The role of mood boards in creating inspiring learning spaces

September marks a fresh start. Pupils across the UK are putting on their uniforms, gathering their stationery, and heading back into the classroom. For many, the start of a new school year represents a fresh chapter and a chance to settle back into routine, reconnect with their peers, and take on new challenges.

But it’s not just about textbooks and timetables; the spaces they walk into every day also play a powerful role in shaping their experience, but where does that design process begin? How do we create spaces that make pupils feel welcome, calm, and ready to learn from the moment they arrive? Our interior designers share their approach.

Mood boards are more than colours and finishes

We’ve all been there, scrolling Pinterest, pinning interiors and falling for the perfect palette, but while swatches of paint, fabric samples and photographs are certainly part of creating mood boards, our approach goes much deeper.

A mood board is a conceptual tool for storytelling. We use them to present our initial ideas and help shape environments that support focus, creativity and wellbeing.

we ask questions like:

• How can colour support learning at different ages?
• What textures and finishes will withstand duty use, while still creating comfort?
• How can natural tones or biophilic elements bring calm into busy, high-energy spaces?
• Are there any branding/house colours we have to work with?

By pulling these threads together visually, our designers are able to share ideas with clients and stakeholders to bring the vision to life.

Case study: Bowman Academy

For Bowman Academy, a specialist school designed to support the needs of pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) - mood boards played a vital role in shaping the design approach. They allowed our client to explore textures, colours and finishes that prioritise accessibility, inclusivity and comfort.

A combination of neutral palettes with soft contrasts created calm environments, while sensory-rich materials were introduced into corridors and breakout areas, to provide engaging experiences and enhanced comfort for pupils. These intentional design choices were essential in promoting wellbeing while fostering an atmosphere where students could thrive.

Translating mood into meaningful design

So how does a collection of images and swatches translate into the real world of education estates? The answer lies in putting the end user at the centre of every design decision.

For example

• Pupils benefit from spaces that reduce overstimulation but still inspire curiosity. Calming neutrals with thoughtful pops of colour can make environments more inclusive for those with sensory sensitivities.
• Teachers value classrooms that feel easy to manage and flexible to adapt. Mood boards help us visualise practical finishes that stand up to wear and tear, whilst still creating a welcoming atmosphere.
• Schools themselves need designs that balance longevity with adaptability but also align with branding. Mood boards help us to test how colours and internal finishes can complement school logos and their identities.

Client considerations

When developing mood boards for education estates, it’s important to look beyond aesthetics and consider the wider impact on the client, staff, and pupils:

We ask our clients to think about:

• Practicality and durability – Are the chosen materials cost-effective to maintain and sustainable over time? Do they withstand heavy use, remain easy to clean, and retain their quality throughout the building’s lifecycle?
• Functionality and learning outcomes – Does the design support how students learn, move, and interact? For example, is furniture flexible for different teaching styles, and are there clearly defined zones for collaboration, quiet study, and group activities?
• Atmosphere and wellbeing – Are sensory needs considered in colour palettes, materials, and lighting? Does the environment promote concentration, reduce stress, and encourage positive behaviour through inclusive and calming design?

Why it matters

Mood boards play a vital role in the design process. The time and thought invested in them are invaluable. They allow us to explore ideas at an early stage, spark conversations and ultimately deliver environments that will perform both on paper and in practice.

For pupils returning in Autumn, the environments they step into each day quietly shape their experiences and wellbeing. Thoughtful interior design, grounded in tools like mood boards, helps transform everyday moments into opportunities for calm, focus and creativity.

At the heart of our work is one goal: creating places that help young people learn and thrive.

Whether you’re preparing to refurbish an existing school or starting a new project, our architecture and interior design team can guide you every stage from first ideas to finished spaces. Contact us to find out how we can support your vision.