Inspiration is a crucial element in the design process. And yet, finding inspiration can be challenging at times. The algorithms are sending you pictures that you’ve seen countless times and all the styles remain the same. 

You want something new, something inspiring, but all the same stuff comes up. 

We’re currently working on the interior design of our home, and we knew what we wanted overall, but working out the details meant countless hours of designs.

Before spending all that time designing, I wanted to find pictures that could help visually explain our vision for the space to know if that was the direction that we both wanted. 

Sometimes you think you’re on the same page and it turns out you’re not. 

We’re not here to waste time. So instead of falling down that rabbit hole, let’s find you some different inspiration pronto.

Here’s how you can change that.

What do you think of when you think of your typical Pinterest searches? Modern, Traditional, Farmhouse, Rustic, Dream Home…. yeah, the same things keep popping up.

Let’s find something different.

1. Start with the Room.

What room or area are you focusing on? Interior or exterior? You can add that in your description too. Is it the bathroom, ensuite, bedroom, living room, great room, family room, kitchen, patio, yard, property, courtyard…

Try to use other definitions of the space. For example you can try bathroom, powder room, ensuite, full bath, main bath, etc.

Check out these interchangeable terms for more definitions. 

2. Add your Style.

What is your definition of your style? Perhaps it’s a blend of other styles. Try them all - separately or together and see what comes up. 

Or try something new. 

Instead of ‘Farmhouse’, try ‘Rustic’, ‘Country’, ‘Country Club’, or “Artisan”.

Play around with it. 

3. Add a Location.

Location can also be really helpful for the style and, better yet, finding an architectural or interior designer that focuses on the style of projects you’re looking for. Whether it’s to peruse their portfolio for inspiration or to hire them, you have found a great source.

Add either your specific location or you can overall region. Try “Mediterranean”, “European”, “Southern”, “Mexican” (like Hacienda), “Country side”, “West Coast”, “East Coast”, “Japandi”, etc.

4. Add a Feeling. 

Nothing dramatically changes an image quite like adding a feeling to it. 

Try words like “Moody”, “Cozy”, “Bright”, “Dark”, “Edgy”, “Minimalist”, “Maximalist”, etc. 

5. Add materials.

For getting extremely specific, add key words for the type of materials you’re looking to include in your design. Try words like “Concrete”, “Stone”, “Plywood”, “Natural”, “Greenery”, etc.

The Results.

Let’s give you an example. Let’s go with the classic and currently overused search for “Farmhouse”. You know the one.

Beautiful, but we’ve seen it time and time again.

I’m not going to say we know better, but now that we do, let’s search “Cozy, Rustic Country side Interior with Natural Stone and Greenery.”

Pair them together, a couple at a time, all at once, separately - the point is to play around with the descriptive words you use when you search. 

The more you change, the more Pinterest will change. 

I hope this advice helps you solve the challenge of finding better inspiration on Pinterest. Use this for Houzz, Instagram, Google, or any other search engine.

Give us a follow on Pinterest if you’re looking for oodles of inspiration and, if you’re just getting started on your new home or renovation project or are struggling getting clear on your vision, consider joining us inside Homeowner HQ. We have an entire program on project clarity that also includes understanding construction options, property zoning and bylaws, and a project edit that is tried and tested with us (real-life example you can see for yourself!).