Best Books on House Design

Are you planning an extension, new kitchen or bathroom, or finally getting round to landscaping the garden? Or maybe you've just moved into a new house and are planning to embark on several renovation projects? Whether you're doing everything yourself or turning to the pros, there's plenty of professional home and interior design software that's readily available, user friendly, affordable, and in many cases, free.

Regardless of what home project you're working on, you'll want to communicate your ideas with everyone involved as accurately as possible, and a room planner will help you do just that. It's the most accurate way of fleshing out your ideas visually, says Cory Powell from DBS Bathrooms, who talks us through some of the best free design software currently available to home designers and interior decorators.

Dreaming up a new home has never been more fun...

1. SketchUp

SketchUp is the most comprehensive free 3D design software you'll find on the web, says Cory. This powerful home design tool is immersive enough to make it seem like you are moving through your future home, while being flexible enough to make it feel as if you're working with pen and paper.

The free version is perfect for hobbyists, while the pro version is more suited to professionals in architecture, construction, engineering and commercial interior design.

Whether you're building an extension for your home, a treehouse, or conceptualising your debut on Grand Designs, the thoroughness of this software will help you bring every aspect of your design to life.

Start designing with SketchUp

2. Floorplanner

Floorplanner lets you design and decorate your space in 2D and 3D, which can be done online and without having to download any software. While its interior decorating function is an excellent feature, the strength of this tool lies in its functionality as a floor planner. Then, once the floor plan is completed, you can switch view and decorate the space in 3D mode.

It's simple to use and easy to get the hang of, so if you're after something that doesn't require a steep learning curve, Floorplanner is a good choice.

Start designing with Floorplanner

3. SmartDraw

SmartDraw is another powerful tool in the world of floor planning. It's easy enough to learn so no one is excluded from using it, while being advanced enough to facilitate intricate designs for more advanced designers.

With a seemingly endless selection of furniture, cars, building materials and thousands of templates and floor plan examples, you'll be able to explore an infinite amount of possible designs and layouts for your new space. The only downside to this tool is that it's only free for the first seven days, so if you plan on using it for longer or for multiple projects, it may be worth the upgrade.

Start designing with SmartDraw

4. Planner 5D

Planner 5D is the best-looking home design tool. Like the free version of Sketch Up, this tool is immersive, which means you are able to explore your design with your feet virtually on the ground.

With Planner 5D you'll be able to start from scratch or use a template which is perfect for throwing together a quick floor plan if you don't have the time or don't want to make a complex design. What's especially great about this software is that it works on iOS, which means you can create plans on your phone or iPad while you're on the move.

Getting started couldn't be easier. Start by adjusting the floor shape, size, materials and colours. Then add furniture and accessories, switch to 3D and add windows and doors. Add a second floor if you want to, and then the roof. The only downside is that if you want to use the in-app furniture, it can get expensive for anything other than the most basic beds, chairs or sofas.

All aspects of the design can be changed in terms of colour and texture and, when you're ready to share your plans, it can be printed in a photorealistic format.

Start designing with Planner 5D

5. HomeByMe

HomeByMe is one of Cory's favourite home design tools. As far as we can tell, it's genuinely free throughout and so are all its features. The way it works, is brands add their products to its catalogue, which means you'll be using actual products to furnish and decorate your home. The perks of this is that you'll be able to plan your design through to the very end and have access to the actual furniture and decorations you used to create your space imaginatively.

Like with Planner 5D, you're able to switch from 2D to 3D after you've finished your floor plan and designed the look and feel of each room. Or, you can start with the décor and hit 'summary' and the software will produce a floor plan with all your furniture and appliances in the right places.

Start designing with HomeByMe

6. Roomstyler 3D Home Planner

There's a lot to like about Roomstyler. Like HomeByMe, it's very easy to use. In fact, it's so intuitive that there's almost no need for the tutorial video's available. Which is another plus for this software. Of all the home design tools, this one has a tutorial video available for every question you might have about the tool.

The greatest perk about this software is that you can create a custom room in a matter of minutes. This app also allows you to furnish your space using products from real brands, meaning you'll be decorating your plans with items you can purchase when you're ready for your design to materialise.

