Design software for the homeowner?
June 3, 2013 1:05 PM Subscribe
I have a few household projects for which I'd like to mock-up some designs. Mostly pressingly a bathroom, and after that garage storage, landscape design, and other things. What is the best (free, or individual consumer-priced) software to get the job done?
I know that I could use generalized tools such as Visio, Illustrator, or Inkscape, but since I don't need to make flowcharts or design posters, I'm wondering if there are tools out there that are more specialized to interior design mockups that I should be checking out.
Basically, I'd like to be able to give it the dimensions of a non-rectangular room, and for there to be easy template shapes for common items (with some sizing options). Extra bonus points if it can quickly give me estimates for things like: square footage, # of ceiling tiles of a given size needed, # of gallons of paint needed to cover walls, etc.
In my head, this software would be more flexible than a hardware store "design-your-deck" kiosk, but less open ended than a full blown vector drawing solution.
Free would be ideal, but I'd be willing to pay for a tool that gets the job done. I'm not a professional who would be using this to create designs for customers/bid jobs so my price limit is pretty low, definitely less than $100.
I know that I could use generalized tools such as Visio, Illustrator, or Inkscape, but since I don't need to make flowcharts or design posters, I'm wondering if there are tools out there that are more specialized to interior design mockups that I should be checking out.
Basically, I'd like to be able to give it the dimensions of a non-rectangular room, and for there to be easy template shapes for common items (with some sizing options). Extra bonus points if it can quickly give me estimates for things like: square footage, # of ceiling tiles of a given size needed, # of gallons of paint needed to cover walls, etc.
In my head, this software would be more flexible than a hardware store "design-your-deck" kiosk, but less open ended than a full blown vector drawing solution.
Free would be ideal, but I'd be willing to pay for a tool that gets the job done. I'm not a professional who would be using this to create designs for customers/bid jobs so my price limit is pretty low, definitely less than $100.
Well, not to be a smart-ass, but The Sims is kind of good for that and it's fun!
Husbunny bought me this House Beautiful Design software because I like playing with my Sims so much.
posted by Ruthless Bunny at 1:21 PM on June 3, 2013 [1 favorite]
Husbunny bought me this House Beautiful Design software because I like playing with my Sims so much.
posted by Ruthless Bunny at 1:21 PM on June 3, 2013 [1 favorite]
Floorplanner can do some of this, easily (and free), but pretty sure it won't do calculations of tiles needed, etc.
posted by homesickness at 2:10 PM on June 3, 2013
posted by homesickness at 2:10 PM on June 3, 2013
Sweet home 3d is really nice for room interiors and layouts. It's free and a lot easier than proper 3d modelling software. Don't let the cutesy name put you off!
posted by samj at 10:17 PM on June 3, 2013
posted by samj at 10:17 PM on June 3, 2013
This thread is closed to new comments.
posted by julie_of_the_jungle at 1:20 PM on June 3, 2013 [1 favorite]