Moodboard masterclass

A moodboard is every interior designer's go-to and, if you're planning to totally transform a room, this essential creative aid will help you make decisions and avoid mistakes. Here, 12 experts explain how they curate a clear vision...

- VIVIENNE AYERS

If you're planning a spring makeover, a bright idea is to harness the interior designer's trick of the trade. 'A moodboard is a board or surface that contains a mixture of paint and material samples, inspirational images and any other physical references that evoke the mood and style of your scheme,' explains Tash Bradley, director of interior design at Lick. 'It can be overwhelming if you jump straight into choosing colours and materials before you've worked out what look and feel you want to create, so this is a really important step.' A moodboard is also an invaluable tool in helping you streamline your ideas. 'Never underestimate the importance of using a moodboard to capture and refine your design vision,' says Andy Greenall, head of design at Paint & Paper Library. 'It will provide clarity, reduce the risk of errors, and help to achieve a harmonious look.' According to Andy, it's important to view a moodboard as something that can evolve. 'Think of the moodboard as a working document that helps you develop and improve the scheme, not just a report on a static set of ideas that you hope will look okay.'

FINDING INSPIRATION

Before creating a moodboard, an interior designer works towards an initial feel for the aesthetic by gathering ideas. Flick through magazines and cut out images of rooms you like so that you can narrow down the colour palette, potential fabrics and wallpapers, hero furniture pieces, and treatments of architectural features, such as alcoves, chimney breasts and bay windows.