The Latest Technology in Interior Design

Once delegated as a niche tool, technology has entered everyday interior design practices. Interior designers today utilize an array of tools when working on projects. That may not be surprising considering both the rapid advancements in technology across industries and the turn homeowners have taken towards smart technology, like smart security systems, smart entertainment, and smart lighting. It was almost inevitable that technology would also be adopted in interior design. Let’s explore a few modern interior design innovations and how they can benefit clients and designers.

Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality

Augmented reality (AR) is the latest technology in the interior design world. Not just for immersive video games and entertainment, AR is used by interior designers to create smart designs and help clients visualize their home renovations.

Generally, AR is a technology that combines the natural world and computer-generated content with a smartphone or tablet. Visual elements, sounds, and other sensory factors create an enhanced version of a real-world environment. Virtual reality (VR) is a computer-generated simulation of an image or environment. This technology differs from AR because it’s viewed using special electronic equipment, such as a headset or helmet. These two technology tools are invaluable tools for visualization.

It can be challenging for designers to communicate concepts to clients, especially when clients are presented with complex and nuanced 2D drawings or blueprints. The goal of the latest technology in interior design is to simplify and improve this experience. AR is used to create 3D models of rooms or entire homes, which designers can overlay onto a live video feed or photo. For example, designers can show clients the difference that wall colors can make with mood, lighting, and ambiance. VR offers a similar, immersive experience.

Designers can experiment with various styles, fixtures, and more without physical prototypes. This makes it easier for clients to establish whether or not they like a design, avoiding costly or time-consuming revisions.

Photorealistic 3D Rendering 

3D rendering exists on the same plane as augmented reality in interior design, offering similar benefits to clients and designers. It’s also typically more accessible than AR and VR because it requires no additional equipment. What is 3D rendering, exactly? An interior design innovation, 3D rendering involves designing a photorealistic 2D image or animation of 3D models. This latest technology in interior design gives clients a glimpse at their renovation or new construction before it’s even built, creating an immersive experience with fine attention to detail.

While 2D sketches have traditionally been used in interior design, many designers have begun to use this technology in interior design to offer better visualization to clients. Designers can use the visuals to communicate design concepts to clients, and clients can either approve or make suggestions about layout, flooring, and more. 3D rendering is essential in interior design because it helps improve the client experience and offers a clear project direction.

Gone are the days of returning to the drawing board to make revisions with the latest technology in interior design in your arsenal. 3D rendering has changed the game. Designers can incorporate feedback faster and easier than ever, making for exceptional client-interior designer collaboration. Plus, 3D rendering’s lack of constraints lets clients try out new styles and helps clients and designers refine details.

Smart Technology

Interior design is about more than creating aesthetically pleasing homes – it’s also about designing with functionality in mind. Interior design innovations have made that functionality more accessible by providing modern home solutions. What does that entail? Take a look:

Smart Sensors

How many times have you left for work, wondering if you remembered to lock the garage. How often have you told the kids to turn off the lights when not in use? The latest technology in interior design aims to solve these common issues. Sensors can turn off the lights when you leave a room, notify you for security purposes, send notifications to alert emergency services when there’s heat/smoke, and so much more.

Smart Lighting

Clients can increase functionality in their homes by making smart lighting a priority for their home renovation. This technology is utilized in interior design for various reasons, including convenience, safety and security, cost savings, and wellness. Dim lights or change their color to sync with the color of the sun throughout the day. Alter settings to change the atmosphere. Set the lights to automatically turn on for your home’s security when you’re away. Take advantage of motion sensors to control lighting and save energy (and costs!).

This latest technology in interior design can be controlled remotely using a smartphone app, remote control, or even voice commands.

Smart Privacy

Another recent innovation in interior design is smart privacy for windows. With this smart technology, clients can control their home’s ambiance, lighting, and privacy by maintaining the window curtains’ opaqueness and transparency. This provides an increased sense of privacy while also serving as a barrier against heat that can increase energy costs.

Smart Kitchens

Kitchen remodels involve more than paintwork and updated fixtures. Thanks to the latest technology in interior design, they’ve gotten smarter. Smart and modular kitchens are built with various technological integrations, including voice-controlled appliances, remote temperature settings, and lighting adjustments.

Utilizing the Latest Technology in Interior Design

Technology isn’t just the future of interior design—it’s the present. Combined with their expertise, designers are utilizing technology to help clients create homes that offer personalized beauty and function that make their lives easier.

Speak with an expert to learn more about the process of using the latest technology in interior design and to get started building your dream home!