6 Kitchen Design Mood Board Ideas

A mood board is a collage of images, texts, colour palettes, swatches, material samples and anything else that may help to define the design direction. It serves as a visual presentation that conveys the design concept and style inspiration, which together, capture a vision and tell a story. Kitchen design mood boards are a useful tool in helping interior designers and homeowners gather their thoughts and ideas before embarking on their renovation project.

It facilitates the exploration of different options and details without losing sight of the big picture. Here are six kitchen design mood boards that are trending, along with tips from the experts on what to consider before deciding on a mood board, how to achieve the look and some things to be mindful of.

1. Pastel pink kitchen

Homeowners are embracing colours and patterns that ooze joy and fun. It stems from a recognition that our homes are our personal sanctuary and should fortify us against the stresses of daily life. Colours and prints can help lift our mood and make us feel good. Soft pastel hues, in particular, are cheerful, but also soothing, which make them a popular choice.

Pastel, gelato tones are often accompanied by rounded shapes and curved edges that bring added softness to a room. These gentle shapes and proportions are a shift away from the stark, geometric forms that have dominated design trends for so long.

Mix in some organic materials, textures, something with a raw, earthy quality, such as woven seagrass placemats and rattan bar stools in the dining room and kitchen respectively. These help to ground the scheme and prevent it from feeling overly feminine. I believe that there is no right or wrong in design. Embrace what you love and enjoy it.

However, if you are unsure, start small using accessories. The right accessories will transform the look of even the plainest room. Tablescaping- the art of a well-laid table, can do wonders for the dining room. Never underestimate the effect a beautifully-presented table can have. Keeping in mind the pastel theme, take the time to style tablemats and napkins, select china and a few flowers. These will bring a sense of occasion to any meal time. - Nikki Hunt, Principal at Design Intervention

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2. Boho kitchen decor

This aesthetic exudes a relaxed, unconventional and carefree vibe that makes it an ideal choice for homeowners who desire a living environment that radiates a sense of freedom and warmth. It involves a lot of greenery and natural materials that convey a less restrictive ambience.

For Boho decorating, there are no strict rules, but we often end up using warm, earthy colours alongside metallics and jewel tones. When it comes to selecting fabrics, opt for an abundance of airy materials, such as voile, muslin and translucent cottons. Team these with other materials such as linen, jute, leather and of course, wood. The Boho theme is intended to be eclectic and distinctive.

However, excessive use of bohemian elements can result in a room appearing chaotic and disorganised. It is crucial to exercise restraint when working with Boho design, which can become overwhelming if taken to extremes. Balance the unique pieces with more neutral elements for a harmonious overall look.- Barbara Fritschy, Managing Director at Make Room

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3. Nautical kitchen decor

The allure of coastal-themed interiors lies in their ability to evoke the soothing tranquility and refreshing spirit of the sea. Given that many of us lead hectic lives, it is easy to see why this style is fast gaining traction as it offers a form of reprieve from the daily grind.

Coastal style is characterised by elements and hues reminiscent of the ocean. Its visual cues, materials, colour palette, textures and ambience encapsulate the serene beauty of coastal landscapes. What comes to mind are neutral and nature- inspired wall colours, carpentry laminates capturing the hues of the ocean, earthy notes that reflect the raw beauty of sandy beaches, and accessories that mimic the textures of corals and driftwood.

For dining rooms, the coastal look can be expressed using shiplap walls, furniture with a seaside vibe and beach- themed accessories and styling pieces. In the kitchen, this style is synonymous with shaker-style cabinets paired with theme-appropriate hardware. It is important for homeowners to consider this style in relation to their lifestyle. It entails lots of open shelves and an absence of visual clutter for that breezy, airy feel, so if you have a tendency to hoard things or require plenty of concealed storage, avoid this style. - Carmen Tang, Design Director at Wolf Woof

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4. Dark kitchen aesthetic

Contrary to popular belief, dark colours do not necessarily make a room appear smaller. As dark colours tend to recede, they have the effect of blurring boundaries, which can actually make a room feel more spacious. A dark colour palette also has the added advantage of making a space feel more luxurious, adding depth and drama, and an air of sophistication.

