Best Apps for Exterior Home Design

When it comes to designing the exterior of your home, technology has revolutionized the way we visualize and plan our outdoor spaces. Whether you're looking to remodel your front yard, create a stunning garden, or completely overhaul the exterior of your house, there are several apps available that can help you bring your vision to life. Here are some of the best apps for exterior home design, each offering unique features and tools to assist you in your project.

1. Houzz Houzz is a comprehensive platform for home design that features a vast collection of photos and ideas for exterior home design. The app allows you to browse through thousands of images, save your favorite designs, and even connect with local professionals. One of its standout features is the ability to use augmented reality (AR) to see how different design elements will look on your home. Houzz also includes a product shop where you can purchase materials and furnishings directly.

2. Home Design 3D Home Design 3D is a versatile app that enables users to create detailed 2D and 3D models of their home’s exterior. With a user-friendly interface, you can easily draw the layout of your yard, add landscaping elements, and visualize different design options. The app also allows you to experiment with various materials and colors to see how they will look together. Home Design 3D is ideal for both DIY enthusiasts and professional designers.

3. Lawnify Lawnify focuses on garden and lawn design, offering tools to help you plan and maintain your outdoor spaces. The app features a variety of plant and flower databases, allowing you to choose the best plants for your climate and soil type. Lawnify also includes seasonal care tips and maintenance reminders to help you keep your garden looking its best throughout the year.

4. iScape iScape is designed to help you visualize landscape changes in real-time. Using the app’s augmented reality feature, you can take a photo of your current outdoor space and then overlay different design elements to see how they will look. iScape is particularly useful for planning garden layouts, adding outdoor furniture, and experimenting with different landscaping ideas.

5. Garden Planner Garden Planner offers an intuitive drag-and-drop interface to help you design your garden and outdoor spaces. You can easily place plants, trees, and other garden elements on a grid-based layout, and the app will generate a visual representation of your design. Garden Planner also provides plant care information and design tips to help you create a beautiful and functional outdoor area.

6. DreamPlan Home Design Software DreamPlan is a comprehensive home design tool that includes features for both interior and exterior design. The app allows you to create detailed 3D models of your outdoor space, including landscaping, driveways, and patios. DreamPlan offers a range of customization options and design tools, making it a powerful choice for those looking to undertake extensive exterior design projects.

7. Planner 5D Planner 5D provides a detailed design experience with both 2D and 3D views. The app allows you to design and customize your outdoor spaces with a wide selection of furniture, plants, and materials. Planner 5D also includes a library of pre-designed templates and design elements, which can be useful for inspiration or as a starting point for your own project.

8. Yardzen Yardzen takes a unique approach to exterior design by offering personalized design services through their app. You start by filling out a detailed questionnaire about your style preferences and outdoor needs, and then a team of designers creates a custom design plan for your space. Yardzen also provides detailed recommendations for plants, materials, and layout, along with visualizations to help you see the final result.

9. My Garden My Garden by Gardena is an easy-to-use app that focuses on garden planning and maintenance. The app includes a range of tools for designing garden layouts, tracking plant growth, and managing garden tasks. My Garden also provides weather updates and gardening tips to help you keep your outdoor space thriving.

10. SketchUp SketchUp is a powerful 3D modeling tool used by professionals and enthusiasts alike. The app allows you to create detailed 3D models of your home’s exterior and landscape, making it easier to visualize complex design ideas. SketchUp offers a wide range of tools and features for precise modeling and design, and it integrates with various plugins and extensions for added functionality.

Choosing the right app for your exterior home design project depends on your specific needs and design goals. Whether you're looking for a simple tool to experiment with design ideas or a comprehensive platform for professional-grade projects, these apps provide a range of options to help you achieve your vision. Explore each app’s features to find the one that best fits your project and get started on transforming your outdoor space.