Google Sketchup - http://sketchup.google.com
Available for Windows and Mac OS X, this free Google software lets you create 3D models with 3D terrain images from Google Earth. You can either create a layout from scratch or simply download a layout model from the Sketchup 3D Warehouse. The 3D Warehouse is constantly updated with models of buildings, furniture and so on —all created by other users and shared online. A paid version called Sketchup Pro (US$ 495) adds numerous features for advanced detailing, rendering and high resolution output. Get it from: http://sketchup.google.com
www.mydeco.com
To create your layout here, you can choose to start from scratch and add everything individually or pick up an existing layout using the wizard to get a layout ready quickly. The site then shows you a 2D layout that is rendered in 3D in the sidebar in a smaller window. The 3D render is refreshed in real-time as you add furniture and decorate it using items from the website's exhaustive collection. To save the layout as an image, you need to sign-up for a free account.
www.homestyler.com
Apart from creating a new design or using a predesigned layout, Autodesk's Homestyler also lets you upload an existing floor plan and then trace it for use online. They offer a vast collection of furniture & fittings from multiple international brands to decorate your layout. You can switch between 2D or 3D layouts with a single click and after completion, you can export images, take high-resolution screenshots or save a 360-degree panorama of the design (free signup required).
www.floorplanner.com
Floorplanner requires a one-time free signup where one project with three floor levels can be created. The interface initially shows a 2D layout where furniture & other elements can be placed and moved using drag and drop. Then, you can choose to view your layout in 3D. Once finished, your layout can be saved as an A3 size image, PDF or shared on Facebook and Twitter. Floorplanner is also available as an iOS app and Google Chrome browser extension.
Apps:
Home Decorator - iOS app
This free iOS app allows you to see what a different wall colour will look like in your existing room. Just take a photograph of the room from within the app, choose the colour you want and tap the wall to replace the colour with the new one. The app automatically excludes furniture, lights and any other fittings on and around the wall. In case the app colours something by mistake, you can use the eraser tool to remove excess paint. If the app missed a spot on the wall, tap on the area you want painted.
MagicPlan - iOS app
If you need a floorplan with exact measurements of your rooms, give MagicPlan for iOS a try. It uses the camera and gyroscope built into your iOS device to measure the distance from one point to another — and it does this simply by taking photographs. It then creates a floorplan using the photos, which can be saved as a PDF file, image, html or in the AutoCad design format.
Houzz Interior Design Ideas - iOS app
The Houzz app takes a different approach — it presents stunning images of interiors and exteriors from across the world, right on your iOS device. You can view photos by style, by room or by a type of product. You can even view designs done by professional architects and then share anything you see on social networks or email. Any image you save automatically gets added to your 'Ideabook' — a sort of digital scrapbook with easy access to your favourite designs.
Design Dimensions - Android app
This free Android app is useful for referencing — it includes a constantly updated catalog of common items placed in a house or office (such as chairs, speakers, microwaves, refrigerators and even construction materials like bricks). It shows a 3D illustrations of each item along with average dimensions — this makes it easy to find out if you have enough space to accommodate a new piece of furniture.
Source: Economic Times dated Aug 13, 2012
Couple of useful tools for home design/redecoration
Re: Couple of useful tools for home design/redecoration
Hi, Thanks for sharing the above info and it's really helpful.