Technology has changed practically every aspect of our lives. From the way we shop to the way we bank, technological developments have revolutionized the way in which we live and work.
One sector which has seen a particular shift thanks to technology is interior design. Here, we’ll look at the best interior design technologies that have changed the industry in recent years.
1. Online Design
The internet and developments in software, have enabled interior designers to create their designs entirely online. This has cut down on the need for home visits, making hiring an interior designer much more convenient for homeowners. There are even companies that allow their customers to design their own interiors. They only need to upload a photo of their room, then use the online design tools to create their dream interior.
2. Smart Tech
Smart technology has been one of the most significant technologies to change the interior design industry. Homes can now benefit from smart tech such as wirelessly controlled lighting, thermostat, and security. Interior designers can utilize this technology to produce advanced smart home designs. Many of these smart technologies can also be voice controlled. So, lights can be switched on for example, simply by saying a phase.
3. Virtual & Augmented Reality
Although virtual reality technology isn’t quite ready to be fully utilized by interior designers, it is set to be a thing of the future. Designers will be able to walk their clients through virtual rooms to show them how it might look. This can eliminate a lot of unnecessary changes and guesswork. Headsets and glasses will provide a fully immersive interior design experience, while a handheld device will also prove invaluable for designers.
With augmented reality, many online retailers allow designers and consumers to see how furniture will look in their home via their app. Take Wayfair for example. The Wayfair companion app uses Google ARCore technology to enable it’s users to view a piece of furniture in their home as if it were really there.
4. 3D Printing
Another technology still in its infancy is 3D printing. Its capabilities are increasing all of the time, and interior designers will soon be able to utilize it in their projects. Eventually, 3D printers will be able to print bespoke furniture that can be used in home design. This will enable designers to produce unique projects, driving up their profits.
5. Smartphone Apps
There are a lot of smartphone applications which enable consumers to play around with home interior design ideas. Many of these apps are free and very easy to use. Some of the most popular interior design apps include Houzz, Havenly, Morpholio Board, and MagicPlan.
While at the moment they can’t produce spectacular results, as they improve over time, consumers will be able to start creating more personalized, advanced interior designs on their phones and tablets. Of course, they’ll still need tools and components from a company like RS Components to carry out the design.
6. Renewable Energy
Finally, renewable energy has also made a huge impact on the interior design industry. As sustainability becomes increasingly important, homeowners are looking to incorporate green energy into their homes. This includes adding more natural lighting and eco water heaters into the home’s design.
These are just six technologies which have changed interior design. As technology continues to develop, virtual reality, 3D printing, and other developing technologies will further alter the way interior designers work.