Alessandra Silva Interior Designer

View Original

What to pay attention to when selecting inspiration photos for your interior design board?

There are several reasons why an interior room replica from Pinterest may not look as great in real life as it does in the photo.

Some of the reasons are:

  1. Lighting:

    Pinterest photos are often taken with professional lighting, which creates a bright and spacious look that may not be present in the actual room. The lighting in the room, including the natural light, can greatly affect the overall appearance, making it look dull or less inviting.

  2. Perspective:

    The way the photo is taken, such as the angle, can greatly impact the look and feel of the room. A photo taken from a high angle can give the illusion of a larger and more open space, while a photo taken from a low angle can create a cozier and more intimate feel.

  3. Photo editing:

    The photo may have been edited or manipulated with photo editing software, which can enhance colors, remove blemishes, and adjust the brightness and contrast. In reality, the room may not have the same level of color intensity, brightness, or contrast, and can appear different from the photo.

  4. Room size:

    The room in the photo may be larger or smaller than the room you are trying to replicate, which can make a significant difference in the look and feel of the space. The furniture and decor items may appear too big or too small in the actual room.

  5. Furniture and decor:

    Furniture and decor items in the photo may be more expensive or may not be available for purchase in real life. Furthermore, the items may appear differently in real life, such as a different texture, color, or material, compared to the photo.

  6. Room layout:

    The layout of the room in the photo may not be feasible for your own space. For example, you may not have enough room for a large sofa or a gallery wall, making it difficult to replicate the look of the photo.

  7. Personal taste:

    What may look beautiful in a photo may not necessarily align with your personal style and taste. It is important to consider your own preferences when decorating your home and to select items and elements that you will enjoy and appreciate.


Replicating an interior room from Pinterest can be a source of inspiration, but it is crucial to keep in mind the factors that can affect the overall appearance of the room, such as lighting, perspective, photo editing, room size, furniture and decor, room layout, and personal taste.


Here are 5 tips to help you search and compare the real house with the photo on Pinterest:

  1. Pay attention to lighting:

    Look for photos that have natural or similar lighting to the room you are trying to replicate. This will help you get a better idea of what the room will look like in real life. Observe where are the windows? Is the same position as your room? How many are there? What is the color of the floor, wall and ceiling these colors pays an importan part in lighting as some of the light is absorbed and the other part is reflected. Take note of the amount of light you get in your space. If your room, during the year, doesnt get enough natural light you might need to invest on more artificial lighting to achieve the look of the photo.

  2. Check the room dimensions:

    Before you start replicating a room, make sure you have a rough idea of the room dimensions and compare them to the dimensions in the photo. This will help you determine if the furniture and decor items in the photo will fit in your room. Take note of the ceiling height, pay attention to the size of the accessories in the image and compare with what you have, see if they are similar.

  3. Consider the perspective:

    When searching for photos, look for ones that have been taken from a similar angle as the room you are trying to replicate. This will give you a more accurate representation of how the room will look.

  4. Check the furniture and decor availability:

    Before you start replicating a room, research the furniture and decor items in the photo to see if they are available for purchase and what the cost might be. This will help you determine if you can afford to replicate the room.

  5. Personalize it:

    Don't be afraid to personalize the room and make it your own. You don't have to copy everything from the photo. Add your own style and elements to make it unique and reflective of your personality.

In conclusion, by paying attention to lighting, room dimensions, perspective, furniture and decor availability, and personalizing the space, you can get a better idea of what the room will look like in real life and make informed decisions when trying to replicate an interior room from Pinterest.

Get inspired but also get the realistic option for your design.