Photo by Elite Dwellings

The mood board is not just a collection of pretty pictures; it’s the visual DNA of a project, the first step in translating abstract ideas into a coherent design language.

For us, mood boards are less about trends and more about intuition. They’re where emotion meets structure or where human activity space meets a property.

Why Start with a Mood Board?

Mood boards create alignment. Before a single sketch is made or a model is built, the mood board helps define the tone, texture, and personality of a space. It becomes a shared language between us and our client—or sometimes just a guide for ourselves when we’re deep in the creative process.

They’re also invaluable for communicating intangible ideas. You can tell someone you’re going for “modern with a hint of nostalgia,” but a single image of weathered brass or mid-century curves says it better.

What Goes On My Mood Boards

Every mood board we make is a mix of inspiration and intention. We include:

• Materials – real samples when possible, or high-res textures: plaster, linen, timber, brushed metal.
• Colour palettes – pulled from history, the building, or nature. 
• Forms and silhouettes – furniture lines, architectural details, or shapes that set the tone.
• Lighting – both literal fixtures and atmospheric light: soft, moody shadows or crisp daylight scenes.
• Cultural and historical references – sometimes a vintage art and historical artifacts.

Analog vs Digital

There’s something grounding about physically arranging materials and images on a board or desk. We still do that for certain projects, especially interiors. These days, digital boards do make it easier to move things around, test different directions, and share with clients remotely.

Often we create multiple boards to explore different design directions before narrowing in. One might feel earthy and organic, another minimal and graphic. It’s like tuning a frequency—you know when it locks in.

It’s Not Just a Step—It’s a Practice

Mood boarding isn’t just a phase to get through. It’s a way of thinking. When done with intention, it keeps the whole design process grounded and clear. And in a world where everything is moving faster, taking time to find the mood is what sets thoughtful work apart.

 

About the Author:

Mary and Andrew are architects, designers, and, most importantly, HMO investors. They combine their knowledge of HMO investing with their 20+ years of experience in architecture to help investors maximise the potential in their projects through layout optimisation and high-end design. Learn more about Mary and Andrew here.