My #1 Rule Before I Ever Open Pinterest — And Why You Should Too

Design by Rest & Revive Design Co.

Pinterest is one of my favorite tools as a designer — but it can also be one of the most overwhelming. If you’ve ever gone down the rabbit hole of pinning hundreds of ideas, only to walk away more confused than when you started, you’re not alone.

That’s why I have one non-negotiable rule before I even open the app:

Know the aesthetic & vibe.

Before I start pinning inspiration for a client project (or even for my own space), I get clear on the feeling we’re going for. I don’t just mean “modern” or “coastal” — I mean things like:

• Warm, inviting, lived-in

• Sleek, minimal, grounded

• Organic, natural, elevated

This emotional direction becomes my compass. It guides everything — from the textures I pin to the materials I save.

Because here’s the truth:
Without a clear intention, inspiration becomes noise.

Pinterest works best when it’s used as a tool for refinement, not exploration. So before you scroll:

• Pause.

• Define how you want the space to feel.

• THEN go searching.

And if you’re feeling stuck in Pinterest overwhelm, let’s connect — I’d love to help you refine your vision.