At the beginning of every interiors project, you need to have a strong idea about how you want your room to look – and one of the best ways to work that out is by creating a fabulous moodboard.
With so many companies now offering samples, it's easier than ever to pull together different materials, colours and textures, and to play around with ideas to find looks you love. If you have a solid framework from the beginning then you won't stray from the plan when you’re sourcing lovely items for your new space...
Here are my 6 top tips to help you get started.
THINK ABOUT WHAT MAKES YOU HAPPY
You ideally want to feel inspired, content and happy when you're in your home, so first of all you need to figure out what it is that will make you feel that way. Is it a colour from a particular city or country that has left a positive impression on you? Is it a certain shade of yellow that makes your heart sing when you're surrounded by it? Or a favourite outfit in your wardrobe in a colour or pattern you love?
Plan your perfect scheme with colours that bring joy, a couple of textures or finishes, and accessories that work well together.
BUILD UP YOUR COLOUR PALETTE
If, for example, the thing you've found that makes you happy is a blue painting, then let your main colour be blue. Then complement it with a neutral and add in one more accent hue. Those three shades will become the palette for your scheme.
GO FOR A MIX OF FINISHES
Textures help make a room feel interesting and unique. Consider different ones, such
as wood, marble and concrete. But also think outside the box – there are less expensive ways to achieve a look than opting for the real deal. Use magazines and online resources, such as Pinterest, to see other people's projects – there are so many great ideas to steal out there!
Create softness with lush, verdant shades, and accent with richly toned hues in painterly prints
Highlight tiny spaces with strong colours and gorgeous prints
PLAY WITH ACCESSORIES
Once your big ticket items have been decided, you can start to pepper the moodboard with smaller elements, such as lighting, picture frames and stationery. You can't really go wrong if you stick with the same colour palette throughout.
NOW IT’S TIME TO START ARRANGING
Once you've gathered together some paint swatches, texture samples and images of items you've cut out from magazines or found online, you need to style them on a board. Overlap your swatches so they look inspiring and play around with layering until you're happy with your choices.
ENJOY THE WHOLE EXPERIENCE!
Most importantly, the moodboarding process should be fun! Once you're confident with your choices on your board (and not before) then you can whip out your bank card and start buying!
Get help in creating your dream home office with Design My Space – a free supplement with the March issue of House Beautiful
Share your pics with us on Instagram using #DesignMySpace
Like this article? Sign up to our newsletter to get more articles like this delivered straight to your inbox.
In need of some positivity or not able to make it to the shops? Subscribe to House Beautiful magazine today and get each issue delivered directly to your door.
17 living room accessories for an instant style update
Clocks - Best Living Room Accessories
John Lewis & Partners Organic Shape Metal Analogue Wall Clock, 60cm, Black
Enhance your living room effortlessly with this swoon-worthy metal wall clock. With gold arms and a flower-like shape, it's perfect for creating a minimalist feel at home.
Cosy Throw - Best Living Room Accessories
Cosy up in style with this gorgeous tassel throw from the House Beautiful collection at Homebase. Make those crisp, cold days a little easier.
Nothing completes the look of your living room like a beautiful cushion cover – and we've got this cream-coloured style from H&M Home right at the top of our wish list.
A living room wall mirror is great to bounce light around, and you'll find this especially useful in a small living room. Crafted from metal and glass, this mirror from Oliver Bonas makes a great statement.
Table lamp - Best Living Room Accessories
Broste Copenhagen Lolly Table Lamp Metal
Brighten up a dark corner (quite literally) with this on-trend table lamp. Featuring a matte opaline glass shade, it's ideal for placing on a side table in your living room.
Bookends - Best Living Room Accessories
A by AMARA Carved Marble Bookends - Set of 2 - White
Keep your favourite novels neat and upright with these chic marble bookends.
Living Room Rug - Best Living Room Accessories
John Lewis & Partners Modasa Rug, Paprika
A rug is a must in a living room – it helps to zone certain areas, which is particularly useful for open spaces, but it also helps to create a focal point. This contemporary geometric rug from John Lewis will provide a pop of colour in a neutral living room.
A practical spot to keep all of your House Beautiful magazines! This black wire magazine rack is a minimalist dream - with a clever geometric pattern and simple black colour.
Vase - Best Living Room Accessories
John Lewis & Partners Totem Vase, H33cm, Natural
We love this grown-up cream vase, particularly its unique shape. Fill with your favourite dried flower bouquet and show them off to all your friends.
Books - Best Living Room Accessories
One for the coffee table, make a carefully curated pile of must-read books starting with this one – a beautiful collection of stories from the creators behind Soho House. From recipes to decorating tips, it's the perfect post-work read (with your favourite tipple).
The natural colour of these seagrass baskets makes them an ideal backdrop for plants. Place these on the floor by sideboards and cabinets for a cosy living room feel.
This Insta-worthy DIPTYQUE candle makes a rather decorative display. Choose from a range of refreshing scents.
Every coffee table needs a coaster. Serve up your morning coffee in style with these stylish pink agate coasters from the House Beautiful Marketplace. Stylish and practical.
Photo Frame - Best Living Room Accessories
Gallery Perfect Photo Frame Set, 9 Photo, 8 x 8" (20 x 20cm), Black
Create an Insta-worthy gallery wall with this set of nine black photo frames from Gallery Perfect at John Lewis. In the same sizes, simply fill with your favourite memories, hang, and enjoy.
Create a cosy and welcoming setting on your sofa with a warm throw blanket. We love this terracotta style, which has been made from linen and cotton.
Vases - Best Living Room Accessories
Notonthehighstreet Pressed Glass Square Bottle Vase
Keep it simple on your windowsill with this pack of four square bottle vases. Line them up together and pop in a few stems for a cohesive look.
Lampshades - Best Living Room Accessories
House Beautiful Samet Velvet Drum Shade Duck Egg
This House Beautiful shade ticks two trend boxes, with its classic duck egg colour and tactile velvet material. With a brushed metallic inner to disperse a soft light.
Follow House Beautiful on Instagram.
