Best Free Exterior Home Design Apps for iPhone

Designing the exterior of your home can be an exciting yet challenging task. With the rise of mobile technology, several apps have emerged to simplify this process, offering users a chance to experiment with different looks and layouts from the comfort of their iPhones. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore some of the best free exterior home design apps available on the iPhone, helping you find the perfect tool to bring your vision to life.

1. Houzz - Interior Design Ideas

   • Overview: Houzz is a versatile app that excels in both interior and exterior design. It offers a vast collection of high-quality photos and design ideas that can help you visualize your home’s exterior.
   • Features:
     • Inspiration Gallery: Browse thousands of photos organized by style, room, and location.
     • Virtual Tour: Explore various exterior styles and architectural designs.
     • Project Planning Tools: Create and manage projects with the ability to save and share your favorite ideas.
     • Product Recommendations: Find products and materials used in the photos to incorporate into your own design.
   • Pros:
     • Extensive photo library with high-quality images.
     • Easy-to-use interface with intuitive navigation.
     • Useful tools for project management and product discovery.
   • Cons:
     • Some features may require a paid subscription.
     • The app can be overwhelming due to the sheer volume of content.

2. Planner 5D - Home & Interior Design

   • Overview: Planner 5D allows you to create detailed 2D and 3D designs of your home’s exterior. Its user-friendly interface and powerful features make it a popular choice among homeowners.
   • Features:
     • 2D and 3D Design: Visualize your designs in both 2D and 3D perspectives.
     • Customization: Modify textures, colors, and materials to fit your style.
     • Furniture and Decor: Incorporate various exterior furniture and decor items into your design.
     • AR Integration: Use augmented reality to see how your designs would look in real life.
   • Pros:
     • Highly customizable with a wide range of design elements.
     • Augmented reality feature for real-life visualization.
     • User-friendly interface with drag-and-drop functionality.
   • Cons:
     • Some advanced features are locked behind a paywall.
     • The app may require a learning curve for new users.

3. Home Design 3D - FREEMIUM

   • Overview: Home Design 3D offers a straightforward approach to exterior design with its easy-to-use tools and comprehensive features. It’s ideal for both beginners and experienced designers.
   • Features:
     • Intuitive Interface: Simple drag-and-drop tools for designing exteriors.
     • Customizable Designs: Adjust dimensions, materials, and colors.
     • 3D Visualization: View your designs in realistic 3D.
     • Share and Export: Share your designs with friends or export them for professional use.
   • Pros:
     • Easy to use with a minimal learning curve.
     • Realistic 3D visualization for better design accuracy.
     • Free version offers robust functionality.
   • Cons:
     • Some features are limited in the free version.
     • May require in-app purchases for advanced tools.

4. Magicplan - Floor Plan Creator

   • Overview: Magicplan is primarily a floor plan creator but also offers exterior design features. It’s a great tool for creating comprehensive home plans, including exteriors.
   • Features:
     • Floor Plan Creation: Create detailed floor plans with ease.
     • Exterior Design Tools: Add exterior elements and visualize them in 3D.
     • Measurement Tools: Use your phone’s camera to measure spaces and create accurate designs.
     • Export Options: Export plans in various formats for sharing or professional use.
   • Pros:
     • Accurate measurement tools using augmented reality.
     • Versatile design capabilities for both interior and exterior.
     • High-quality export options.
   • Cons:
     • Limited free features; premium features require a subscription.
     • The app can be complex for users only interested in exterior design.

5. ColorSnap® Visualizer

   • Overview: ColorSnap® Visualizer by Sherwin-Williams focuses on color selection for exterior design. It’s perfect for homeowners looking to experiment with different paint colors.
   • Features:
     • Color Matching: Match colors from photos or samples.
     • Visualize Colors: See how different colors will look on your home’s exterior.
     • Create Palettes: Build and save color palettes for future reference.
     • Find Retailers: Locate Sherwin-Williams stores near you.
   • Pros:
     • Excellent tool for color selection and visualization.
     • Easy to use with immediate results.
     • Integrates with Sherwin-Williams products for easy purchasing.
   • Cons:
     • Limited to Sherwin-Williams products.
     • Focuses mainly on color, not overall design.

Choosing the Right App When selecting an app for exterior home design, consider your specific needs and preferences. If you’re looking for inspiration and a broad range of design ideas, Houzz might be the best choice. For those interested in detailed design and customization, Planner 5D or Home Design 3D could be more suitable. If color selection is your primary focus, ColorSnap® Visualizer will be invaluable.

Conclusion With the right app, designing the exterior of your home can be a fun and rewarding process. These free iPhone apps offer various features and tools to help you create beautiful and functional designs. Whether you’re an experienced designer or a homeowner looking to make some changes, these apps provide valuable resources to bring your vision to life.