Best Free Apps for Interior Designing

In the ever-evolving world of interior design, having the right tools can make all the difference, especially when it comes to enhancing your creative process without breaking the bank. Whether you're a professional designer or just someone looking to revamp their home, there are numerous free apps available that can help you visualize and plan your space with ease. Here’s an in-depth look at some of the best free interior design apps that can elevate your design game.

1. Houzz

Houzz is a popular app that serves as a comprehensive platform for home remodeling and design. The app provides access to a vast database of home photos, which can serve as inspiration for your projects. It also features a robust tool for creating mood boards and a catalog of products to help you find and purchase items that fit your design vision.

Features:

• Photo Gallery: Thousands of high-quality images showcasing various design styles.
• Product Listings: Links to purchase furniture and decor items directly through the app.
• Ideabooks: Create and organize mood boards for different projects.

Pros:

• Extensive design inspiration library.
• Integrated shopping options.
• User-friendly interface.

Cons:

• Some product links may not be available in all regions.
• The app’s focus on shopping can sometimes overshadow design features.

2. Roomstyler 3D Home Planner

Roomstyler offers a user-friendly platform for creating 3D room designs. The app allows you to drag and drop furniture and decor items into your virtual space to see how they fit together. It’s particularly useful for visualizing different layouts and experimenting with various design elements.

Features:

• 3D Room Visualization: See your designs come to life in three dimensions.
• Furniture Catalog: Access a wide range of furniture and decor items.
• Design Sharing: Share your designs with others for feedback.

Pros:

• Easy to use for beginners.
• Realistic 3D rendering.
• Large catalog of items.

Cons:

• Limited to the items available in the app’s catalog.
• May require a bit of a learning curve for more complex designs.

3. Planner 5D

Planner 5D is a versatile app that allows you to create detailed floor plans and 3D renderings. It’s ideal for users who want to experiment with different design configurations and view them from various angles. The app also includes a library of design elements and materials.

Features:

• Floor Plan Creation: Design floor plans from scratch or modify existing templates.
• 3D Visualization: View and adjust designs in 3D.
• Design Tools: Access a range of tools for customizing your space.

Pros:

• Comprehensive design features.
• High-quality 3D renderings.
• Customizable floor plans.

Cons:

• Some advanced features require a paid upgrade.
• Performance can be slow on older devices.

4. Magicplan

Magicplan stands out for its ability to create accurate floor plans using just your mobile device’s camera. The app uses augmented reality (AR) to measure and map out spaces, which can then be edited and customized within the app. It’s particularly useful for professionals who need to quickly capture and plan spaces on-site.

Features:

• AR Measurement: Use your camera to create floor plans.
• Room Scanning: Quickly scan and map out rooms.
• Design Editing: Customize and edit your floor plans within the app.

Pros:

• Quick and accurate measurements.
• Ideal for on-site use.
• Easy-to-use interface.

Cons:

• Limited design features compared to other apps.
• Some features may require in-app purchases.

5. Homestyler

Homestyler offers an intuitive platform for designing and visualizing your home. The app allows you to create floor plans, arrange furniture, and view your designs in 3D. It’s a great tool for both personal use and professional projects.

Features:

• Floor Plan Design: Create and edit floor plans.
• 3D Visualization: View designs from different perspectives.
• Furniture Placement: Experiment with furniture and decor arrangements.

Pros:

• User-friendly design tools.
• Realistic 3D views.
• Suitable for both personal and professional use.

Cons:

• Limited to the app’s furniture and decor catalog.
• Some users may find the app’s functionality basic compared to other options.

6. IKEA Place

IKEA Place is designed to help users visualize how IKEA furniture will look in their space before making a purchase. The app uses AR technology to place virtual furniture in your room, allowing you to see how it fits and looks in real-time.

Features:

• AR Furniture Placement: Visualize IKEA furniture in your space.
• Product Information: Access detailed information about IKEA products.
• Design Integration: Integrate IKEA items into your existing design.

Pros:

• Accurate AR placement.
• Detailed product information.
• Great for IKEA fans.

Cons:

• Limited to IKEA’s product range.
• May not be as useful for users looking for non-IKEA items.

7. SketchUp Free

SketchUp Free is a powerful 3D modeling tool that allows you to create detailed and accurate design models. Although it’s a bit more advanced than some other apps, it’s highly customizable and ideal for users who want precise control over their designs.

Features:

• 3D Modeling: Create detailed 3D models of your space.
• Customizable Tools: Access a range of design tools and features.
• Community Support: Utilize a large community for tips and inspiration.

Pros:

• Advanced modeling capabilities.
• High level of customization.
• Active user community.

Cons:

• Steeper learning curve.
• Some advanced features require a paid upgrade.

8. ColorSnap by Sherwin-Williams

ColorSnap is an excellent app for choosing and matching paint colors. It allows you to explore different color palettes, visualize how colors will look in your space, and find coordinating colors for your design.

Features:

• Color Matching: Match colors to your surroundings.
• Color Palettes: Browse through various color palettes.
• Visualization: See how different colors will look in your space.

Pros:

• Useful for selecting paint colors.
• Easy to use.
• Integrates with Sherwin-Williams’ products.

Cons:

• Limited to Sherwin-Williams’ color options.
• Not a full interior design tool.

9. Chief Architect Home Designer Suite

Chief Architect’s Home Designer Suite is a comprehensive app for creating detailed floor plans and interior designs. While it has a paid version with more features, the free version still offers robust tools for designing and visualizing your space.

Features:

• Floor Planning: Create and edit detailed floor plans.
• 3D Visualization: View designs in 3D.
• Design Tools: Access various design tools and features.

Pros:

• Detailed design capabilities.
• High-quality 3D views.
• Comprehensive design tools.

Cons:

• Free version has limited features compared to the paid version.
• May require some time to master.

10. Design Home

Design Home is a fun app that allows users to decorate virtual spaces and enter design challenges. It’s not just a planning tool but also a way to engage with a community of design enthusiasts and showcase your skills.

Features:

• Virtual Decorating: Decorate virtual rooms using real-world products.
• Design Challenges: Participate in design competitions.
• Community Interaction: Engage with other users and see their designs.

Pros:

• Interactive and engaging.
• Real-world product integration.
• Community involvement.

Cons:

• Focuses more on decoration than structural design.
• In-app purchases for additional items.

Conclusion

Each of these free interior design apps offers unique features and benefits that cater to different needs and preferences. From creating detailed floor plans to visualizing furniture placement and color choices, these tools can help you design your ideal space without spending a dime. Whether you’re a DIY enthusiast or a professional designer, exploring these apps can provide valuable assistance in your design projects.

Choosing the right app for you will depend on your specific needs, whether it’s advanced modeling, easy visualization, or a focus on furniture and color. Many of these apps offer premium features for a fee, but the free versions provide a solid foundation for your interior design needs.