5 APPs for designing the interior of your dream home

You don't have to be an interior designer or stylist to decorate your home: this is the promise behind some of the most widely used interior design apps that allow us to visualise, modify and plan the spaces of a home or office.
These apps, generally very simple and intuitive, work using advanced technologies such as 3D models, augmented reality (AR) and artificial intelligence (AI). With just a few clicks, it is therefore possible to create a floor plan of the space, model it in 3D, add and position furniture and objects, simulate lighting, materials and textures, and in some cases, even arrive at a budget using precise supplies and economic calculations.

Below you will find the 5 apps we recommend to try out designing your own home, saving time and receiving endless combination and customisation possibilities:

1. Home Design 3D

Ideal for beginners:
- Offers a simple and intuitive interface, perfect for those without design experience.
2D and 3D modes:
- You can create a 2D floor plan and then turn it into a 3D model to visualise the interior.
Key features:
- Manual drawing of the floor plan with basic tools.
- Adding furniture and decorations from an integrated library.
- Customisation of colours, materials and textures.
Output:
- Allows you to save or share your design in different formats, e.g. images or PDFs.

 Home Design 3D
 

2. Planner 5D

Extensive library of objects:
- Includes a wide selection of furniture, decorations and building materials, useful for customising every aspect of the project.
Realistic rendering:
- Final images are extremely detailed, with realistic lighting effects and textures.
Ease of use:
- Ideal for professionals and enthusiasts alike, thanks to the balance of advanced functionality and ease of navigation.
Advanced functions:
- Creation of designs in 2D and 3D.
- Option to view the project in immersive mode with VR viewers.

Planner 5D
 

3. Houzz

Ideas and inspiration:
- Integrates a vast database of images and design projects from around the world.
Product catalogues:
- You can purchase furniture and decoration directly through the app, choosing items that perfectly complement your space.
Customisation functions:
- Addition of 3D objects in virtual spaces.
- Tools to modify the layout and design of interiors.
Social and collaborative:
- Allows you to share ideas with professionals or friends.

Houzz
 

4. IKEA Place

Augmented reality (AR):
- Using your smartphone camera, you can virtually place IKEA furniture in your rooms to see it in the real context.
Integrated IKEA Catalogue:
- The app offers a 3D preview of IKEA products, with accurate dimensions and colours.
How it works:
- Scan the room with the camera.
- Choose a piece of furniture from the catalogue.
- Place the virtual furniture in the real space to assess compatibility and appearance.
Benefits:
Allows you to avoid wrong purchases and see how the furniture fits in your space.

Ikea Place
 

5. RoomSketcher

Professional tool:
- Ideal for architects and designers, it offers advanced features such as precision drawings and 3D renderings.
Ease of use:
- Even beginners can use it to create basic floor plans, thanks to an intuitive interface.
Main functions:
- Drawing 2D floor plans with precise measurements.
- 3D visualisation for an immersive experience.
- Customisation with furniture, colours and materials.
Output:
- Exportable plans in high quality for professional use or presentations.

These apps are powerful tools for designing interiors, suitable for users with different levels of experience. Home Design 3D and Planner 5D are perfect for beginners, while RoomSketcher is aimed at professionals. Houzz and IKEA Place, on the other hand, combine design and shopping, making the process practical and interactive.

RoomSketcher