Start with a rich and dark colour palette that creates a sense of depth and luxury. Think deep shades like charcoal, dark green or even black. Balance these dark tones with lighter or metallic accents, such as gold, silver or copper, which add a touch of elegance without making the space feel overly heavy. These can take the form of decorative elements like vases and trays. It is important that a dark and luxurious interior does not appear two-dimensional and flat. Textured or patterned wall treatments can overcome this by giving a sense of depth.

Good lighting is key in a dark space. Use a combination of ambient, task and accent lighting to illuminate the room adequately. Consider introducing statement pieces, such as a chandelier or sculptural pendant light, to serve as a focal point. Artwork can complement the space by adding a splash of colour or texture. A dining table is the centerpiece in the dining room. Choose one that makes an opulent statement, teamed with dining chairs that are comfortable, yet stylish.

For the kitchen, opt for materials such as granite and quartz that not only give the space a luxurious feel, but are also durable. Invest in quality appliances that reinforce the luxury theme. One drawback of a dark colour palette is that dust and fingerprints show up more easily, so do bear this in mind when selecting materials, finishes and appliances. Typically, dust and fingerprints are less obvious on matte surfaces. - Yeo See Wee, Design Director at Wee Studio Pte Ltd

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5. Cottage style kitchen

The cottagecore style has gained popularity because its relaxed and laid-back vibes inherently make it very appropriate for home interiors. It celebrates simple, country living by creating a bucolic setting. Country-style furniture, vintage fabrics, botanical prints, plants and wicker and wood elements are commonly associated with this style.

Authenticity is of paramount importance when going for a cottagecore interior. The rustic nature of this style means that there are many things that you will want to touch and feel. The visual cue and the tactile quality must match. Nothing worse than discovering that what you thought was quartz is actually a fake print. Always go for natural over synthetic materials. This style lends itself very well to upcycling, where things are given a new lease of life and their stories can continue.

One example is repurposing a client’s old live-edge wood dining table into a kitchen island counter top and an entrance foyer bench. Vintage, country-style and personalised items also add to the cottagecore theme, while giving the interior a unique look.

Be bold in the use of colours, whether it be on the walls, the backsplash or even island counter top. Start with one, or a maximum of two, focal colours and take it from there.

There is no need for everything to match. Instead, develop on the tonality of the colours to enrich the style. Do be discerning when juxtaposing different materials and colours. It is a fine line between cottage-core and chaos. As this style involves plenty of open shelves and items on display, it is not for people who dislike dusting and cleaning. - Chris Huang, Space planner at Bowerman Interior Planners

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6. Wabi sabi kitchen design

Wabi-Sabi’s charm lies in its seamless blend of clean aesthetics. Its visual simplicity fosters a sense of serenity that values the beauty of imperfections, transience and the patina of time. The philosophy of embracing imperfections aligns with a growing awareness of sustainability and provides an avenue for integrating aesthetics, functionality and eco-conscious living.

The Wabi-Sabi style unfolds through the deliberate application of a muted, neutral colour palette, the adaptive repurposing of materials or furniture and the incorporation of elements poised for graceful aging. Embracing the organic allure of various shapes and textures, the style advocates a design ethos that is discreet, yet inherently pleasing to the senses.

The resultant ambience, far from being rigid, radiates a profound tranquility that not only achieves visual cohesion, but also celebrates the beauty of imperfections and the passage of time.

Determine whether the Wabi-Sabi philosophy resonates with you and your family. Also consider whether the muted colour palette, as well as natural materials such as wood and stone are your cup of tea. The dining room and kitchen are extremely functional spaces, so it is important to balance aesthetics with the Wabi-Sabi theme. Most of all, you must be comfortable with the aging process of natural materials. - Molina Hui, Design Director at Parenthesis Studio.

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