Virtual Interior Decorating
Whether you're building a new home from scratch, taking on the challenge of a fixer-upper, or just contemplating whether an accent wall would spruce up a dull dining room, it's not always easy to picture what the finished product will actually look like. Before you invest in a can of paint or make a call to an interior designer, there is a wide array of software programs that allow you to experiment first on your computer screen.
History
Prior to the advent of CAD (computer aided design) programs, floor plans and room designs were sketched on paper and colored in with pencils to convey spatial relationships and the compatibility of hues, textures and materials. It was not only incumbent upon interior designers to have artistic abilities in drafting workable concept pieces but also to routinely carry around tile chips, fabric swatches and carpet samples so that the client would be able to visualize--on a very small scale--how the various elements could come together into a pleasing tableau. Individuals who sought to save money by doing all of the decorating themselves were at a loss if (1) they couldn't draw, (2) they didn't have access to vendors who could loan them samples, or (3) their vision of furnishings was inconsistent with the shape, size and architectural limitations of the room.
Function
CAD software programs allow users to create visuals in 2-D and 3-D formats and to import symbol-based components into defined fields. These programs also allow users to rotate and view their interior and exterior designs from multiple perspectives, such as dollhouse view, glass-house view or virtual walk-through. Users can customize the walls, ceilings, floors and furnishings by selecting from a menu of available designs and colors, using paintbrush tools, and even resizing objects on-screen to fit a particular space. Pricier CAD programs even allow users to access manufacturer catalogs for specific items as well as import photographs. Should a homeowner decide to turn the actual work over to a professional, the images conceived on one's computer monitor can be printed out as a conceptual blueprint.
Benefits
The biggest benefit of using virtual interior design programs is that it doesn't cost you anything to be experimental. Many a homeowner has regretted bringing home a can of "Sienna Sunset" paint that she just knew in her mind's eye would be perfect for the kitchen--only to discover after it was applied to the entire room that she suddenly felt as if she was living inside a giant orange. For major home improvement projects that involve knocking down walls, installing bay windows, or putting in an outdoor barbecue pit, a poorly conceived brainstorm can rapidly turn into a costly disaster once the construction gets underway.
Features
Interior design software programs allow users to build houses from the ground up, to fully furnish them, and even to create a complete landscaping plan. Packages such as Better Homes and Gardens' "Picture Painter" are well suited to remodeling projects because they allow users to upload photos of their existing living spaces and see how they can be altered with name-brand products and appliances. Step-by-step tutorial training videos are included as DVDs in virtual design programs, and product updates are available once you register the software. Registration also provides access to expert advice and participation in community forums with fellow designers. The price of these CAD products range from $30 on up to several hundred dollars, and many of the higher-end packages incorporate information on calculate actual building and remodeling costs based on materials used.
Warning
Whatever virtual design software you purchase, prepare to become totally addicted to it. Even those who have absolutely no artistic ability whatsoever can get swept up rather quickly in the fun of creating the perfect dream house and figuring out decorate it. It's impossible, for instance, to only spend five minutes tweaking a window treatment and then go off and do something else like pay bills or do a load of laundry. Once you're "in" the virtual room you're creating, you're going to find at least nine other things to play with and, before you know it, hours will have passed.
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