As we welcome winter back, it brings with it a unique character, a combination of tranquility and stark beauty. We spoke to our creative director and principal, Karen Attwell, about the inspiration and elements behind her latest Canadian winter-inspired mood board, which is a celebration of nature’s quiet elegance during this season. Here is a closer look at the creative insights that went into crafting this design.
Why did you want people to feel “stillness” when they see this design?
Above all, this mood board is about conveying tranquility. “Stillness and light are two things I wanted to emphasize,” Karen says. “Winter brings calmness that feels grounding. Through this design, I hope to capture that feeling and bring a sense of quiet reflection to those who experience it.”
How does this mood board reflect the season or feeling you’re aiming for?
The essence of winter is in rest and stillness. “The cold season literally locks things down,” Karen shares. “Water freezes, movement slows, and there is a natural pause. This mood board captures that sense of quiet, of taking time to settle in and appreciate stillness.”
How do you envision this mood board translating into an actual space?
The interplay of light and dark is a key feature in this design, much like the winter landscape itself. “In a winter-inspired space, I’d focus on finishes that showcase contrasts between light and dark, just as shapes in nature stand out against a snowy backdrop. It creates a striking yet peaceful environment.”
What inspired you to choose the specific color palette for this mood board?
Karen was inspired by the soft, low-angle light unique to this time of year at our latitude. “The sun casts beautiful hues of mauve, heather, and lavender, which complement the black and white contracts in the winter landscape. This palette refreshes and brings a peaceful energy to the still scenes of the season.”
Are there particular textures of materials that you wanted to highlight, and if so, why did you choose those? Do they represent anything?
Winter landscapes are all about simplicity. “What stands out in winter are the lines and shapes in nature”, Karen explains. “With foliage stripped away, the landscape’s pure form becomes more pronounced. This mood board emphasizes those clean, minimal shapes rather than textures, reflecting winter’s bare and unadorned beauty.”
for more mood boards, stay tuned to our studio notes!