The home decorating do-it-yourself craze popularized by television shows such as "Trading Spaces" and networks like the DIY Channel and HGTV now has a new resource. Many people are taking advantage of computer-based Interactive Room Decorating to plan their redecorating or remodeling projects without ever leaving home.
History
Interactive online decorating stems from software products that were marketed in the 1990s for room decorating. The first interactive decorating utilities appeared between 2004 and 2006, and each year several more sites are added to the roster.
Function
Interactive decorating sites typically rely upon photos that are uploaded from the computer to the company's websites. These sites then allow you to re-color or add new elements to the photographs, virtually transforming their look and feel without the commitment of experimenting with the real thing.
Types
Some interactive design sites are hosted by manufacturers and are for a specific type of product such as hard wood floors, cabinetry, paint or carpeting. Other sites take a whole room approach and allow would-be designers to completely revamp their living space.
Benefits
Interactive room decorating takes much of the guess work and risk out of redesigning a room by identifying the specific products needed to achieve a look created online. It is also more convenient than visiting stores to compare paint samples, carpet scraps, fabric swatches or other decorating tools.
Considerations
After making choices based on virtual room images, many people visit showrooms to examine fixtures or other selections made online. This allows them to not only touch and see the products before buying, but also save money by avoiding shipping costs or taking advantage of in-store specials.
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