Interior Design Concept Boards 101
A concept board, also known as a mood board, is a collection of images that represent the style, ambiance, and appearance of an interior. It serves as the initial stage of the interior design process, used to articulate ideas about the space, and subsequently acts as a guide for design development.
There is a slight distinction between a mood board and a concept board. A mood board generally conveys a project's overall tone or feeling, while a concept board is used to communicate more specific concepts or individual elements.
Mood boards can be created using physical objects, photos, and textiles, while concept boards are typically developed using software such as Photoshop or Illustrator. Both mood and concept boards are extremely helpful during the design process, and it's up to the designer to decide which tool will work best for their project and needs.
The elements of the concept board are defined by all the information and inspiration gathered from the client brief. It is crucial to gather as much information as possible about the client's lifestyle during the client meeting, including their preferred colors, materials, needs, habits, and hobbies. This information will help in creating a comfortable space that meets the client's needs to create the design of their dreams.
Observation plays a crucial role at this stage, to learn and evaluate the client's likes, dislikes, and preferred style from their clothing and behavior. After the initial client consultation, the brief is analyzed to identify key feelings and client preferences that need to be reflected in the design. Following this exploration, the creative process begins with the development of the concept board, outlining the project's direction based on the client's brief.
The concept board typically includes a collage of images, sketches, textures, and other elements, showcasing structural elements, wall covering ideas, color palettes, layout ideas, key pieces of furniture, lighting, and focal points.
Concept boards are a valuable tool for both designers and clients. They help clients understand the overall feeling, while designers can use them to track the project, convey ideas, and ensure the original goals are met.
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