boards are very similar to mood boards, but are more geared towards the reality of the space. Some of the images in mood boards might show neon colors on the walls and vibrant patterns in the flooring, but these do not always reflect the client’s wants and needs. Placing digital swatches of selected finishes next to imagery really helps the client imagine the space for what it will be. Selecting swatches is just as intentional, if not more careful, due to the nature of materials in commercial spaces. We always want to be selecting the most efficient materials for our clients, keeping in mind all the elements within the space and the type of business itself. After the client has seen initial finish selections, we always like to send them samples of their own to have. This brings in another element that is crucial: touch. It is important to note that not all materials look the same from a digital image to the actual sample, so sending samples to our clients is very critical to the process.
Once design concepts, materials, and layouts are approved we move into a more detailed phase with renderings of the space. As a designer, I feel that renderings are very important in showing the client the actual space and the relationship between layouts, furnishings, and finishes. At Hixson, we take our time to provide these different avenues of visualizing our Design Development to make a lasting impression on our clients.
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FAQs
Mood boards serve many purposes, starting with organizing a project's inspiration. They're a valuable resource to help keep the style and aesthetic of a project consistent with a client's goals and expectations. They're also an excellent way to refine a project's style before diving into the actual design process.
What are the four reasons why mood boards can help in the design development stage? ›
A mood board is a visual tool that helps designers explore, develop, and communicate the feel of a design project Arranging color schemes, getting concept clarity, drawing creative inspiration, and nailing branding strategy are the 4 main purposes of a mood board.
What is the difference between a mood board and a swatch board? ›
Mood boards are an effective and engaging way to see concepts that will lead to other conversations and evolve the design forward. Swatch boards are very similar to mood boards, but are more geared towards the reality of the space.
What does a mood board help you to gather ideas and inspiration? ›
Starting the design process with a mood board is a good idea for two reasons: 1) Mood boards help you. Gathering some ideas and inspiration before you actually start designing can streamline the design process and cut down the time you spend staring at a blank screen.
What's the difference between a mood board and a vision board? ›
Though similar, vision boards and mood boards are not one and the same. A vision board relates to your life direction, says Larry. A mood board, on the other hand, is more of a planning tool used for aesthetics—decorating a room or planning a party scheme, for example.
How does an interior designer use a mood board when working with clients? ›
A mood board allows the designer to combine ideas, textures, colours and of course moods in one place, to allow both parties to establish what works together, colour preferences and style. It is better to spend the time at the beginning so that you can identify likes and dislikes at the initial planning stage.
What does a good mood board look like? ›
Select a mix of images, textures, and other visual elements that resonate with your concept and mood. Choose visuals that evoke the emotions and feelings you want to convey.
What are the two types of mood board? ›
There are two types of ad mood boards: digital or physical. It's completely up to you and your working style to choose the one that best fits your marketing campaigns.
What is difference between mood board and inspiration board? ›
Here's a handy way to think about the difference between mood boards and inspiration boards: Mood Boards = feeling, conceptualized, psychological. Inspiration Boards = details, colors, textures, specifics.
What are two main purposes to make your own moodboard? ›
The purpose of mood boards
- Gain clarity on the project's overall aesthetic
- Easily communicate your vision to your teammates or clients
- Determine which colors best represent your brand
- Provide a starting off point for the creation of visual design elements (such as a logo or social media templates)
Creating mood boards allows you to collect thoughts, ideas, color schemes, and moods in one place and define a coherent design concept without the risk of losing sight of the bigger picture. Visual concepts are a constant source of inspiration and huge motivators that make you feel empowered.
How do you create a mood board for clients? ›
Create a mood board in 4 easy steps
- 1. Make a list of words or phrases that describe your brand.
- 2. Search for colors, fonts, and images that connect to your words and phrases.
- 3. Put them together so that they tell a story.
- 4. Get feedback to see if your story resonates.
A mood board can help you stay focused, communicate your ideas effectively using visual language, and create a cohesive final product. Mood boards are a useful tool for any creative project, as they help communicate visual concepts, design elements, and ideas that may be difficult to express verbally.
What is the purpose of making a mood habitat board? ›
The meaning of a mood board is to convey your feelings and ideas about a particular topic. It is a presentation and collage existing of images, texts, and samples of those ideas. This collage of images shows a collaborative imagination of your goals with that topic and what you want out of it.
What is a mood board for mental health? ›
The mood board is a visual representation of negative and positive emotions on a spectrum, ranging from intense emotions to mild emotions.
What is a mood board for life? ›
Unlike vision boards, which focus on goals, mood boards encapsulate a vibe, a feeling, or a theme you want to embody in a particular area of your life, be it a creative project, a room design, or your style.
