How to Make Interior Design Presentation Boards

If you are taking a class on interior design, you are likely required to make a presentation about one of your designs.  This typically involves creating an interior design presentation board.  These boards are used in presentations to potential clients, so they understand how your design will look in their room.  If you know how to make these presentation tools, you will be prepared for future interior design projects.  

Interior design presentation boards are an important tool used regularly by professional designers.  These boards give the client a visual understanding of how their room will look if they select your design.  They typically include paint colors, fabric samples, pictures of selected furniture pieces, examples of finishes that will be used, drawings that represent the layout of the room (floor plan) and what the finished project will look like (an elevation drawing).   You can create an interior design board in a few simple steps.

1. Design the room.  You only need a presentation board if you have a design to share.  Complete the design of the space in the form of a layout that is drawn to scale.  Also, draw at least one image of your design, as if you were looking at it from inside the room.  You can draw this by hand or use a computer program.  The image should be in color, so the client will understand how your design will feel when they are in it.


2. Collect important images.  Find color images of the furniture, fixtures and accessories you plan to use in the room.  If you have actual samples, you might consider bringing them to your presentation to show the client during the presentation. 


3. Collect samples.  To identify fabrics, wallpaper or paint options, you should collect samples to include on your board.  They should not be smaller than 2 inches by 2 inches in size, so the client can see them clearly.  You can make them larger, if your board design requires.  Consider presenting the samples in various sizes, based on importance of your design or to identify what is the main inspiration for the room and what is an accessory to the design. 


4. Lay out your board.  Design boards are typically built on an A1 or A2 size board.  If you are unclear on board size, you can talk to a representative at your local art supply store.  Leave about 1 inch of space around your presentation, as a frame.  On a flat surface, lay out your samples and your drawings, until you feel your board space is used effectively and is pleasing to the eye.


5. Attach your design to the board.  You can use double-sided tape or glue for this task.  Be careful to avoid using too much of an adhesive product.  You want your client to see the design, not globs of glue or outlines of tape on your images.  If you are using heavy items, like flooring or carpet samples, you can use Velcro. 


6. Let it dry.  Once you let your adhesive dry, you should put your board in an upright position, to make sure it looks good and your drawings, images and samples are properly connected to the board.  This is the time to make sure you have practiced your presentation, to make sure your interior design board is put to good use.