1. Shiplap Walls in Every Room
If there’s one design choice that screams “Pinterest made me do it,” it’s shiplap. Made famous by Joanna Gaines and the farmhouse chic movement, this wood paneling has been lovingly installed on more than just accent walls—it’s taken over bathrooms, hallways, and even ceilings. While it adds texture and warmth, too much of it starts to feel like a coastal-themed showroom. You can almost hear the Pinterest board whispering, “More shiplap, always more.”
Shiplap became popular thanks to its affordability and ease of DIY installation, especially with peel-and-stick options. But it’s not necessarily the best choice for humid areas like bathrooms, where moisture can warp the boards. Still, homeowners dedicated to the aesthetic often push past practicality. After all, Pinterest boards rarely factor in plumbing issues.
2. Open Shelving in the Kitchen
Open kitchen shelving looks dreamy in styled photos—rows of color-coordinated dishes, artful stacks of bowls, and trailing greenery. But in real life, it often turns into a dust-collecting display of chaos unless you’re both a minimalist and a cleaning enthusiast. It’s a strong visual choice that says, “I trust myself to always have photogenic dishes.” And let’s be honest, Pinterest is full of swoon-worthy open shelving inspiration.
This trend took off in the early 2010s and hasn’t fully let go, thanks to its aesthetic appeal and the illusion of space it creates. However, it often requires sacrificing cabinet storage, which can be impractical for serious cooks. People who embrace it are typically design-focused, not function-first. That tells you a lot about their priorities—and their obsession with curated visuals.
3. Barn Doors (Even When There’s No Barn)
Sliding barn doors used to be a clever space-saving idea in rustic homes, but now they’ve made their way into suburban split-levels and modern condos. They’re a statement piece—loud, charming, and often a little out of place. But for someone who’s spent hours pinning “Modern Farmhouse Vibes,” they’re the ultimate personality badge. The squeaky track and lack of privacy are minor inconveniences compared to how good they look on Instagram.
The hardware alone can cost hundreds, and installation isn’t always DIY-friendly, yet they continue to be popular. That’s a testament to how powerful Pinterest inspiration can be in driving style choices. Sometimes it’s not about what works—it’s about what looks like it works online. These doors are practically a lifestyle choice.
4. Macramé Wall Hangings
Macramé had its big comeback around 2016 and hasn’t left the spotlight of boho Pinterest boards since. You’ll find it draped above beds, hanging in hallways, or stretched across entryways like some sort of fiber art shrine. It adds texture and earthiness, signaling that the homeowner probably has a collection of succulents and burns palo santo. It also says, “I believe in crafting as décor.”
Macramé projects are heavily featured in DIY circles because they’re relatively cheap and easy to make. But once you’ve got one, it’s hard not to want seven more to complete the “cozy nomadic dream” vibe. Pinterest fans often don’t stop at wall hangings—they go for macramé plant holders, curtains, even chandeliers. It’s aesthetic maximalism disguised as minimalism.
5. A Letterboard with Rotating Quotes
Nothing says “Pinterest aesthetic meets daily affirmation” quite like a felt letterboard with a cheeky or inspirational quote. These boards tend to live in entryways, kitchens, or right above a coffee station—anywhere they’ll be photographed. And they change with the seasons, holidays, or moods, offering a sort of low-effort way to keep the décor “fresh.” It’s home decor with a built-in update cycle.
Letterboards boomed in popularity around 2017 and have stayed strong because they’re customizable and social media-ready. Pinterest users love them because they offer both visual and emotional appeal. But if someone has one for every room, chances are they’re living out a curated aesthetic in real-time. It’s motivational content as interior design.
6. A Coffee Bar That Looks Like a Tiny Café
There’s a distinct look to a Pinterest-inspired coffee bar: a tiered tray, a Keurig or Nespresso, matching mugs, maybe a sign that says “But First, Coffee.” It’s not just functional—it’s an experience, often taking up more space than the actual pantry. This kind of setup suggests someone treats morning coffee like a sacred ritual—or at least like content. It’s less about caffeine and more about curating a vibe.
These spaces are often styled with seasonal mugs, faux greenery, and even tiny chalkboards. They’ve become an extension of the kitchen that’s part hospitality zone, part self-care nook. For Pinterest devotees, it’s not just about having coffee—it’s about presenting it. The line between beverage station and branding moment is blurry.
7. A Gallery Wall With 15+ Frames
Gallery walls are a staple of Pinterest home tours, typically featuring a mix of inspirational quotes, black-and-white family photos, and maybe a random deer head. They’re visually complex, require serious measuring skills, and suggest the owner enjoys a challenge—or just loves symmetry. When done right, they look effortlessly curated; when done wrong, they look like a Pinterest fail waiting to happen. But the intent is always the same: to tell a story with frames.
