Decorating is an important yet challenging task. It is a physical manifestation of our inner self, interior designers and home decorators thus have the daunting task of breathing life and character to an ordinary space. There are multiple challenges and a heavy amount of guesswork involved in this process, like choosing the right furniture, colour, and decorative items for the space. However, with the help of Augmented Reality apps interior designers can make a better design decision.

Why use AR interior Design apps?

To understand why we should use AR interior design apps, we must understand what does it do- To simply put AR interior design apps uses features that projects digital images that are displayed in physical space and offers a 3-D imposition of the images. Augmented Reality (AR) is an immersive perception of a real-world environment where objects that exist in the real world are augmented by computer-generated perceptual knowledge, often through several sensory types, including visual, auditory, haptic, somatosensory, and olfactory (sense of smell). Augmented Reality (AR) enables users to position 3D furniture models in the real world. The overlayed images can be placed over an image, video, or in real-time by simply scanning the phone camera. It allows users to see the image in depth, through this feature, the user can essentially visualise anything possible in their space. AR interior design apps are a great tool to encourage the consumer to renovate their own homes and help interior decorators to make smart decision without any hitch.

Product Sampling simplified with AR technology

Selecting a sample is important, it gives us a perspective of the entire product. Before selecting wall paint, we often select sample swatches, check the texture of the rug, or try placing placeholder items in place of actual items to get the perfect big picture. However, it takes up a lot of time, energy, and money to sample items from the store. Sampling products can be a rather fun activity on AR interior design apps with its user-friendly and game-like interface. AR apps are equipped with a virtual try-on feature that lets customers place the product inside their home and examine products in 3-D. For interior designers, product sampling is equally crucial to understand the mindset of the customer and AR interior design apps for interior designers can help bridge any communication gap between designer and customer, and work collaboratively.

Simplify Complex Assembly Processes

Anyone who has ever purchased any furniture online knows the pain of the self-installation process. The instruction manuals are wordy and often confusing, not to mention the 2-D illustrations provide little visual cues as to which part goes where; many furniture companies like IKEA have come up with an AR solution. IKEA assemble is an AR app where the customer can scan the instruction manual on their mobile, the app provides error-proof, real-time instructions to follow along on your mobile device while assembling the furniture.

Not only regular users Augmented reality technology helps carpenters and technicians and interior designers alike, it provides them constant detailed visual guides and diagrams of the product, provides accurate measurement of the product, and simplifies the complex assembly process.

The right measurement

Many of us are guilty of impulsively purchasing furniture that looks cute in-store or online only to find out that the measurement of the product is absolutely wrong; a wrong measurement can ruin the vibe and aesthetic of your space. AR interior design apps are useful for displaying correct measurements of furniture and even spaces. They give a better idea of the layout of any given room, a specific wall, or even a door! Basically, with AR it is possible to measure the entire layout of a space without a measuring tape as it provides accurate numbers for distance vertically or horizontally. Even with Architects and construction work, AR technology can assist in finding the right layout of the room for floor planning and dimension of space. So, if you are planning to build a home, or move to a new space remember with AR interior design apps it is possible to deck up your space!

Customise the vision of your customer

With AR there are endless possibilities for customized design options. Earlier, custom furniture design had a lot of limitations, the visualization was poor, sketches were pixelated and mostly consisted of 2-D illustrations. Clients cannot get a proper visual of their end product and much was left to the imagination of the designer and the prospect of collaboration was almost impossible. But Augmented reality has managed to creatively solve these problems. Consumers now have the option of “dragging and dropping” furnishings elements by just scanning the camera of their smartphone. Customers with unique spaces that require furniture in non-standard shapes and sizes now have options at their fingertips. They can combine and suit specific furniture components, select sizing and colour, and craft their own one-of-a-kind piece.

Coming full circle with AR, the purchaser can also take their newly designed piece and put it into a rendering of their very own home. If they’re geared up to order, they can normally do so properly from the application. The application presents the correct specs to the producer and retailer, so the customized piece is brought to life exactly as the purchaser imagined it. WoW Decor’s Augmented Reality tools allow users to use their mobile devices to design their homes in real-time. Add flooring, furniture, paint colours, and more! WoW Decor’s photo-realistic visualization technology ensures that the user gets an immersive and most accurate output for their design project.

Virtual Walkthrough

A virtual walkthrough is a simulation of a real location, it helps the customer understand a space virtually without having to visit the location in real-time. A virtual tour helpful to interior designers, real estate agents, architecture, and the consumer. A virtual walkthrough adds an element of realism through the screen, it helps the customer visualise their space better. Digital tours have been seen to draw more views and produce more leads than text and still photographs because a virtual walkthrough aims to show potential buyers a complete, decorated interior – making it so much easier for them to imagine themselves inside without leaving the comfort of their home which still 2-D illustration cannot show. As interior designers, one could provide first-hand knowledge of the look and feel of the room layout anticipated by the client so that any amount of design adjustments or iterations can be made by the client before the actual implementation of the job.

What are some AR interior design apps that are fit for you?

Now that you know the benefit of AR interior design apps, it is time to download some and try them for yourself.

WoW Decor assist the user to pick the right furniture that matches their beautiful home. With 3D models and realistic design, users can place the furniture of their choice inside their home and experience the perfect furnished look for their home.

Houzz is an app that assists the user in making a better decorating decision for their homes. With their wide range of furniture, colour selection, and home décor pieces customers can transform their space virtually.

With MagicPlan app, users can draw a floor plan of their house with an accurate measurement, create beautiful flooring, try-on decorative pieces inside their home.

Selecting what’s right for a space can be overwhelming, choosing the right colour, décor items, furniture takes up a lot of time but Augmented Reality has not only simplified the process but made it fun with an interactive interface that assists customers with a completely immersive experience. Augmented Reality apps help everyone with the bigger picture, even interior designers benefit from the technology as it allows them to understand the unique need of the customer, make custom design for customers and give them an opportunity to collaborate with their customer’s vision.