So many reasons I use this site. Whenever I'm thinking about possibly using a product, or incorporating an idea/product in my home-- I always check Houzz, because the item will invariably be posted on here, with photos, with comments, with pros and cons. So I find Houzz very helpful in that way. Also, if I have a design problem that I just can't seem to "fix," the answers will be here. I've yet to post a question myself, because the questions I might have, have already been asked and answered. I just find that invaluable.

Additionally, while designers might post photos of extraordinary homes-- it's their ideas that they want to show you-- ideas and ways of decorating that can often be used for your own home. I've picked up so many ideas from browsing this site-- either incorporating those same ideas in some form-- or, after seeing the photos-- not incorporating them. And the discussion lists I probably find the most helpful.

Great point from FINNE Architects-- agreed.

I find products and ideas on houzz proper...in dilemmas I enjoy helping people see the possibilities in their spaces...often, a change of position or color can make a world of difference...just too hard to see because they're so close to the problem :)

This site has nothing to do with "money". There are basic principles of design that apply when decorating any size home. balance and scale being one of them. You can still use what you love just making some tweaks to give you that "decorator" look.

I love this site !!! I have posted a couple of questions on here. Success with one and up in the air with the other. Will I ever live in or own the art work or furniture that I see in the photos .....no. But I love to look and I just love to see how colours in a room can change it. I believe you can gain knowledge from this site on how you can make things in your own home work for you. The one thing that I do notice with a lot of comments is that they are all very black and white. I know people post questions for help but sometimes I think the personality of the person is lost within the feed back they receive. Just my thoughts.

Well, the clothes I buy look a lot better on the models, too! No, none of us has a flawless home (says the homeschooling mom with 2 dogs.) It's just for fun, for me.

Inspiration. You may see a gorgeous bathroom that is twice the size of yours ... but that tile they have pictured is fabulous! Hmmm, that tile is $40 square foot ... then I look for one very similar for a lot less.

You find a room you like and then find the less expensive way to achieve it. Sort of how Rachael Ray (and other shows I imagine) show you the $500 outfit and the $50 outfit, but you have to guess which is which. I do the same thing here. I see a light fixture here, a wall color there, and I search for sales, clearances and coupons to get good quality things for much less. Patience is key in making purchases and final decisions, and I never do a room all at once (although it'd be nice).

people like to look at beautiful things. That's why we go to museums, travel, and look at fashion magazines, etc….

I am doing an event in December and got an idea for the decor from browsing through the lighting idea book on Houzz. Very excited!!!
I munched the photo and take it around with me on my phone to show the suppliers what I am aiming for.

I've picked a gray paint color for my kitchen and dining room - a color I never would have considered for my home - but after seeing it on Houzz, I tried it and I love it. I picked the paint for my granddaughter's room the same way. I've learned that water features don't cost as much as I thought they do. I've found landscaping plants suitable for my area that are drought resistant. I bought a lamp kit for kids for my grandson's room, I know what style and colors I want for the drapes in my den, kitchen and dining room from looking at the pictures of all the huge, expensive, designed by professionals rooms in Houzz. It's a matter of imagining what "it" would look like in my particular setting and thinking about how I can make it happen. I look past the glitz and glamour, zero in on what I love and at the same time admire the whole picture. Most of all, it's just plain old fun!

If you feel jealousy looking at homes and products on Houzz, then I don't think this is the site for you. If you feel inspired then you should feel right at home here.

I consider this site inspirational, not aspirational. In fact, I aspire to find a smaller, more casual house even less likely to be "Houzzable" than my current home.

I use this site for ideas and for photos of trim, cabinetry, and tile details. This site allows me to keep up with trends without leaving my house or spending any money. Plus I enjoy the discussions, and occasionally catch little tips and tricks I can use. Then, I get to read about other people's issues, offer unsolicited advice and not have to spend any money or live with the results...perfect gig!

As someone who has loved having a comfortable clean home and changing furniture arrangements in several homes over the years, I am often on HOUZZ. In the Photo section are many "over the top rooms" (IMO), but the other sections, Ideabooks and Products, have more reasonable and attainable rooms and items. The Discussion section is my favorite and this old lady has learned a lot in the last year about design, while trolling the interesting questions and helpful, insightful advice from professionals and amateurs.

Inspiration, to get a visual of something I have in mind, product and source ideas.

I stick to the Discussions section. I love seeing when a bit of paint, accessories and furniture re-arrangement transform a room.

Thanks to daily Houzz check ins, no need to buy magazines anymore!
I can collect photos that I like and see what the common denominator is, what appeals to me.

And, no more trying ideas that don't work out and wasting money and time! (besides feeling discouraged...)

Well thought out design does not have to be expensive. I know what I like when I see it, but need points of reference to keep me on track with a project. Browsing through photos is inspirational. Posting questions is thought provoking and it's so nice to get advice from other people who are into design. Houzz is an amazing resource when it comes to making a comfortable home. I don't think many who come here are looking to live in the beautiful showcase rooms, but to make rooms that feel beautiful to them. That's available at every price point.

