When I began assembling a team of part-time employees working on different schedules, one of the most useful things I created was an online style guide. I kept it private on a Pinterest board and shared it with everyone at P&S. Because my aesthetic is quite particular—and everyone has their own tastes—I found it far easier to show visual examples of the look and feeling I want rather than rely on written descriptions alone. That way the team can quickly understand what I find most appealing and what will resonate with our readers.
That Pinterest board grew into our ongoing style guide. I add to it regularly whenever I find images or objects that fit the P&S aesthetic. I’ve recommended this approach to several blogging friends because it’s incredibly helpful for getting everyone aligned. More recently I started translating the online guide into physical monthly mood boards displayed around the studio and even one at my house.
We’ve only recently begun moving the digital pieces into tangible displays, but I already love the process. Making physical mood boards is a creative exercise that helps remind the team—and myself—what vibes, color palettes, textures, and trends we want to emphasize each month. It’s motivating and practical: a quick visual reference that keeps everyone on brand.
Items currently on the style guide reflect both personal meaning and visual inspiration. For example, there’s a photo of my dad with his brother as children to remind me to aim for personal, story-driven content whenever possible. A black-and-white image from a German magazine my brother brought back while traveling reminds me how valuable new places and perspectives can be. Leftover dye sheets from a recent shibori project serve as a nudge to make something new every day. And of course there are plenty of colorful, striking images I collect from the web, alongside inspiring pages from books and magazines I’ve gathered over the years.
Photography and styling by Brittni Mehlhoff
I’m considering turning this into a monthly series, since our mood boards and guides shift fairly often. If you’d like to see monthly updates, let me know in the comments below. I’m also curious to hear what’s inspiring you right now—what trends catch your eye, which color combinations you’re excited about, and what visuals are sparking new ideas. Share what you’re loving these days—I’d love to hear from you.