Drawing together ideas, colours, inspirations, patterns and textiles, a mood board is at the heart of a design concept. Much in the way of a jigsaw puzzle, each idea fits perfectly alongside another, with the end result telling a clear design story.
Wendy Morrison loves the freedom a mood board offers. ‘Putting together a mood board allows everyone to be creative. You can escape into your imagination and play around with ideas. It’s a great way to find what you love, the colours and styles you are drawn to. Mood boards often throw up surprising combinations too, things you might never imagine working together can add real wow factor. They are a great way of visualising and perhaps even manifesting ideas.’
Based on a calm, modern-contemporary look accented with chinoiserie, Wendy’s striking mood board for rug design Eternal Toile shares inspirational ideas for styling this beautiful hand-knotted wool and silk rug.
Eternal Toile’s design takes inspiration from Oriental symbolism and the rug is full of motifs that represent a long and happy life. The mood board shares those Far Eastern influences, and also picks up on neutral tones, delicate patterns and splashes of colour to create a maximalist look that is as balanced as it is beautiful.
‘I tried to keep the mood board fairly neutral but using some lovely rich tones, which have great impact. I love the idea of using accents in wall panels, fabrics and soft furnishings,’ Wendy says. ‘The chinoiserie antique pieces add warmth, depth and richness too, and I really like the idea of accessorising a room with beautiful clothes, creating art from a piece of clothing. If clothing is beautiful enough to admire, why hide it away?’
Dresses from Gucci
The dresses here all featured in the Gucci Fall 17 collection, which offers beautiful inspiration in the shape of jewel tones and luxe, silken fabrics.
Wimborne White No 239 from Farrow & Ball
A soft, warm white neutral such as Farrow & Ball’s Wimborne White creates a great base for layering all of these lovely details upon.
Oak Branch Chandelier from Richard Taylor Designs
The detail in this 9-arm Oak Branch Chandelier draws the eye upwards, a striking companion when you have an equally detailed pattern on the floor below.
Shengyou Toile fabric from Schumacher
Based on an 18th-century design, this rich pattern is full of detail and surprises. Although the pattern has lots going on, the simple colourway means it still works when teamed with other detailed pieces.
Vesta Marcella Curved Sofa in white from Chairish
Furniture in bold yet simple shapes in neutral or block colour creates a focal point itself, but also allows any colour and pattern around it to stand out.
Matsudana Pillow in jade and red from Schumacher
The colour and pattern of this decorative cushion perfectly reflect Eternal Toile’s Eastern influences and add a splash of colour to complement the neutral tones.
Chiang Mai Dragon Pillow from Schumacher
Eastern influences are at play again with this bold and beautiful dragon cushion. Maintaining a theme and a balanced colour palette throughout a design draws seemingly diverse pieces together.
Chinoiserie Hand-Painted Parcel Gilt Partners Pedestal Desk from Chairish
The strong, boxy shape of this pedestal desk is softened by its delicate hand-painted pattern. Gilt, blue and white chinoiserie decorations feature figures, birds and pagodas.
Chinois Palais Panel wallcovering in Noir from Schumacher
Wall panels let you make a statement without overwhelming the rest of a room. Showing birds and cherry blossom, this delicate monochrome pattern is inspired by an antique Chinese silk panel.
Octopus and Jellyfish Jacquard Armchair from Gucci
The colours of this playful octopus and jellyfish design work beautifully with neutrals, while the shapely silhouette and pink fringing add a delicate note. Fun and whimsical, it’s a beautiful piece that adds colour and interest to a scheme without dominating it.
Tom Dixon Fat Chaise Longue from Chairish
Black helps ground a scheme, making a bold statement amongst brighter, lighter surrounds. The curved, moulded shape of this sofa softens the black, allowing it to sit within a delicate setting.
Milano Coffee Table from Chairish
Inspired by the patterns of Italian artist Fornasetti, the bold shape and neutral tones of this coffee table make it a wonderful accent piece.
Custom Barrel-Back Armchairs in Leopard Velvet from Chairish
Leopard and other exotic animal prints often inspire Wendy’s designs. A versatile neutral, a touch of leopard print adds just the right amount of glam to an interior.
Brass and Gold Decorated Reverse Painted Glass Top Square Coffee Table from Chairish
The strong square shape of this Mid-Century Modern coffee table is softened by its decorative painted glass top.
Bacharach Swivel Chair from Jonathan Adler
The soft colour, sumptuous velvet fabric and brass swivel base combine to create a statement chair that oozes style and glamour. The hint of colour works beautifully against a neutral backdrop and the rounded shape is a lovely nod to retro styling.
Although seemingly disparate pieces, there are strong connections running through this gorgeous mood board: toning colour, neutrals, hints of metallic, warm pinks, gold and greens, intricate pattern and strong shapes softened with delicate details. All of it beautifully inspiring.