Start designing with Roomstyler

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You'll often find that some of your favourite brands and retailers have their own room 3D room planners online, which offers even more scope to visualise your space, and enables you to 'try before you buy'. Take a look at our top picks below...

7. DFS room planner

A sofa is one of the most important investments you'll make for your home, so while browsing for your new sofa at DFS, you can also redesign your room – it's ideal if you're redecorating or moving into a new home. You can use a 2D view or 3D view and from there, choose a room shape, input measurements, and decide on a wall colour and floor covering. You can even add accessories to enhance the space, plus play around with decor to complement your chosen sofa.

Start designing with DFS room planner

DFS

8. Carpetright visualiser

If you're thinking about investing in new flooring, Carpetright's flooring visualiser will help you envision what your room will look like with carpet, vinyl, wood or laminate flooring. Simply take a photo of your chosen room (or select a sample room) and upload it onto the visualiser. You'll be able to customise the wall colour and flooring type. From there you can save your rooms and order swatches, bringing you one step closer to your dream room.

Start designing with Carpetright visualiser

Carpetright

• Virtual consultations •

Need some professional help? Bring your ideas to life with experts in the design field by booking an online design consultation from the comfort of your own home.

See a full list of virtual design services

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27 living room accessories for an instant style update

Clocks - Best Living Room Accessories

Karlsson Hue Silent Sweep Metal Wall Clock, 40cm, Green

Karlsson johnlewis.com

£58.00

Enhance your living room effortlessly with this gorgeous sage green wall clock. With silent movement and a sweeping second hand, it's perfect for creating a minimalist feel at home.

Plant Pot Stands - Best Living Room Accessories

Gold Decorative Planter With Stand

Ella James notonthehighstreet.com

US$75.00

With decorative detailing, this standing plant pot is perfect for your indoor plants. It's available in small and large.

Cushion Covers - Best Living Room Accessories

Tasselled cushion cover

Wall Mirror - Best Living Room Accessories

Rose Gold Pebble Mirror Extra Large

A living room wall mirror is great to bounce light around, and you'll find this especially useful in a small living room. Crafted from metal and glass, this mirror from Oliver Bonas makes a great statement.

Wall Art - Best Living Room Accessories

Sadie Geometric Set of 2 Framed Prints, 40 x 60cm

Every bland wall needs a vibrant piece of wall art to brighten the space. MADE stock a really good selection of art prints – we love these two framed versions, which you can either hang on the wall or place on a sideboard.

Vase - Best Living Room Accessories

Gonzalez Table Vase

This jug-style vase is perfect for your new blooms. Place on a cabinet or sideboard, or in the centre of the dining table if you have an open-plan living room.

Bookends - Best Living Room Accessories

Carved Marble Bookends - Set of 2 - White

A by AMARA amara.com

£50.00

Keep your favourite novels neat and upright with these chic marble bookends.

Table Lamp - Best Living Room Accessories

Brass & Black Glass Table Lamp

Brighten up a dark living room corner with this eye-catching brass and black glass table lamp. Topped with a self-lined natural cotton shade, it will provide a gorgeous glow at home.

Pouffe - Best Living Room Accessories

Elian Pouffe, Natural & Midnight Blue

Whether you want extra seating or just fancy a change from the sofa, this stunning pouffe ticks all the right boxes. Easy to move from room-to-room, you can also use it as a coffee table, too.

Living Room Rug - Best Living Room Accessories

John Lewis & Partners Modasa Rug, Paprika

John Lewis & Partners johnlewis.com

£120.00

A rug is a must in a living room – it helps to zone certain areas, which is particularly useful for open spaces, but it also helps to create a focal point. This contemporary geometric rug from John Lewis will provide a pop of colour in a neutral living room.

Candle Lanterns - Best Living Room Accessories

Effi Artisan Glass Lantern Duo

Bring some atmosphere to your living room with these gorgeous glass lanterns from Lights4Fun. Simply pop an LED candle inside and enjoy a little ambience in the evening.