First, I've viewed many photos on here that are very much attainable by "real" people. A middle class, or lower, person armed with a little knowledge on color and composition can create a stunning room with Walmart paint, Craigslist furniture, and thrift store accessories if that's all that they can afford.. Houzz is very helpful for inspiration. I get that "oh my goodness this is way over my head" feeling when I walk in to a paint store and stare at paint chips--without this site i wouldn't have had a clue as to the numerous options that would work for my home. By seeing a setting and comparing it to our own, it takes a lot of the guess work out of it.
I also read the newsletters and gain ideas, everyone has such great input and this site is a great way to get help and new ideas.

Although, I do want to add that I get annoyed at some of the posts. For example, if someone posts a question about artwork or a rug in one room why do some posters start telling her that her dining furniture in the adjoining room is no good and to replace the window treatments and paint and on and on ,etc?
It saddens me that some posters seem to convince those seeking advice that they have to replace all their stuff.
So instead, I take pleasure in posting "the bathroom is fine the way it is, don't change anything."
:)

It surprises me that some think the houses here are so unattainable for the "average person." I've subscribed to nearly every design/decor magazine imaginable and I find MUCH more realistic and inspiring ideas on this site.

Just because you don't have tons of money does't mean you can't have a beautiful home. I think it's all about getting inspiration and trying to recreate it on a budget. It's also a great social networking site for people with the same interest.

Totally a good point-and I thought that too UNTiL I found use for it! I have learned SO MUCH in the past 6 months and would never have gotten as far as I did on my rooms without :-) Houzz! And I live in an 1900 sq ft, 1975 home in the Bay Area. NOTHING like the homes on here LOL!

I am completely entertained by Houzz. I agree many of the homes are not the type of homes the majority of us actually live in, but who hasn't walked through model homes just for decorating ideas?...or spent a small fortune on decorating magazines?
I find reality in the discussions on Houzz. That's where real homes with real design challenges are. I find comfort there knowing not everyone lives in a beautifully decorated and spotless mansion. It's a great arena for those of us who would like our homes to be beautiful no matter what its size.

I must be looking at the wrong sites on Houzz as I find the homes are of regular people trying to improve their little bit of "heaven".

I have a very small home and a budget to match - what HOUZZ has done for me is to allow me access to homes I would never see and to gain knowledge and ideas about how I can use color and furniture and lighting, etc., to create a mood, visual effect... - and there are plenty of DIY and budget ideas on here - best site I've ever been on for this kind of information! I also love that the PROS take the time to help people out with their dilemma's.

Angel, I think they are referring to the photos section of this site. Don't you think those homes are, for the most part, extravagant?

You can find a 3 1/4 hp router and table on craigslist for around $100. Same with an introductory level table saw. A compound miter saw is a little more. None of these tools have priced out middle class home owners from any country.

Which is to say, you might not be able to create houses like those showcased here, but you can certainly decorate and furnish your abode like these examples for a few thousand dollars, if you're willing to sweat.

Houzz is a library of ideas. How we implement them is left up to us. You have to work and think to create an interesting enviroment in your personal home.

I use this site to help people with their design dilemmas - also to gather together photos and suggestions for my clients - and they in turn gather ideas that they can show me ! the fact that you can specify in the photo searches for pics of smaller properties or specific things such a a wing chair is useful ?! designers and other houzzers tend to be friendly on the design dilemmas and even help out for free - surely that's a bonus ?! there's so much to love about this site ! and nothing to stop you loading your own pics of your own home if you'd like to share them too ! and if you were looking to hire someone to help you with design your home - you can look at the designers profile and even the dilemmas they've helped on - to see if they are the right ones for you !
.. so there's a lot you can do that's positive on Houzz - so try to be inspired, not demoralised by the beautiful pictures ! :-)

I find this to be a very open site with people from all walks of life who have an interest in design. I like the sense of community and the shared interest. I'm learning, I think I'm helping others, and I'm getting help myself. All good. I get to see inside so many homes, mostly quite ordinary, and I'm inspired that so many people, designers and architects particularly, and some very talented "amateurs" are willing to give so freely of their time and talents, to help others seeking advice. I admit I can't quite figure out why some posts go on forever and some don't seem to get enough attention, but what does happen is personal, helpful, conversational, and about making our surroundings more livable and beautiful. The McMansions are a little embarrassing but, as long as I don't have to live in one, the owners can deal with that as they choose. Everyone isn't going to become the Dalai Lama tomorrow.

I have worked my way from being a student to a renter to owning my own home and then on to becoming a interior designer in my own right. Along the way I have been forced to use creativity and it isn't always based on a lot of money. The point is that with a few clever tips one can create the wow factor. This is a truth that scales high and low budgets. But you have to be prepared to a) work with what you have b) contribute some money (and it doesn't have to be a lot) to develop what you are working with and c) be prepared to move some stuff out that doesn't work. With these three elements, you can achieve a designer look.Kelly Hoppen started out on a budget as a young designer and went to the fabric factories to find the cheapest material she could use, she started using undyed linens and the keystone to the taupe trend was laid...

Each to their own.

For me it's about giving back. I have been very fortunate in my life, so if I can help another in any way by sharing the talent that I have been gifted then I'm a happy guy !

Those gorgeous houses you see in the photo section on this site may not be financially attainable by most, but the decorating ideas and inspiration they offer are absolutely free. A creative mind can make something from nothing with very little money, and that in itself is most rewarding.