From Pinterest to Reality: Using Inspiration Boards

By Ester White Gherea | WBN News | June 13, 2025

Let me tell you a secret that most designers know, but not everyone says out loud:

Not everything you see on Pinterest will work in your home.
And that’s okay.

Don’t get me wrong—I love Pinterest. It’s full of beautiful ideas. Dreamy kitchens, cozy bedrooms, perfect living rooms with not a single pillow out of place.
But turning those ideas into real-life spaces? That takes more than just clicking “Save.”

Let’s talk about why inspiration boards sometimes fall flat—and how to use them better.

1. Pinterest Isn’t Real Life

Most photos on Pinterest are from photo shoots. That means perfect lighting, hidden clutter, carefully staged furniture, and sometimes even fake food or digital edits.

So when you try to copy a photo exactly and your living room doesn’t look the same? It’s not because you did something wrong. It’s because your space is real—and that's actually a good thing!

2. Your Home Has Its Own Story

Every space is different. Maybe you have lower ceilings, or more windows, or a weird corner you don’t know what to do with. That’s normal.

What worked beautifully in a big open-concept home in California might feel crowded in your cozy townhouse in Vancouver.
Your home has its own personality. It deserves its own plan.

3. Too Many Styles = Design Confusion

Here’s something I see a lot:
Someone saves 100+ pins—boho, minimal, vintage, modern, coastal, glam—all mixed together.

Then they try to decorate a room with all those styles… and it feels off. Not because their taste is bad, but because too many directions at once can get confusing.

Pinterest is a buffet, but you don’t need to eat everything at once. Choosing one clear vision makes all the difference.

4. Color Doesn’t Always Translate

A paint color that looks warm and soft in a Pinterest photo might look cold and dull in your bedroom. Why? Lighting, shadows, wall texture, even your floors can change how a color appears.

That’s why I always test paint in the actual room before making a decision. And I recommend you do too—just a few swatches on the wall can save a lot of disappointment.

5. Your Life Isn’t Just for Looks

Pinterest homes don’t usually show what real people do in those rooms.
Where’s the dog bed? The laptop cords? The stack of library books, half-folded laundry, or toddler’s toys?

Design isn’t just about looking good—it’s about feeling good. Your space should work for your routines, habits, and lifestyle, not just for a perfect picture.

So What Is Pinterest Good For?

I still believe Pinterest is a great place to begin. Use it to discover what you love. Collect images that speak to you. Then ask:

What do these spaces have in common?
Is it the color palette? The textures? The mood?
Can I bring that feeling into my home in a way that fits my space and life?

That’s the sweet spot—inspiration, not imitation.

Let’s Make Your Vision Real (and Realistic)

Have a board full of pins but no idea where to start? Feel like your space never looks like the photos?
You’re not alone. And I’d love to help.

Let’s take your favorite ideas and turn them into something that works beautifully in your real, wonderful life.
Send me your board—I’ll help you make it make sense.

Ester White Gherea is an Interior Designer and the founder of Gherea Studios.
She can be reached at 236-339-6644 or estergherea@gmail.com. Connect with Ester on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/ester-white-gherea-6b339a2b5/. Connect with Ester at https://www.ghereastudio.com/.

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