How to Create a Mood Board for Interior Design Like a Pro
If you’ve ever scrolled through Pinterest or Instagram and thought, “How do designers pull a whole room together so perfectly?”—the secret often lies in one powerful tool: the mood board.
As a designer, I create mood boards for every project, and it’s one of the most effective ways to visualize, plan, and shop for a space—before spending a dime on furniture or decor. Whether you're revamping your bedroom, living room, or office, a mood board helps turn abstract inspiration into a concrete, cohesive vision.
Let’s break down how to create your own mood board (even if you’re not a designer), and how you can take your creative projects to the next level.
✏️ What Is a Mood Board in Interior Design?
A mood board is a curated collage of images, colors, textures, and products that help define the aesthetic and functional direction of a space. It can be digital (using Canva, Pinterest, or Photoshop) or physical (with fabric swatches, magazine clippings, and paint chips).
🧩 Why Mood Boards Matter
Clarify your style: Are you leaning toward boho, mid-century modern, or glam? Mood boards reveal your preferences clearly.
Stay consistent: With so many options out there, it's easy to get distracted. A mood board keeps your design direction focused.
Save time and money: Avoid costly purchases that don’t fit the overall look.
Communicate your vision: If you're working with a partner or professional, your mood board says more than words ever could.
🛠️ How to Create a Mood Board in 5 Steps
1. Gather Inspiration
Start with images that resonate with you: interiors, nature, fashion, artwork—anything that sparks a vibe. Pinterest is a great source (you can check out my boards here).
2. Choose a Color Palette
Stick to 3–5 main colors. Tools like Coolors can help generate a palette based on your inspiration.
3. Select Key Elements
Think about the items you already own and key element you’d like to design around:
Furniture (bed, sofa, dining table)
Textiles (rugs, throws, curtains)
Lighting (floor lamps, pendants)
Art & Accessories (wall prints, candles, trays)
4. Use a Tool to Compile Your Board
I recommend Canva or Photoshop for a digital layout. Drag and drop your selections, adjust spacing, and label your sources if you’re shopping.
5. Refine the Vision
Edit ruthlessly. If a piece doesn’t work with the whole, cut it. The goal is harmony—texture, color, scale, and style should flow together.
🖼 Examples of Real Mood Boards
Here are two of my recent bedroom mood boards, created entirely with Amazon-sourced items:
1. Luxe Glam Bedroom with Emerald & Fur Accents
Perfect for those who love dark moody palettes with cozy, elevated textures.
👉 Shop this Look
2. Maximalist Pop Art Bedroom with a Bold Tiger Rug
Full of personality and fearless color. Great for the bold and creative spirit.
👉 Shop this Look
💼 Want Me to Create a Mood Board For You?
If you’re ready to refresh your space but feel overwhelmed by choices, I offer custom digital mood boards tailored to your style, space, and budget.
Here’s what you get:
✅ One-on-one design consult
✅ A personalized mood board with product links
✅ A cohesive color palette and layout suggestions
✅ Shoppable Amazon affiliate list tailored to your needs
✨ Book Your Custom Mood Board Service Here
💬 Final Thoughts
A mood board is more than just a pretty collage—it’s a planning tool, a style guide, and your secret weapon to designing a room that feels like you. Whether you DIY or bring in a pro, it all starts with vision. Let’s create yours together!
