PINTEREST VS. REALITY
IN A POST-COVID WORLD
While the concept of “Pinterest vs. reality” has been part of the cultural zeitgeist for awhile now, we felt that right now in the in between of a Covid / Post-Covid world it was time to examine it once again.
When we say Pinterest vs Reality what we mean literally is an interaction that takes place in the planning stages of a project when we ask for inspiration or input from our clients.
We often use Pinterest as a tool for setting the tone or vibe of a space and determining the likes and dislikes of the individual or team we’re working with.
But a major challenge we come up against time and time again is the request for a replication of a specific image or concept. When we get asked this question, the answer is always a resounding “no.”
There are multiple reasons for this response:
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY IS A REAL ISSUE IN THE WORLD OF INSTAGRAM AND PINTEREST AND WE WANT TO CREATE SOMETHING UNIQUE FOR YOU, YOUR FAMILY, YOUR LIFESTYLE, YOUR HOME, YOUR BRAND OR BUSINESS.
The work of interior designers is often protected by intellectual property rights. That beautiful photo you took a screenshot of comes with a whole set of creators; designers, trades, architects, and artists who own the rights to the concepts behind the design.
Plus, copying others work directly isn’t right. We want to create something unique that will suit your life and your goals – not something cookie cutter that comes straight from a Pinterest board.
YOU MAY LOVE THAT IMAGE BUT YOUR SPACE DOESN’T HAVE 15FT CEILINGS, OR THE ARCHITECTURAL SETTING THAT IS TO REMAIN IS A 1980S DESIGN.
One of the biggest challenges of coming to a designer with a bank of photos and expectations for your space is the considerations involved in your physical layout, your plumbing stacks, your expensive to modify mechanical, your structural constraints, your budget - the list can go on. All of these elements add $$$ to your project and the fact is: your home just may not have the room or the square footage or the right layout to accomplish what you’ve fallen in love with on Pinterest. At least not literally.
We’re here to come alongside you to create something that fits into your budget and your physical space that will be beautiful and functional and still cater to the aesthetic you love.
PHOTOS ARE TWO-DIMENSIONAL AT BEST, AND WE DON’T PLAN A SPACE THAT WAY.
It’s rare that a beautiful interior image shows people interacting or engaging with a space. A photo doesn’t allow you to move through a space or see how your site lines change as you go. It doesn’t show different daylight hours and how the light interacts with finishes. It doesn’t and can’t illustrate all the activities that will take place in that space. It doesn't speak to the actual experience. A photo is an objectified moment. Sure that kitchen may be beautiful but is it practical for your high traffic, family-of-four needs?
We go through a highly detailed process of programming and discovery, followed by space planning, detailing, finishing and construction documentation before shovels ever hit the dirt and we want you to be part of that process. We want to layer your space in a way that’s true to your style, your sensibilities and behaviours. We want to approach your space with mindfulness.
COVID HAS CAUSED SUPPLY CHAIN DELAYS AND COST INCREASES THAT MAY LAST FOR MONTHS/YEARS. THAT MATERIAL YOU LOVE MAY NOT BE AVAILABLE OR ANYWHERE NEAR YOUR BUDGET GOALS IN TODAY'S COVID CLIMATE.
This may be the most frustrating of the reasons why Pinterest isn’t the be all end all of your space plans and design. The reality of the world right now is delays, inflated costs, and material shortages. It’s something to seriously consider as you enter into a home or business project. This isn't to deter, we just want to manage your experience expectations.
We’re here to walk you through every step of the way and we will always do our best to give you the best information and solutions possible – but supply chain issues are for real in the world of Covid and we want you to be well informed to avoid disappointment if the perfect finish isn’t available for your project.
Your relationship with your interior design team always requires give and take. It also requires trust. We encourage you to hold things loosely, to come into the experience of planning your space with flexibility and curiosity and to trust us when we say that dreaded word: “no.”
Believe us – it will make your project that much more successful.
Let’s co-create something special together and DO YOU!