Unleashing Creativity: My Inspiring Journey at the Nordic Design Institute
Update 2026
It’s hard to believe it’s been four years since I first shared my journey with the ‘Designing Your Home the Nordic Way’ course at the Nordic Design Institute. I’m so grateful that many of you still find this post inspiring and helpful.
Since completing the course, I’ve had countless opportunities to put what I learned into practice—both in my own home and for friends and family. The lessons in simplicity, harmony, and layering natural textures have truly become the foundation of my design approach. Even as my style evolves, these principles remain a consistent guide in everything I do.
Looking back, I appreciate even more how the course encouraged me to approach design challenges with creativity and confidence. I’ve discovered that inspiration often comes from unexpected places, and that staying curious is key to personal and creative growth.
If you’re considering a similar path or are simply curious about the course or the Nordic Design Institute, please feel free to reach out. I always enjoy connecting with fellow design enthusiasts and would love to hear about your experiences and projects in the comments below!
In December 2021, I completed the 'Designing Your Home the Nordic Way' course at the Nordic Design Institute. The course covered Nordic and Scandinavian interior design, including colors and lighting, and gave me valuable knowledge and inspiration. One key lesson I learned was the importance of incorporating natural elements—such as wood, plants, and soft textures—into every space to create a sense of calm and harmony. For example, the course suggested using a nature-inspired palette, which makes rooms feel more welcoming and balanced. This practical tip changed how I approach both small and large projects.
For my final assignment, I used this photo as the basis for my mood board and mind map project. I was captivated by the natural colors in the image, such as the ocean, sand, sky, beach grass, and wooden fence posts. My creative process began by pulling these colors and textures, then searching for fabrics, paint swatches, and decor images that echoed those tones. I arranged these elements together on my mood board to create a cohesive, calm, nature-inspired direction for the project. Breaking down the photo in this way made it easier to guide my choices for materials and styles overall.
What exactly are Mood Boards and Mind Maps?
A mood board (or inspiration board) is a physical or digital collage that lets designers and writers gather materials, graphics, colors, and text. It helps them organize ideas and inspirations for current and upcoming projects.
If you want to try making your own mood board, here is a quick how-to:
Pick a theme or inspiration photo for your project.
Gather images, colors, fabrics, and textures that fit your theme. You can cut them from magazines, print photos, or save digital images.
Arrange your chosen items on a board (or use a digital tool) in a way that feels visually pleasing to you.
Edit and adjust until everything captures the feeling or style you want for your space.
This simple process can help you clarify your vision and bring your ideas to life more easily.
(Photo Credits - from Top Left to Bottom Right: Mint Green Room, Terrazzo Wallpaper, Cozy Bedroom, Retro/Cabin Fireplace, Photo of the beach in the Wilmington, NC area, Blue Wood Grain, Powdered Sugar Pound Cake, and Blue Door via Southern Living)
Mind maps are not just a creative tool; they're also practical. They help generate, visualize, and organize ideas, making decision-making, problem-solving, and project management easier. If you are new to mind mapping, start with basic categories such as colors, materials, furniture, lighting, and decoration. For example, try creating branches for your favorite color palettes, textures, or specific styles you want to explore. As you can see below, I use a mind map to divide furniture, accessories, materials, and colors into four categories: key styles, color palettes, materials, and decoration. This visual aid helps me organize the items I need for my interior design projects more efficiently.
I hope you found my mood board and mind map insightful and inspiring. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions about interior decoration. I would also love to see your own mood boards or mind maps. If you have created a project, please share it in the comments or send me a message—let's inspire each other and build a creative community together! I'd love to hear about your design projects and inspirations.
If you’re interested in learning more about Nordic or Scandinavian interior design, I highly recommend exploring the courses at the Nordic Design Institute. My experience with the 'Designing Your Home the Nordic Way' course transformed how I approach my projects. You can find more information about their programs on their website, or feel free to ask me about my experience as a student.
Stay tuned for more updates, and thank you for joining me on this creative journey.
About the Blogger
Kelly Mercer enjoys writing about the beach, hygge (a Danish concept of coziness and comfort), and home decor. She and her family live in Wilmington, North Carolina.
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