Virtual reality is the computer-generated simulation of a 3D image or environment that you can interact with in a way that mimics physical reality through the use of special electronic equipment – such as a helmet with an inner screen or gloves with sensors. Though the term “virtual reality” could apply to any synthetic sensory experience that comes close to the real thing, it is mostly used in reference to reality emulators or simulators.
Technological advances make virtual reality a valuable asset for industries looking to modernize the way they sell or provide services. Virtual reality has evolved the home improvement field and made it much easier for homeowners to visualize a new home without even going to the store. Designers who incorporate virtual reality technology into their projects save money and time in the long run. Plenty of options exist for professionals and beginners planning to undertake a partial home or office renovation, or complete remodeling project.
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Design a Room by Armstrong Flooring
Armstrong Flooring’s VR Designer allows you to mix-and-match popular flooring types, paint colors and finishes without going to the store. You have the option of selecting a pre-styled room or uploading a picture from your own home.
Instead of getting talked into just any floor by an in-store salesperson, Armstrong Flooring’s virtual reality software gives you the power to rotate the direction of tiles, play with different stains and try hundreds of colors and patterns. Your next interior design project just got a
whole lot easier – and cheaper – with the help of this virtual reality program.
How It Works:
1. Upload a photo (or select an already styled room from their library).
2. Click through some (or all) of their flooring options.
3. Save to your computer or share on social media.
Key Features:
• Imagine a new look with their choice of Casual, Contemporary, Country, Eclectic or Traditional rooms.
• Try more than one-hundred customization options.
• Choose from hardwood, laminated and vinyl sheets or tiles.
• Create an account to save, revisit and share your designs.
Visual Room Designer by Marble
Marble.com has a tool that allows you to visually design your room using different stone finishes before you make a final purchase decision.
With so many textures and color combinations to choose from, it’s hard to get an authentic feel when picking through swatches at a store or showroom. Thankfully, this platform lets you get a feel for your potential home by filling a virtual kitchen, bathroom, family room or more with their entire selection of countertops. Their site also provides additional virtual tools to obtain price estimates and view up close renderings of their products – no matter where you are located.
How It Works:
1. Find a layout that matches your living space or reflects the vision of your dream home.
2. Customize cabinets, countertops, walls, floors with a plethora of materials and finishes.
3. Save, share online or print for your own personal references.
Key Features:
• Get a price quote using their countertop estimator – all you need to do is select your counter shape, submit measurements and the type of material you desire.
• View all angles in 3D with the Visualizer Edge tool to get a real feel for the product.
• Match color schemes and textures with the colortipster comparison tool.
• Browse their stone encyclopedia database for in-depth descriptions of Marble’s natural stone products.
Planner 5D
Planner 5D helps tackle interior design projects using your smartphone and Google cardboard (or any other virtual reality glasses you may already own). The app has 2.5 million downloads on Google Play and iTunes combined.
Planner 5D’s immersive technology allows you to set your project’s floor layout to match the exact specifications in your home or office then build up your dream interior. Get a real feel for the potential of your space before shopping for materials, contractors and labor. The software is easy enough to use for experienced designers and DIY novices alike.
How it Works:
1. Download the App.
2. Create a new project.
3. Set a floor plan, add furniture, try different color and décor details.
4. Turn on VR mode and put on your cardboard glasses to experience your creation in real time.
Key Features:
• Browse an integrated library of catalogs from popular businesses like IKEA.
• View design in 2D images and advanced 3D renders.
• Get inspired by a community of professionals and peers.
• Use with your smartphone, tablet or laptop.
• Doubles as a business or teaching tool.
Room Designer VR
This immersive virtual reality program, first released in 2017, lets you design a room by standing “inside” of it while wearing a VIVE headset. Room Designer VR is available for download on Viveport.com, a virtual reality game, and app platform by HTC.
Though the app is still in early development stages, there is plenty of potential for Room Designer VR to become your go-to source for property design projects. What the app may currently lack in functionality, it makes up for innovation – plus it includes a tutorial to help you get started. Conceptualize your project completely by hand before ever stepping into a store with Room Designer VR.
How it Works:
1. Choose a Viveport subscription plan.
2. Download the app.
3. Draw a floor plan directly on the ground. Add exterior walls, doors, and windows with your hands!
4. Fill your VR space with endless possibilities.
Key Features:
• Watch your project come to life while wearing your VR headset.
• Build, furnish and customize with fun objects.
• Viveport subscription gives you access to additional VR apps and games.
The Home Renovator
The Home Renovator facilitates a step-by-step approach for popular home improvement and design projects. Their online tools walk you through the process of budgeting, measuring and sourcing each component for your project as accurately as possible.
Since many unforeseen costs can occur during large renovations, it helps to have a solid plan before diving in. The Home Renovator is a trusted resource for establishing an unbiased quote for your project before agreeing to pay inflated prices through contractors, retailers and other businesses.
How it Works:
1. Choose your project type.
2. Measure your space.
3. Enter measurements and tool requirements.
4. View and print a report that includes, required materials, budget and illustrated instructions.
Key Features:
• Choose from insulation, drywall, paint, flooring, ceiling and patio projects.
• Download free worksheets to assist with measuring.
• Prevent common DIY mistakes by following a virtual, step-by-step guide.
• Print and share estimates, blueprints and lists of required materials with anyone involved in your project.
Overall, these five virtual room designers put the power of interior design and renovation into your hands. Long gone are the days of trudging to an overwhelming design showroom or home improvement store with limited options, high prices, and poor refund policies. By using virtual reality technology, we can safely and quickly bring ideas to life, share them with those we trust and execute projects with confidence – all with the click of a button.
