I use Pinterest to source a lot of materials, finishes and fixtures for our projects and to find inspirational photos. If you’d like to check out a few of my favorite boards, check out my profile or click below for our kitchen, mudroom, and entry/vestibule inspiration.
As I built out my boards for each room I started to notice they were looking the same – similar styles, palettes, architectural features, even finishes. This was not my intention and I wondered if there was a better way to use Pinterest.
Tips and Suggestions to Maximize Pinterest Search and Create Customized Boards
- Search by the main item in a room. If you’re drawn to an image it’s likely for one or two key elements and not the entire image. Do you like the grain or stain of the wood? Gorgeous kitchen island? The fireplace? Are you interested in the light fixture? Use keywords to search for that item in particular. For example, instead of searching “farmhouse kitchen” and looking through 100s of images to find the 6 you like, search for 7-10 elements using the keywords: large kitchen island, exposed beams in kitchen, open shelving, subway tile backsplash, kitchen ladder. Pinterest will generate more direct images and a well curated selection rather than sifting through incongruous kitchens.
Case Study: Searching by Room v. Searching by Element
Searching by Room: Farmhouse Kitchen
This search brought up a few farmhouse styles but mostly shabby chic kitchens with lots of DIY elements
Searching by Element: Kitchen Beams
Search results are higher end rustic inspired kitchens with lots of different elements: vaulted ceilings, stone countertops and backsplashes, large islands, dark and light cabinetry
- Similar to searching by item, you can also search by color, texture, finish, or fixture. Dream up what you want in your space and search those terms. Now your board will be very curated and convey exactly your aesthetic. Instead of liking 1-2 elements in each pin on your board, you will have an entire board of what you want.
- Reorganize your pins by color or theme. Did you know you can drag and move your pins on your board? Well, you can! This way you can create sections or a flow on your board. I like to start with one color and group all of those together. Or group similarly colored cabinetry together so that you can easily compare your selections.
- Follow design styles, not only boards. First, identify your design style: farmhouse, traditional, eclectic, transitional, modern, minimalist, country, shabby chic, rustic, vintage antique?
- Identify your style and follow that hashtag instead of following designers. Why? Because designers will usually have a portfolio of like-minded projects.
- Following a design style exposes you to a wider selection of designers, many you may not even know, and broadens your inspiration pool.
- Search by photo elements. Did you know you can search by a specific element in a photo? Use this tool – it is very helpful for sourcing materials. It will bring up similarly structured items and usually bring up products at different price points which is especially helpful for budget conscious renovators. I use this all the time for lighting, furniture, and rugs!
One image was used for 4 different visual searches:
Search 1: Traditional Kitchen
Search 2: Cabinet Hardware
Search 3: Glass Accent Cabinetry
Search 4: Stone Countertop Options
- Be specific with your boards and go through them frequently. Prune the pins that do not match your vision or design – your direction will likely change.
Pinterest is a helpful platform in building your vision and design direction and often the first step for many interior coaches like myself. I use Pinterest as a jumping off point to determine your aesthetic, vision, direction, how the space should feel, and how the space will be used.
Don’t be afraid to dive a little deeper in Pinterest and create boards that are helpful for pulling your vision together!
Let me know if these tips are helpful below! And tag your favorite Pinterest boards for me to check out.
Tiarra
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