Are you diving into a home renovation or building project, only to find yourself lost in a sea of design choices? With the plethora of options available, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Perhaps you’ve scrolled through countless social media feeds or watched numerous DIY videos, sparking a flurry of ideas. But amidst this creative chaos, the question remains: How do you unite these scattered inspirations into a cohesive vision?
A mood board can help streamline your design journey and transform your vision into reality.
Vision & Style
Before diving into the details, take a moment to define your vision and style for your home. Ask yourself: What atmosphere do I want to create? What adjectives describe my ideal space – cosy, modern, eclectic, or timeless?
Gather inspiration from interior design magazines and online platforms such as Pinterest, Archipro and Instagram. Websites like gerrandfloorings.co.nz have real-life examples highlighting local projects and what is available in New Zealand. Your mood board should reflect your unique personality and preferences, serving as a visual roadmap for your design journey. Nothing beats a physical mood board, where you can touch and feel, but during the research phase digital assets, such as Pinterest, are a great way of collating ideas by room or by style.
Colour Palette
One of the most powerful elements of your mood board is the colour palette. Choose a cohesive palette that sets the tone for your space and evokes the mood you desire. Consider the psychology of colour – warm tones like reds and oranges can create a sense of cosiness and intimacy, while cool tones, like blues and greens, promote calmness and tranquility. Experiment with different combinations and take a trip to the local paint store for actual swatches until you find the perfect balance of hues that speak to your style and personality.
Key Elements
Identify the key elements that will define the look and feel of your home. Start with foundational elements like flooring, which can set the stage for the entire design scheme. Whether you prefer the timeless elegance of carpet or timber flooring or the versatility of designer vinyl, include samples or images that capture the essence of your chosen flooring material. Then, move on to other key elements such as cabinetry, countertops and architectural details. These elements will anchor your design and provide a framework for the rest of your selections.
Gerrand Floorings now offer larger loan out samples to give a better in-home experience when considering your flooring. You can select up to 10 samples, and they are always happy to recommend options if you need help. Their website (gerrandfloorings.co.nz) also has a handy “save to your design list” option to help you keep track of what takes your fancy. And, of course, there is always the option to visit their magnificent showroom on Hewletts Road to touch and feel the hundreds of options and where their staff are on hand to answer any of your questions.
Textures and Materials
Texture plays a crucial role in adding depth and visual interest to your home design. Incorporate a variety of textures and materials into your mood board to create a tactile experience that engages the senses. Consider the juxtaposition of rough and smooth surfaces, soft and hard materials, and matte and glossy finishes. From natural stone countertops to plush upholstery fabrics, each texture contributes to the overall richness and warmth of your space.
Finishes
Finally, don’t overlook the importance of finishes in completing your design vision. Finishes encompass everything from hardware and fixtures to lighting and accessories, adding the final layer of polish and personality to your space. Pay attention to the small details – the shape of a drawer pull, the finish of a faucet, the style of a light fixture – as these finishing touches can elevate your design from ordinary to extraordinary.
Happy designing!