People inspired by Pinterest often go beyond hanging a few pictures—they’ll create themes, add wall decals, and switch out art seasonally. It’s a form of controlled chaos that feels deeply personal and entirely performative. The gallery wall becomes a conversation starter, even if no one ever actually brings it up. It’s style as storytelling, one frame at a time.
8. Pegboards as Decor and Storage
A nod to both functionality and design, pegboards have moved from garage walls to kitchens, craft rooms, and even bedrooms. They’re usually painted white or pastel, accessorized with copper hooks and hanging plants. Pinterest users love them because they allow for customizable organization and flatlay-worthy visuals. If you see one filled with curated trinkets rather than tools, that’s Pinterest’s fingerprint.
This trend took off after being featured by bloggers who love Marie Kondo and Scandinavian minimalism. It’s all about visible order—every item has a place and looks like it belongs in a catalog. But pegboards require constant upkeep to maintain that magazine-perfect look. So when you see one in a home, you know someone’s treating their wall like a living Pinterest post.
9. Edison Bulb String Lights—Indoors
Edison bulbs on string lights used to be an outdoor patio staple, but Pinterest brought them inside. Now they hang from curtain rods, drape across headboards, or outline mirrors with a cozy glow. They’re atmospheric, a little vintage, and extremely photogenic—think café meets college dorm upgrade. Anyone who’s ever pinned “cozy lighting ideas” has likely ended up buying a 50-foot strand.
These lights are an easy and affordable way to add warmth and ambiance, especially in rooms lacking built-in fixtures. They became popular alongside the rise of “hygge” trends and soft, cozy aesthetics. But they often sacrifice practicality, offering more vibe than visibility. Still, Pinterest-inspired homeowners will gladly light five candles to make up the difference.
10. Floating Shelves Styled Like Museum Exhibits
Floating shelves became a favorite because they offer clean lines and a modern feel, but Pinterest turned them into high-stakes design zones. Each shelf is typically styled with a perfect balance of books, plants, sculptures, and negative space. They’re not just functional—they’re expressive, a visual thesis statement of someone’s taste. And they’re never allowed to look cluttered.
It’s a delicate aesthetic to maintain because one extra item throws off the entire balance. Pinterest tutorials often give detailed rules: vary object height, include natural elements, and group in odd numbers. That level of planning suggests a deep commitment to style. Floating shelf maximalists are basically curators in their own homes.
11. A Sliding Pantry Ladder No One Really Uses
Pantry ladders look incredible in photos: sleek, tall, and very Belle-from-Beauty-and-the-Beast. In practice, they’re often more decorative than functional, especially in average-sized homes. If someone installs a sliding ladder for their canned goods, it’s safe to assume Pinterest had a strong influence. It’s the kind of addition that says, “I dream of a library, but I’ll settle for lentils.”
These ladders gained popularity through luxury kitchen remodel pins and DIY upgrade videos. But unless you’re constantly reaching for the top shelf, they’re more showpiece than necessity. They often cost more to install than they save in effort. Still, for some, the fantasy is worth every dollar.
12. A Bathroom That Looks Like a Spa Retreat
The spa-inspired bathroom is a Pinterest classic: think bamboo bath trays, rolled towels, faux eucalyptus, and a sign that says “Relax.” It’s meant to transport you somewhere serene—even if your tub is standard-sized and faces the toilet. These setups are designed more for ambiance than function, often involving candles you never burn and bath bombs you never use. The vibe is “I pinned my way to peace.”
Spa bathrooms surged in popularity alongside self-care trends and minimalist wellness culture. Pinterest boards are full of DIY bath tray tutorials and product roundups for this exact look. People love how easy it is to transform a space with just a few curated items. But if it looks more like a photo shoot than a working bathroom, you know Pinterest had a hand in it.
13. A Chalkboard Wall That’s More Art Than Utility
Chalkboard walls were initially marketed as a practical feature for grocery lists or kid doodles, but Pinterest gave them a glow-up. Now they’re more likely to host hand-lettered quotes, seasonal illustrations, or menus for dinner parties. These walls require ongoing effort to stay cute and clean—chalk dust included—but they’re the ultimate flex for design-minded DIYers. And let’s be honest, the handwriting is usually suspiciously perfect.
This trend boomed around 2015 and hasn’t fully disappeared, especially in creative households. Pinterest is full of chalkboard wall inspiration, from home offices to mudrooms. People who maintain one often treat it like a rotating art installation. It’s a black canvas for white chalk—and endless personality.
This post 13 Home Features That Suggest the Owner Built Their Personality Around Pinterest Boards was first published on Greenhouse Black.