Books - Best Living Room Accessories

30,000 Years of Art Book

One for the coffee table, make a carefully curated pile of must-read books starting with this one – a celebration of art with more than 600 pieces of work, from cave paintings to iconic modern masterpieces.

Magazine Rack - Best Living Room Accessories

House Beautiful Wire Magazine Rack

House Beautiful Homebase

£15.00

A practical spot to keep all of your House Beautiful magazines! This black wire magazine rack is a minimalist dream - with a clever geometric pattern and simple black colour.

Vase - Best Living Room Accessories

Detsu Handle Vase

We love this grown-up handle vase, which is perfect for displaying foliage and flowers. Buy one in each colour for a truly stylish display.

Cushion Covers - Best Living Room Accessories

3-pack cotton cushion covers

Cushion covers are an inexpensive way to update your sofa. You can't go wrong with this lovely navy set.

Storage Baskets - Best Living Room Accessories

Noko Seagrass Basket

Furniture nkuku.com

£29.95

The natural colour of these seagrass baskets makes them an ideal backdrop for plants. Place these on the floor by sideboards and cabinets for a cosy living room feel.

Candles - Best Living Room Accessories

DIPTYQUE Baies scented candle 190g

DIPTYQUE selfridges.com

£49.00

This Insta-worthy DIPTYQUE candle makes a rather decorative display. Choose from a range of refreshing scents.

Photo Frame - Best Living Room Accessories

John Lewis & Partners Gallery Set Multi-aperture Photo Frames, 8 Photo, Grey

John Lewis johnlewis.com

£50.00

Create an Insta-worthy gallery wall with this set of eight grey photo frames from John Lewis. In a range of different sizes, simply fill with your favourite memories, hang, and enjoy.

Wall Mirror - Best Living Room Accessories

Sass & Belle Rattan Mirror

Sass & Belle very.co.uk

£25.00

This contemporary rattan mirror will make a real statement on your living room wall. A modern twist on the classic boho style, it's ideal if you're after something unique.

Table Lamp - Best Living Room Accessories

House Beautiful Max Ceramic Lamp

House Beautiful Homebase

£12.00

This sweet ceramic lamp is embossed with a unique print, and can be dressed with your choice of decorative bulb. We love the classic mink colour way.

Blanket - Best Living Room Accessories

Terracotta Throw Blanket

notonthehighstreet.com

US$85.00

Create a cosy and welcoming setting on your sofa with a warm throw blanket. We love this terracotta style, which has been made from linen and cotton.

Storage Baskets - Best Living Room Accessories

John Lewis & Partners White Pattern Seagrass Basket

John Lewis johnlewis.com

£25.00

Storage baskets are must-have essentials in the home. We love this natural white and beige design, which is perfect for every interior scheme.

Vases - Best Living Room Accessories

Pressed Glass Square Bottle Vase

CLEM & CO notonthehighstreet.com

£15.25

Keep it simple on your windowsill with this pack of four square bottle vases. Line them up together and pop in a few stems for a cohesive look.

Wall Art - Best Living Room Accessories

House Beautiful Set of 2 Stairs Prints

House Beautiful Homebase

£45.00

Contemporary photography is an incredibly versatile addition to your living room gallery wall, and can sit comfortably in a minimal setting or neighbouring more bold and colourful prints.

Storage - Best Living Room Accessories

Basket KBX Tissue Box - Light Rattan

Decor Walther amara.com

£40.00

Give your tissue box a makeover with this intricately woven rattan style design.

Family Board Games - Best Living Room Accessories

Mango Wood Card & Dice Set

Furniture nkuku.com

£36.95

Made using sustainable mango wood, this stylish box holds two sets of cards and four mango wood dice that can be stored neatly away. It's perfect for the coffee table.

Lampshades - Best Living Room Accessories

House Beautiful Samet Velvet Drum Shade Duck Egg

House Beautiful Homebase

£15.00

This House Beautiful shade ticks two trend boxes, with its classic duck egg colour and tactile velvet material. With a brushed metallic inner to disperse a soft light.

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Best Books on House Design

Source: https://www.housebeautiful.com/uk/renovate/design/a28461218/best-free-home-interior-design-tools-apps-software/

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