You can — for free! There’s no need to buy computer programs, books or tutorials; simply read this list of the best free online virtual programs for planning and designing your home. We found the programs below to be easy to use without prior knowledge of using space planning software. They also allow you to accomplish more than one task, such as choosing from a gallery of decor and finishes and laying out rooms and spaces. Most importantly, they are all free. Try out paint color and move walls, all without buying a thing! But first, be sure to read. If you want to upload your own floor plan, or play around with preloaded floor plans, this program is for you.
The Roomstyler 3D Home Planner (formerly My Deco 3D Planner) allows you to insert walls, doors and windows and select from a gallery of interior finishes. The interface is relatively simple to use, and allows you to view your plan and 3D image at the same time. You can move the camera around the plan to see different views, and even paint the walls and ceilings from an extensive color selection. Real products are used for inserting into your model. You can choose from small kitchen appliances to garden tools in your garage. If you love the decor you put into your rendered model, click on the “Available for purchase” button and you can find out the price, and where to buy the real objects for your own home.
You can use the software without joining, or join and upload your model to your Facebook wall for your friends to see. A free app is also available.
Ikea has also designed a planner tool specifically for your kitchen; it allows you to preview appliances, cabinetry and other Ikea kitchen components all on your computer. This program also lets you itemize a shopping list of the Ikea components so you can see how much your new kitchen will cost. By entering your current dimensions and openings (doors and windows), you can plan how the space will work and see which of the store’s cabinetry, appliances and organizational products will meet your needs. Do you hate having to take home dozens of material samples at several stores to try out all the combinations in your space?
Problem solved. Armstrong has a nice 3D virtual program that allows you to see different color combinations of flooring, cabinetry, ceilings, walls and even countertops from the comfort of your home. Design a Room allows you to choose a room in your home, pick a style (contemporary, traditional, global fusion) and play around with colors, textures and finishes. Choosing finishes in a room can be a daunting task, but this program allows you to choose from Armstrong’s entire inventory of finishes. You can even coordinate Sherwin Williams, PPG and Benjamin Moore paint colors to go with your cherry hardwood or onyx ceramic tile floor.
This design tool is for those of you who want to see the result before redesigning a room (and before paying a dime). The best thing about this free tool is the ability to learn about the products before you buy them. For example, when designing a bathroom, you might see a note saying hardwood flooring isn’t recommended. This ensures that your room will not only look cool, but also be functional.
Autodesk, creator of AutoCAD, REVIT and 3ds Studio Max, is known for its professional design programs for designing buildings, 3D building information modeling and 3D rendering capabilities. It also has a great program for planning home/office/apartment spaces called Homestyler. This user-friendly program doesn’t require formal training like the other professional programs the company offers. To make floor plans, simple drag-and-drop functions allow you to create dimension and even make angled walls within your design. Doors and windows come in a variety of choices and require no prior knowledge of types, clearances, etc. Homestyler’s 3D floor planner and 3D room designer tools can be used by a first timer; professionals can purchase the Homestyler PRO version. The furnish and decorate tool allows you to choose cabinetry, appliances, furniture and nearly every decor item you can think of. Then personalize your space with area rugs and finish items by several manufacturers. Once your design is complete, you can print it out.