3 Free Tools To Help You Create Your Vision Board
Have you ever wondered how professional interior designers assemble those amazing spaces without having to go through a long series of purchases and returns? They plan them.
It’s not like their years of experience aren’t also a huge asset, but even the most seasoned interior decorator uses one or more design programs to plan out their spaces.
However, this approach might not be practical if you’re just planning on decorating a single room or you aren’t particularly computer savvy. If you understand the value of a tech approach to creating a vision board for your space but aren’t interested in learning AutoCAD or subscribing to a pricey software package, this article is for you.
The Baer’s Furniture Design Team has assembled a list of free or easily accessible vision board tools that can help you plan turning your décor desires into reality.
Making a Vision Board with Microsoft Word
While Microsoft Office isn’t free, many have access to it. While most people use it for its intended purpose, writing prose, you can also use it as a clipboard to copy and paste images from your searches. Here’s how it works:
Open the Microsoft Word application on your computer.
Open a new document, or if you’re working off a document already, the saved document.
Find an image on a website. For example, the Candace Transitional Curved Sofa on the Baer’s Furniture website.
Copy the image: Hover over the image, right-click, and choose“Copy Image.
”Paste the image: Hover over the Word Document, right-click, and choose “Paste.”
Scale the image to make room for other pieces.
Save document.
Advantages
Widely accessible
Easy learning curve
Disadvantages
Not a free app
Only allows two-dimensional planning
Layering images can be tricky
Creating a Vision Board in Google Docs
If you have a Gmail account but haven’t explored Google Docs, you’re missing out. It essentially works like Microsoft Word, with a few minor differences. The best part is that it comes free with your Google account. To use Google Docs:
Either google “my drive” or just click on this: https://drive.google.com.
Click on +New in the upper-left corner.
Click Google Docs. This will open a blank document.
Write the title of the document in the upper-left corner.
Choose an image from a website, like the Santiago White Oak Cocktail Table by Bernhardt.
Copy the image: Hover over the image, right-click, and choose “Copy Image.
”Paste the image: Hover over the Google Doc, right-click, and choose “Paste.
”Scale the image to make room for other pieces.
Advantages
Free with your Google account
Widely accessible
Easy learning curve
Disadvantages
Only allows two-dimensional planning
Layering images can be tricky
How to Create a Vision Board with Canva
Many people use Canva to customize documents, create letterhead, or write unique resumés, but it’s also a fantastic way to create a vision board. It’s also free.
Choose the way you want to create your account. There are many options.
Click on Whiteboard
Find an image that you want to include on your vision board, like this one of the Tommy Bahama Home Royal Palm Louvered Bed from the Ocean Breeze Collection.
Copy the image: Hover over the image, right-click, and choose “Copy Image.”
Paste the image: Hover over the Canva Whiteboard, right-click, and choose “Paste.
”Scale the image to make room for other pieces.
Advantages
Several ways to sign up for free
While not as popular as Google Docs or Microsoft Word, it’s available with an internet connection
Layering is not difficult
Many different applications
Disadvantages
The number of options can be overwhelming for people unfamiliar with the tool.
Pro Tips for Creating a Vision Board
So, how do you turn a group of disparate images like the ones you see above into a gorgeous, professionally decorated space?
Here are a few tips for pulling it all together:
Try to find images of just the piece you’re interested in by itself.
Create a space at the bottom of your vision board with links to the products you find.
Follow interior designers you admire on Instagram and Pinterest. Save photos that you like.
Use the vision board for everything, including the color palette you’re considering, patterns you like, accessories, etc.
Try to scale images to their relative dimensions, but don’t worry about exact scaling. In other words, a table lamp should be smaller than a bed or sofa.
Use a tablet or computer (as opposed to a cellphone) so you can see more detail.
Consult a Baer’s Furniture design professional for questions about how you can improve your vision board.
With 16 furniture stores and millions of square footage of display items, Baer’s Furniture is Florida’s number one destination for high-quality furniture pieces. We’re excited for you to share your vision boards with us. Our seasoned furniture consultants are always happy to help guide your decorating journey. Shop Baer’s today!