How To Make A Free DIY Catalog Mood Board

When I announced at the kick off to the new year that I was going to take a major departure from my old ways here at Dream Green DIY (including a completely new look for my Instagram feed—scroll down a little ways to see the shift in action!), I don’t think I had a real concept of just how freeing it would be. Apparently, I had tethered myself to the bright white and colorful branding I had adopted over the past couple of years, and I didn’t even realize what it was taking out of me creatively to keep it up.

Now though, I’m able to pick up my camera without any hesitation as soon as inspiration strikes, and I don’t have to fuss with a lot of set-up and styling props. These days, if I feel suddenly active and motivated by a spur-of-the-moment project, I can just plop myself down and take the damn pictures to share my ideas or projects with you guys. It’s such a relief, and it makes authentic blog posts a reality here again. That’s not to say that my content had been contrived over the last two years, but it certainly took a lot more effort to get things looking so controlled.

Anyway, this mini lightbulb moment was the result of a spontaneous activity I settled on a couple of weekends ago, and I just had to share. It all started while John was washing our cars. While he was outside, I began flipping through a free take-away catalog that I had stuffed in my bag from the register while shopping the week before (see?! I’m still reaping free rewards from my retail therapy day!).

As I was perusing the pages, I realized that the colors, patterns, and even the photography and styling were speaking to me. I started tearing pages out, with the intent of putting them in a folder in my desk drawer for future shoot and decorating inspiration, but then I noticed that the collection of images was starting to look pretty darn cool while laid out together.

I quickly ran out of room on the couch, and moved down to the floor in the living room, taking my magazine and scissors along with me. In a matter of minutes, I was literally surrounded by pages that hinted at the lifestyle and design direction I’m hoping to move in this year.

When I was done, my eyes darted around to each image in turn, and it was like looking into my future—or at least what I hope my future will look like in 2017. Think: evergreen details, fresh mint green and hints of navy, lots of natural neutral textiles, plants, simple dinners, and plenty of time spent outdoors enjoying the fresh air in loose dresses and sweaters.

I felt calmer and more at peace just looking at my newfound inspiration, and after asking John to snap a couple photos of my mess on the living room floor, I ran into my office and taped those sheets of torn paper right on the wall behind my desk so that I could look at them everyday as I plan things—both for work and our personal lives.

This random art project turned out to be the simplest, most inspiring decor update I’ve tackled in a while, and I wanted to share in the hopes that you, too, can turn something unassuming (and free!) into a beautiful art project of your own.

What kinds of colors, textures, and patterns have you excited this year? And, while I’ve got you, I just wanted to say thanks for sticking with me as I find my footing with this new intentional style. I know it’s different than what you’re used to here on Dream Green DIY, but it’s more “me” and I couldn’t be more honored to have you along for the ride. I think 2017 has the potential to be the prettiest, most inspired one yet—thank you for following along!