I miss putting together color boards for clients.  The creative process of building a room or whole house based around a color or a favorite photo or whatever inspiration the client provided is thrilling and satisfying.  All the searching for just the right pieces in the right price range and introducing the touches that the client wouldn’t have thought of are all part of the often time consuming process.

You Can Play Too

There’s a way all of us can explore that creativity at no expense.  It’s all done online (what isn’t these days??).  Over at Pewter+Sage, Sarah sponsors a monthly “mood board” party in which anyone can participate.  This month she’s selected 2 rugs as inspiration pieces.  The idea is that you can choose either rug and build whatever type room or environment around it that you’d like.  The best part is: money is no object!  (If you don’t have an art program, you can use the free online resource at polyvore.com)  So I spent a little time surfing last week and came up with a board for each rug.

The first rug is this gold lovely from West Elm called Andalusia.  Since I’ve noticed so much yellow and gray lately I wanted to see what I could create in that color scheme.  My “client” is a young couple wanting a sophisticated, restrained look for their master bedroom.  Nothing grand, just stylish.    My stripe gray background represents the wall treatment – nice wide stripes.  The chandeliers would hang over each mirrored night table and the great chair would add a practical piece but with a touch of playfulness.  Sources:  Matera bed, DesignWithinReach (dwr.com) $2500; En Francais pillow collection, Ankasa.com; Keaton chandelier (Uttermost), Macy’s $125; Josephine mirror chest, Graham& Green-UK; Jardin chair, Crate&Barrel $800; ceramic stool/table, Wisteria $129; Silk bamboo plant, CostPlus $25.

Does this rug inspire you?  What would you do?

Outdoor Room Mood Board

For a complete change of pace I created an outdoor space using the second inspiration rug.  It has all the main components of a space that would entice me out on the patio in the warm southwest evenings – me and my tea!

This indoor/outdoor rug (St. John stripe from Dash & Albert) in fresh summery colors just demanded to have an outdoor room created around it.  As I thought of my perfect outdoor room (guess I’m the “client” on this one), I’d absolutely NEED a fountain, I’d want a fan to cool me off during those hot southwest afternoons but a firepit for those chilly winter evenings, festive mood lighting and of course a splash of contrasing color.  I envision 4 of these rattan chairs pulled into a circle around the firepit with a couple of these whimsical iron chairs to pull up if needed – and the colorful rug to anchor it all.Want to come for a visit?  Sources:  New Havana chair, Crate&Barrel $600; Tam Tam stool, GreenerGrassDesign $32; Cubist fountain, SoothingWalls.com $325; Windpointe fan, LampPlus.com $330; Solar light string, GrandinRoad.com $30; Steel firepit, Lowes $100; Blacksmith Blossom chair, Anthropologie $198.

Or do you find this rug inspiring?  What would you do?

Which Room is For You?

Which is your favorite?  Are you in the market for a new master bedroom or has your mind started planning for outdoor activities?  I had so much fun creating these rooms, hope you find some inspiration in one of them.