Creating your own design board is so easy. Everyone should create one before they buy a single item for their space. Design boards really help you navigate through the process of putting together a complete and cohesive look. I recently shared on my Instagram Stories a design board for our Bedroom. Prior to using design boards as a rule of thumb, I always found myself buying random pieces I loved, but never really flowed together. After I started creating design boards I realized HOW much they actually help. Anyone can make one, and I think everyone SHOULD. In the long run this will save you time and money while keeping your stress levels low. You won’t have to worry about second guessing your home purchases, because you’ll already know that they will work! I see a lot of people using photoshop, different phone apps and even a word document to create their design boards, however, I personally like to use the desktop version of Canva, but you will be able to implement it anywhere.
How I go about designing a space…
Make a list of what you need in the room and what you already have
This is help you get an over all perspective on what will be in you room. After deciding on what is going to stay I usually will look up pictures of those items to add to my board. If I can’t find the exact item then I use a look-a-like.
Use one piece of furniture that you already own or that you are going to buy as THE inspiration piece.
Before you hop on Pinterest find a SINGLE item that you would like to use for inspiration. For me this was a rug. I love using a rugs but you can also use something small like an art piece, pillow or pattern. Going head first into Pinterest can cause confusion because you’ll find yourself drawn to several different styles that are done well but won’t work together. Stick to YOUR single inspo item for the WHOLE look.
Use Pinterest as a reference tool to help you find items that work with your “Inspiration Piece”
If I am using a colorful boho rug in my bedroom then I will literally type that into Pinterest to spark my creativity. This is where the fun and magic happens. You will find little bits and pieces of things you like, which will eventually turn into a design board. Even if you might not purchase these items, they will give you a good idea of the over all “look” you are going for. (Which by the way you can follow me here) The Blushing Bungalow Pinterest. Pinterest is a place to help you affirm your design. If you can’t decide between things use Pinterest to help decide what you are more drawn to by looking at each style.
Once you have your inspiration you can start designing
Like I mentioned above there are tons of tools to create boards, but I like to use Canva. Canva is very easy to use and is perfect for this. I start with a vertical size canvas of 816p x 1056p. This is a size of a regular piece of paper. I then drag or upload all of my inspo pieces into the upload section as shown in the image below. After, all you do is drag, drop, resize and move the images around until you can fit everything on the page. If something doesn’t look right try deleting pieces to find the culprit. If you find that something doesn’t work look for another option until you find the right groove. Tip: When searching for images, screenshot or save the image then crop it to the appropriate size cutting off the excess background. Canva does have a phone version and I do use it and like it. However, I would rather do this on my desktop, because I feel like it is easier.
The Little Things…
Let’s talk about the little things! This drawer makes me happy. Before I did this, it had been almost five years since I had upgraded my silverware. Between moving over 10 times and just the over all use, it was over due for a new look. Yes, I am embarrassed by the crumbs… Don’t get me wrong. I love me a good renovation. But one thing I have learned about defining your space is it’s all about the little things. It doesn’t matter if your house is old or new, big or small. Focus on making things not “perfect”, but better than they were before. What only matters is if you’re happy and sometimes all that takes is a new plant, a fresh coat of paint or a drawer of shiny new silverware.
I am going to start a “Little Things” feature on my Instagram and Facebook Group page. If you haven’t already joined my exclusive Community Facebook Group you can here! I am offering open enrollment until I get my newsletter going. If you have a “Little Things” picture share it in the group or use the hashtag on instagram. #littlethingsbb #blushingbungalow
and more…
This dreamy picture of Bruce. 😂
