Maturing is Realizing that Pinterest is Not a Design Plan

By Brittany McNab 

I feel as if it’s a universal experience to have that “Dream Home” or “Dream Kitchen” Pinterest board saved and then feel as if we are completely ready to break ground at the right moment and start building the home or renovation of our dreams. But it’s time to come back down to earth—because even though you know you want that exact Taj Mahal Quartzite countertop, that does not mean you are ready to rip out your 2000s Tuscan kitchen just yet.

You need a plan—and probably a designer—before you swing that sledgehammer.

Don’t get me wrong, as a designer, I love a good mood board, and inspiration is the fuel that I use to get the ball rolling on each and every project. I too dream about the perfect unlacquered brass knobs and roman shades. But let’s get one thing straight:

Pinterest Is Not a Floorplan

Every house is unique and comes with its own set of limitations and challenges, whether it’s where the plumbing is located or how big a space's footprint is. We have to play within certain parameters, and that’s where actual hardcore space planning and layouts come in clutch. A search engine is not going to do that for you.

A good designer will draft up your space, lay things out based on function, and incorporate the elements you’ve been dreaming of in a functional way. Have you been lusting over a built-in breakfast nook? Or an appliance garage? Your designer will take a look at the plans and tell you if that’s even possible given your current parameters.

Design Is Not Just About How It Looks, It’s About How It Works

There is a reason why designers follow a formula of coming up with a concept and preliminary design first before demoing and splashing out on tile—we have to make sure it’s actually feasible. So, you might want an island that fits 8 in a 12x16’ kitchen, but we have to find out if that actually works with the layout, if we will have a minimum of 40” around the entire island for traffic and walking room, and if it will work with the budget you’ve specified for the project.

Oftentimes, we need to pivot. Perhaps we’re looking at a 4-person island instead and adding a special detail elsewhere, for instance.

The Best Spaces Blend Dreaming and Reality

Here’s the good news: just because Pinterest isn’t a floorplan doesn’t mean your dream home isn’t achievable. But real-life design is about blending inspiration with the technical details. It’s about understanding what works within your home’s unique footprint, budget, and limitations—then layering in the aesthetics that make it feel like you.

A designer’s job isn’t to kill the dream—it’s to take those dream boards and turn them into something functional, beautiful, and buildable.

Conclusion

So, pin away. Save every unlacquered brass knob, handmade tile, and curated kitchen you fall in love with—but remember: a Pinterest board is not a substitute for a well-thought-out plan.

The dream space is still within reach—you just need the right foundation to bring it to life.

*All photographs credit: Brittany McNab

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