Interior design begins in our minds,– but how do we translate those visions into reality for our clients?  One of the most valuable skills I’ve developed is the ability to create visuals that communicate my ideas. For week two of the One Room Challenge, I’m excited to share insights from my experience with mood boards, space planning, and concept image creation. Along the way, I’ll also highlight some invaluable resources and educators who have helped me acquire and refine these skills through self-study.

MOOD BOARDS

Setting the Stage

When it comes to crafting mood boards (like the one below), Canva Pro has become my go-to tool. Its user-friendly interface, coupled with features like the background remover tool, has simplified the process of layering design elements seamlessly. 

I owe much of my proficiency in Canva to Maggie Stara‘s comprehensive online course, “Social Media Content Creation: From Beginner to Advanced.” Available on platforms like Skillshare and Udemy, Maggie’s classes offer exceptional value, making them accessible to aspiring designers at any level. 

SPACE PLANNING

The Cornerstone of Design

I was first introduced to space planning and hand drafting during my time as a Design Build student at the Shelter Institute in Maine. Building upon this foundation, I recently enrolled in Julie Jones Designs‘ “Space Planning 101,” a class tailored specifically to interior design enthusiasts. The refresher was super helpful in rebooting my drafting skills, but it would also be a helpful intro course if you’re new to hand drafting. 

I’d be remiss if I didn’t also recommend Julie’s TikTok channel, where she’s posted tons of videos offering glimpses into her space planning process for various client projects.

CONCEPT IMAGES

Visualizing the Design

Learning the art of concept image creation has been a revelation, thanks in no small part to Julie Jones Designs yet again. I created the concept image below after taking both of her  “Photoshop for Interior Design,” courses. I’m amazed at how this method streamlines experimentation with colors and decorative elements, offering a safeguard against potential design errors. I can’t overstate this, Julie’s content is truly an indispensable resource for anyone seeking to elevate their visualization skills.

Below, you can see the image that I started with to create the mockup image above

For an even more user-friendly alternative, I do sometimes use Canva for concept image creation (again using skills learned via Maggie Stara’s online Canva courses) This method is particularly useful and efficient for simpler spaces like bedrooms. The mockups below were crafted Canva Pro for a friend’s home office makeover.

In summary, learning mood board design, space planning, and concept image creation has been a rewarding process. With mentors like Maggie Stara and Julie Jones, I’ve grown more confident in my ability to express my design ideas clearly. I’m excited for the future possibilities as I continue to refine these skills.