The concept board and mood board - a crucial step in the design process!

For those who may not be familiar, a concept board is a visual representation of the design concept, theme, or idea. It's a collage of images, textures, colours, and other materials that evoke the desired mood, atmosphere, and aesthetic. By creating a concept board, you can effectively communicate your design vision to clients.

In my design process, the concept board is based on the answers provided by my clients in the brief/client questionnaire. This is a great approach, as it ensures that I am capturing their preferences, lifestyle, and personality traits.

The next step is to create a mood board, which is a visual representation of the emotional response you want to evoke in your design. A mood board typically includes images, colors, textures, and other elements that convey the desired mood or atmosphere. By combining these elements, I create a cohesive visual language that sets the tone for the design project.

A  mood board conveys the general feeling that you get about a design idea. However, a concept board provides the stimuli or inspiration to start the creative work. 

I know it can be confusing, and believe me when I say, you are not alone. Whilst researching for this blog I found that both terms are widely used interchangeably. And to be honest, I do it sometimes too!

Though mood boards were always more popular, concept boards are gaining traction in the interior design space. That’s because concept boards take a systematic approach to the design process. They give you a basic framework on which you can expand.

My advice is to base your colour palette on things that you love. When selecting colours for a home, it's essential to consider the client's personal preferences and lifestyle. By incorporating colours that they love and resonate with, I can create a harmonious and inviting space that reflects their personality.

Overall, the concept and mood board help me create a thoughtful and intentional approach to my design process. The attention to detail and the effort put towards creating a beautiful and functional space.

By presenting a carefully curated selection of materials in a visually engaging way, they allow clients to experience the design scheme firsthand. They also serve as a master visual document, ensuring that all design elements work together harmoniously.

Interior designers often use concept boards as guide tools. Sometimes, a concept board can resemble an advertisement since they tell you the features and benefits of a design idea or element. 

Earlier concept boards were created on large mount boards so that many people could see them. However, digital concept boards are popular these days since they are easier to create and share. Personally, I use digital boards in my design process.

While a mood board lets you get creative and experiment, a concept board provides a head start to the design project. It lets you plan the direction of the work.