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002                                                                                                                   05 NOV '25

Pinterest vs. Reality

Why inspiration boards can ruin your renovation?

Let’s talk about a renovation trap that catches more homeowners than you’d think.

The Pinterest Board Fantasy.

We love inspiration. We use it ourselves. But when it comes to real-life renovations, those dreamy boards can quietly sabotage your project — and your sanity. Here’s the truth bomb:

"Pinterest is a highlight reel, not a blueprint".

Planning a renovation is exciting — especially when your Pinterest board is brimming with ideas. But one of the biggest risks we see is clients falling in love with inspiration that doesn’t suit their home, lifestyle, or budget. Designing with wrong image and you could end up with a space that looks great online but doesn’t work in real life.

The Problem with Perfect Pin

Not every image belongs in your home. The key is knowing what to borrow — and what to leave behind.

01 No context, no constraints

That serene Japandi living room? It’s probably in a Californian new-build with soaring ceilings and perfect light. Your Victorian terrace in South London? Different story. We help you translate the feeling of an image into something that works for your space instead of a disjointed space that lacks a cohesive design thread.

02 Unrealistic budgets

Pins rarely come with price tags. That “simple” kitchen might involve bespoke joinery, imported stone, and a lighting plan that costs more than your appliances. We help you understand what’s achievable within your budget — and where to invest for lasting impact.

03 Lifestyle Alignment

Open shelving looks beautiful — until you’re juggling kids, clutter, and the school run. We design for how you actually live, not just how you want your home to look.

Home office - home office idea in London

Design with Context

Inspiration is powerful — but without context, it can lead to costly missteps. At Studio JKL, we help clients move from “I love this” to “This works for me,” using design thinking and technical expertise to guide every decision.

01 Start with the bones, not the finishes

Before choosing colours or tiles, we assess layout, flow, and natural light. A well-planned space makes styling effortless — and prevents regrets like blocked sightlines or awkward furniture placement.

02 Think in zones, not rooms

Modern living is fluid. We design spaces that support multitasking — from open-plan kitchens with hidden storage to living rooms that double as play areas or work nooks. Zoning with lighting, rugs, and joinery creates clarity without walls.

Home office - home office idea in London

03 Plan for real life

That Pinterest-perfect bathroom with no towel rail or storage? It looks great in photos, but not in practice. We ask the right questions: Where do your toiletries go? How do you move through the space? Design should anticipate your daily routines.

04 Lighting is everything

A beautiful room can fall flat with poor lighting. We layer ambient, task, and accent lighting to create mood and function — and we always plan electricals early to avoid costly rewiring later.

Make It Yours

Your home should feel distinctly yours — not like a copy of someone else’s. That’s where thoughtful design becomes transformative.

01 Use inspiration as a mood, not a map

Instead of replicating a room, we help clients identify what they feel drawn to — calm, warmth, contrast — and build a palette and material story around that.

02 Invest in bespoke where it matters

Custom joinery isn’t just about aesthetics — it’s about making your space work harder. Built-in storage, tailored wardrobes, and integrated desks reflect how your family actually lives.

03 Balance timeless with personal

We guide clients toward enduring choices for big-ticket items — flooring, cabinetry, layout — and encourage personality through art, textiles, and colour. This keeps your home fresh without constant overhauls.

04 Design for longevity

We consider how your needs might evolve — growing children, hybrid work, ageing in place — and future-proof layouts accordingly. A well-designed home adapts with you.

020 | Farnborough Park, LONDON

If you’re planning a renovation and want to avoid the Pinterest pitfalls, explore our services here — and follow us for more insights that make design feel effortless.