Home improvement projects have been a hot topic for years now, and for a good reason. It plays a significant role in every real estate investment, adding monetary and aesthetic value to a property.
And with the rise of technology, there are now more tools than ever to streamline the home improvement process, making it more fun, interactive and efficient. Thus, boosting home improvement sales up to $538 billion in 2021.
Designing Like an Interior Designer
Interior designers are some of the most creative minds in the business. That’s why it’s not surprising that their services are in high demand, with the average designer charging $100-$200 per hour.
But what if you could get the same level of expertise without breaking the bank? As it turns out, several apps offer interior design services at a fraction of the cost. And the best part is, they’re just as fun and interactive as working with professional designers.
How to Choose Apps for Interior Design
One area where technology has made a significant impact is in the world of interior design. These apps can help homeowners be their own interior designer, for redecorating a room or planning a complete home makeover.
But before getting into the best apps for interior design, it’s best to first go over what to look for when choosing one.
Here are a few factors to consider when selecting an app for your next project:
Ease of Use
Every app is different, meaning each has a learning curve. The best home design app is easy to use and has a user-friendly interface. It will allow users to get the most out of the app without spending hours trying to figure out how it works.
Design Quality
The whole point of using an app for interior design is to save money by not hiring a professional. But that doesn’t mean you should sacrifice quality. The best apps for interior design offer high-quality designs that are up to par with what a professional would provide.
Features
The best home design apps will offer a wide range of features to help users with their projects. These can include everything from 3D rendering to furniture placement. The more components an app has, the better users will be to tackle their design projects.
Pricing
A typical interior design app offers a free trial period so that users can try the app before committing to a paid subscription. However, an ideal app for interior design will offer a free version with unlimited use. This way, users can get the most value for their money.
What Apps Do Interior Designers Use?
After understanding what to look for in an app, it’s time to get into the best apps for interior design.
Below are some of the most popular apps that home designers can use:
Apps for Decor Shopping
As global online shopping sales reached $4.2 trillion in 2020, it’s no surprise that several apps specialize in interior design. These apps house a wide range of furniture products and shopping options, making it easy for users to find what they want.
The best part is that these apps offer interior design insights and filters so users can get help while shopping. This way, they can be sure to find the perfect piece for their home. Some of the most popular shopping apps for interior design include Houzz, Wayfair, Amazon, Target and Ikea.
However, some users might find the products costly. That’s because prices include shipping and handling, which can quickly add up. Other apps also cater only to a specific country or region. So users may have to search for a while before finding what they’re looking for. Nonetheless, these apps are great for getting ideas and general product information.
Color Planning
Colors can make or break a room. The wrong color combination can make a room feel cramped and uninviting. On the other hand, the right colors can make a room feel warm and welcoming. That’s why it’s essential to consider color when planning an interior design project. And luckily, several apps can help with this task.
These apps offer color planning tools that allow users to experiment with color schemes. Thus, they can find the perfect paint color for their space before even picking up a paintbrush. Some of the best color planning apps include Color911, Adobe Capture and Benjamin Moore. These apps are great for exploring different color combinations and getting ideas for multiple projects.
The downside is that some of these apps require a paid monthly subscription. So, users might have to shell out a few bucks to access all the features. But the price is worth it for those who want help with color planning.
Furniture Placement
Arranging furniture is one of the most challenging parts of interior design. It can be hard to visualize how a piece of furniture will fit in a room. And it’s even harder to determine the best placement for furniture. That’s where room planner apps come in handy.
These apps are perfect for creating floor plans while allowing users to experiment with different furniture arrangements. It’s a great way to see how a piece of furniture will look in a room before even buying it. Plus, it takes out all the heavy lifting of moving furniture around. Some of the best furniture placement apps include HomeByMe, Roomle and Space Decorator 3D. These apps are easy to use and offer a wide range of features.
But users might need to upgrade their plan to access all the features. Additionally, some of these apps require users to have a basic understanding of interior design. Otherwise, they might have a hard time using the app.
3D Rendering
Visualizing how a space will look is crucial for any interior designer. After all, it’s hard to make design decisions without seeing how they’ll affect the overall space. That’s why some would prefer to use 3D rendering apps.
3D rendering apps allow users to see how a room will look with different furniture arrangements and color schemes. This way, they can make informed decisions about their design project. Some of the best 3D rendering apps include Autodesk FormIt 360, Chief Architect Home Designer and HomeByMe.
Although these apps offer a wide range of features and are easy to use, they may require a high memory space. So, users might need to upgrade their devices if they want to use these apps. Overall, they’re great for those who want to see how their design ideas will look before making any decisions.
Mood Boards
Keeping track of interior design trends and ideas is essential for any home improvement project. Otherwise, it’s easy to forget about a great idea or get overwhelmed by the sheer number of options. Mood boards are a great way to organize thoughts and get inspired.
For example, if a user plans for a minimalistic design, they can create a mood board with all the elements that inspire them. This way, they can keep track of their ideas and ensure they’re on the right track.
The best mood board apps include Pinterest, Houzz and Polyvore. These apps offer a wide range of features and are easy to use. Plus, they’re great for getting inspired and finding new ideas.
Although these apps work the old-fashioned way, they’re still great for keeping track of ideas. They can also help users get inspired and find new ideas for their design projects.
Augmented Reality
A preview of how a piece of furniture will look in a space is crucial for any interior design project. And today, homeowners can do just that with augmented reality (AR) apps.
AR apps allow users to see how a piece of furniture will look in their room before buying it. This way, they can ensure it’s the right size and style for their needs. Some of the best AR apps include IKEA Place, Lowe’s Vision, and Modsy.
While these apps offer a great way to preview furniture, they might not have all the designs that users want. Additionally, some of these apps require users to have a specific type of device. So, they might need to buy a new device if they want to use the app.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are interior design apps free?
Most interior design apps are free to use on android phones and other smart devices. However, while some apps offer a wide range of features, others might require users to upgrade their plan to access all the features.
Is there an app to decorate a room?
Several apps can help users decorate their rooms. These apps offer a wide range of features, including rendering images, placing furniture, and choosing color schemes. You can find these apps on the App Store or Google Play.
What is the best app for decorating?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. It depends on the user’s needs and preferences. And because every interior design project differs, some might prefer one app over another.
For instance, those who want to see actual products in their space might prefer an app that offers augmented reality (AR). On the other hand, those who want to keep a to-do list might choose a mood board app.
Get Creative With Your Next Interior Design Project
With so many great interior design apps available, there’s no excuse not to get creative with your next project. Whether you’re looking for inspiration or want to see how a piece of furniture will look in your room, there’s an app for that. So, don’t be afraid to experiment and find the app that works best for you.
