You want to renovate your living room or kitchen, but can't make up your mind. Should you take the bold approach and go for a vivid colour scheme or is subtle and sophisticated a better approach? If you're facing an interior decorating dilemma like this or have run out of ideas, check out our new Inspiration Boards section and learn how to create your own.

What Is an Inspiration Board?

Some call them vision boards because they use them to visually display the style they want to create in their home. Others call them mood boards because they reflect their mood or the mood they want their project to reflect. Still others call them motivation boards because they help keep them on track and motivated. Call them what you like, inspiration boards are a great way to bridge the gap between imagination and reality.

How to Create a Traditional Inspiration Board

If you have a pin board and a pair of scissors, you have the raw materials you need to create a classic mood board. All you need to do now is keep the scissors handy while you're flipping through the pages of interior design magazines looking for inspiration. When you find something you like, cut it out and pin it to your board. There - you've just created your board.

Creating an Inspiration Board on hipages

An even better way to create an inspiration board for your home improvement projects is right here on hipages.com.au. Start by clicking the new "Browse Photos" tab on the menu and join the HIP community. Then start choosing your favourites from the thousands of images we've collected and make your own personalised inspiration board. This is all you have to do:

• Choose the topic of your choice. For example, if you're looking for ideas for your kitchen renovation, click the "Photos of Kitchens" board and  start browsing through over 800 inspirational photographs of kitchens.
  

• When you find a photo that inspires you, click the "+" button and start creating your first HIP inspiration board.
  

• A pop-up window will give you options for categorising your board and also allow you to leave notes (either private or public).
  

• Why not personalise your account by adding your photo to your profile? Just go to the top right hand corner of the screen where you'll see a little arrow. Place your cursor over the arrow and select "User Settings." Don't worry, your personal information will be kept personal and private.
  

It's a great way to share common interests. Browsing through other people’s inspiration boards allows you to get a sense of their renovation vision/ideas/ style.  You may well discover new styles you hadn’t considered or seen before. The way community members have commented on or combined photos might also bring a fresh perspective on a photo or a style theme you are developing.  And don't forget to share your inspiration board with your Facebook friends, too. Happy browsing!