[Originally published as Design Tip #3 in our weekly newsletter]

If you’re considering a renovation or construction project and you’ve never heard of Houzz, get your internet-surfing self over there and sign up. It’s the largest collection of home improvement images on the web. It’s awesome.

However, if you try to use Houzz for general inspiration, it can be overwhelming. Many of our clients call it the rabbit hole.

The best way to use Houzz is to search for super-specific terms:

• Instead of searching for “white kitchen,” search for “white subway tile carrera countertop” and then filter by “kitchens” for the room type.
• Looking for Ikea kitchen installations? Search for “Ikea” in photos and sort by the kitchen room type. You can even search for the cabinet line (Ikea Ramsjo or Bodbyn) and add terms like “Semihandmade” to see Ikea kitchens with Semihandmade doors.
• I first learned this strength of Houzz when searching for “Built-in Green Egg Grill” and got over 3,000 images. The possibilities are endless!

We have a profile on Houzz, but we’re not affiliates or paying advertisers. We just think it’s an amazing resource when you know how to use it. Enjoy!