Behind the Boards: Where Inspiration Takes Shape
Every great design starts with an idea, and a mood board is often where that vision begins to take shape. Designers use mood boards to explore and communicate the look, feel and personality of a space by bringing together colors, textures, finishes, materials and inspirational imagery in one cohesive collection. More than just a collage of beautiful ideas, a mood board serves as a creative roadmap, helping designers and clients align on a shared vision before the first cabinet is built or the installation begins. From mountain-inspired kitchens to spa-like retreats and coastal escapes, each mood board offers a unique perspective on how thoughtful design begins long before construction starts. In this month’s blog, we look at the winners of our recent Mood Board Contest, and the inspiration behind them.
Mountain Muse
“This mood board pulls from our recent travels out west – where mountain chalet charm meets sleek, modern lines,” says Kayla Garbrecht, owner of Broken Arrow Cabinetry and Design.
Inspired by the wild beauty of Wyoming, this kitchen mood board includes the Jackson A door style in Knotty Alder wood and Barnwood stain, echoing the natural materials and rugged beauty found throughout the mountain West.
Garbrecht continues, “We soaked up all the mountain modern architecture that seamlessly blends rustic textures, clean silhouettes and an undeniable connection to the outdoors.”
Bright Balance
Designed by Kristal Smith of Redsmith Construction, this mood board was inspired by her client. “Her old kitchen felt cramped, closed off, and dark, so a big goal with this design was creating something that felt much more open, bright, and functional for everyday life, while still keeping that cozy, warm feeling that makes a kitchen feel like home,” says Smith.
To brighten the space, Smith paired the Jackson A door style with Surfside paint with black soapstone countertops. This combination, “Added contrast and depth without making the kitchen feel cold,” says Smith. She continues, “Overall, the goal was to create a kitchen that feels airy and refreshed, but still warm, comfortable, and personal to the homeowner.” The result is a kitchen designed not only for gathering, but for simplifying the rhythms of everyday life.
Soft Sophistication
“This kitchen was inspired by the idea of creating a calm, timeless space that feels both elevated and approachable,” says Rokia Maizi with Art Deco Renovation. Maizi adds, “We wanted to blend warm natural materials with soft neutral tones to create an environment that feels peaceful, welcoming and functional for everyday living.”
Using the Augusta door style in Dune paint and the Estridge door style with Rift White Oak natural veneer, Maizi was able to create a design that draws inspiration from modern organic interiors. The pairing of painted cabinetry and natural wood introduces subtle contrast while maintaining the serene palette that defines modern organic design.
Retro Retreat
Designed by Tina Harvey with Old World Craftsmen LLC., this bathroom mood board “Includes a thoughtful fusion of 1979 contemporary architecture and Mid-century modern warmth,” says Harvey.
Harvey adds, “this concept was intended to show how balancing refined wood stains with the Oxley Shaker doors in Barnwood stain provides a tactile depth in the warm, rich feel found in Mid-century foundation.”
“The combination of geometric lines, earthy undertones, and curated palette of organic textures transforms the vanity and linen areas into a peaceful sanctuary for our client’s requested spa-like retreat,” notes Harvey. The result is a space that feels less like a utility room and more like a private retreat designed for restoration and relaxation.
Coastal Charm
Brittany Gunst, senior designer with c|s Design Studio says, the “Client envisioned a coastal-inspired laundry room that feels like a refreshing escape.” She adds, “A soft, colored cabinetry palette paired with warm gold accents brings personality and charm, while the patterned tile introduces a layer of visual interest.”
Gunst would use light finishes, like Eucalyptus paint on the Northport A door style, and airy materials to “Keep the space feeling bright, relaxed and removed from the everyday routine,” says Gunst. The finished concept transforms an everyday task into a space that feels bright, uplifting and intentionally designed.
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