bored of boards? enter the mood bowl

A mood bowl picked for an Autumn mood.

We’re all familiar with mood boards. And if you’re familiar with working with clients, then you know how helpful, and often necessary, having a tangible set of inspiration bits can be to aid moving from idea to visualization. A lot of people struggle to envision how a design will come together, and shy of some impressive psychic ability, we can’t expect others to know where a project is headed if it’s only, well, in our head.

Mood board example, created for a client’s guest bedroom.

The above mood board, circa 2010 comprising natural linen hopsack with indigo dye pattern over silk check curtain fabric, and maize-inspired colors like Beeswax and chestnut-y colors like Old Gold (pictured here as paint “chips”). You probably recognize many of the hues as they’ve cycled back in style.

When planning a new scene, we’re big fans of the mood bowl. Spying and sorting through little bits to add to the collection, placing them all together in a creative cauldron is a tactile and satisfying ritual. It’s like handpicking only the best ingredients for some creation yet to be concocted. Highly recommend. And, bonus points, these beauty bowls can double as decor.