6 Tips to

USE PINTEREST FOR YOUR RENOVATION

1. Know its limits (and yours).When you first start browsing, have in mind where you want to draw the line. Pinterest doesn’t know your budget—you do. Be conscious of how far you want to go with your renovation.

2. Celebrate what Pinterest does best. Think about the most efficient and effective way to organize your project. Pinterest creates a clean, digital platform for organizing your ideas; take advantage of it.

3. Pin smart.Make sure to look at pins from reputable sources such as architecture firms, interior design companies, or experts in historic rehabilitation. While DIY boards can be fun to look at, you should rely on experts for your renovation and stick to proven methods.

4. Look for infographics.Because Pinterest is used best as a jumping-off point for putting your renovation into action, it will be most beneficial to accumulate pins that present relevant information in a clear (if simplified) manner.

5. Use Pinterest to build your confidence.Pinterest has become a useful platform for preservation organizations, real estate companies, and licensed professionals to share resources. By following the right people and groups, you can feel confident that you’re gleaning good information that won’t lead you down the wrong path.

6. Know when to stop.As wonderful and fun Pinterest is, it can sometimes turn into a rabbit-hole. Once you begin feeling comfortable with a direction to go and an idea of the people you need to talk to, log off.

The National Trust for Historic Preservation works to save America’s historic places. Preservation Tips & Tools helps others do the same in their own communities.

For more information, visit SavingPlaces.org.

The LAMP/Flickr/CC BY NC ND 2.0; Kevin McShane/Flickr/CC BY NC 2.0; person/figment/Flickr/CC BY NC ND 2.0; Stefan Leijon/Flickr/CC BY ND 2.0; Steve Grant/Flickr/CC BY NC ND 2.0; Martin Abegglen/Flickr/CC BY SA 2.0.