How I use AI in my work

and why it is a game changer

At the age of 69 (yes for 4 weeks now 😉) it is not the first thing you think about, but artificial intelligence has become an increasingly useful tool in my daily work for my site. Not only as I build the Home Makeover Kit for you and write about interior design, but also if I write about travels it can be helpful. While AI can sometimes feel overwhelming or even controversial, I have found that using it thoughtfully enhances my productivity without replacing creativity. 

In this post, I will share how I integrate AI into my workflow. Where it helps, where I set my own boundaries, and which tools I use, including ChatGPT, Google Gemini, and Jetpack. 

Researching and gathering information

One of the most valuable ways I use AI is for gathering insights and verifying information. When writing about interior design, I often look up details about materials, color theory, or I just ask for some sources where I can read about a certain item. Instead of relying solely on search engines, I use Google Gemini and ChatGPT to summarize complex topics, suggest new angles or I ask for a suggestion for a logical sequence.  

However, I always make sure to verify facts with credible sources before including them in my content. (I now see Wikipedia also as a reliable source). For travel I look at the websites of the cities I am blogging about. For instance, I ask Chat GPT which Railroads lead to a city, or how you can get from the Airport to the city and then I verify with the railroad company itself if they provide the same information. If I have no experience with a highlight or item, I mention that I have not been there myself or that I have no personal experience with it. And I only add highlights if I want to add them to my wish list for a new visit. 

Expanding My Ideas with AI Assistance

When brainstorming action points or structuring an article, I like to draft my own ideas first. After that, I sometimes ask AI for additional perspectives, potential challenges, or alternative approaches. This helps refine my content and ensures I do not overlook key insights. AI does not replace my creative process—it expands it. 

Creating AI-Generated Images (But rarely) 

Occasionally, I use AI for generating images to accompany blog posts. This is not my primary use of AI, as I prefer real-life photos (and I have been making digital pictures since 2005, so I have quite a lot available). However, for abstract concepts or when a specific image is hard to find, AI-generated graphics can be a useful supplement. This is an example of an AI-generated image for the weekend tips calendar. The input was the text of the blog at that time, and I added that I liked an international, soft muted tones with a touch of green image. (created by Jetpack). 

For an article about a Monday mood board for a home in Brooklyn I did the same. Based on the text I asked to create an image of the living room. The image corresponds quite well with the final implementation of the mood board, materials overview and color plan. Only the floor plan (which I did not describe in the text) is not correct. And if you take a good look then you see an error in the image, such as the leaves of a plant coming through the window. But overall, a good picture and a particularly good looked at picture on Pinterest.  

Automating Blog Publishing with Jetpack and checking Texts with Yoast

For publishing, I use Jetpack, which helps automate my blog distribution. It ensures my posts are sent directly to my newsletter subscribers and shared on social media without extra manual effort. While this is not an AI tool, there are AI elements in it, it plays a crucial role in making my workflow more efficient. I can ask to give feedback on the blogposts. Often, I get recommendations like “add a call to action” or “give an introduction to” the same way I use Yoast to check the text on SEO (Search Engine Optimization) and Readability.  

I am not great with emoticons. Of course, they can be helpful, especially on social media, to boost engagement and set the tone of voice. “I appreciate your help! 😊” feels much warmer than “I appreciate your help.” So, I asked AI for some guidance 😉. 

At times, the suggestion was to use around five emoticons in just 150 words. I decided to ignore that advice and stick to a maximum of two, maybe three. 

To be honest, I love the ✨ star, it sparks joy for me. But now, I see it everywhere on Instagram. Because of that, I have expanded the range of emoticons I use, though I try not to go overboard. 

My Approach: AI as a Support, Not a Replacement

For me, AI is a tool, not a decision-maker. It helps me gather information, explore new perspectives, and streamline some tasks, but I always remain in control of the final output. My voice, creativity, and expertise are what shape my content, not the AI itself. 

“As technology evolves, I believe it’s essential to use AI with intention and responsibility. By setting clear boundaries and leveraging its strengths, I can benefit from AI while staying true to my personal style and professional integrity. This is how I use AI in my work; to make blogging easier while staying true to my motto: ‘Always open to new things.'”

Bonus Tips

The AI tools I mentioned can be described as follows: 

• Chat GPT, a trained model which interacts in a conversational way with you. So if you ask a question and get an answer, you can ask a follow-up question.  

• Google Gemini, also a chatbot is free to use for users 18 and over with a personal Google Account or a Google Workspace account for which your admin enabled access to Gemini. 

• Google NotebookLM, a personalized AI assistant that surfaces insights and provides Audio Overviews on data you upload, including text, video, and audio. NotebookLM is free to use while it is in the early testing phase. (the big diffence with chatbots is that you can upload complete documents.
• Jetpack is a powerfull WordPress plugin. It consolidates various functionalities into a single plugin, simplifying website management. (the picture on top of this blog is created by Jetpack).
• Midjourney, to create interior design images.

There are already many tools. This site “There’s An AI For That” can help you find the right one for you.

How do you use AI in your work or daily life? Let’s start a conversation in the comments!