5+ Friendly Home Interior Design Apps To Uncover Your Hidden Designer in You

I recall that moment standing in my empty HDB flat, feeling overwhelmed by the stark emptiness. It was a space meant to be lived in, but it felt impersonal—like a blank canvas. I wasn’t an interior designer, just someone longing for a cozy, functional home that reflected my personality. But where to start? That’s when I discovered home interior design apps, which transformed my blank walls and sketchy floorplans into something extraordinary.

Whether you’re preparing for an HDB renovation or planning to revamp your HDB BTO or resale unit, these apps help you design dream interiors—without needing a professional designer. From 3D floorplan visualizations to mapping out your ideas with tools like SketchUp and Planner 5D, these platforms bring out the hidden designer in you.

These apps are not just tools; they are gateways to personalized HDB interiors, tailored to your needs and the constraints of each space. At Elpis Interior, we believe in transforming dreams into reality. With our all-inclusive renovation and interior design services, we work alongside you to create personalized designs that truly reflect who you are—whether for remodeling your HDB resale or building fresh from your HDB BTO.

So, if you’ve ever wondered where to start or how to turn your ideas into reality, let these tools be your guide.

SketchUp

SketchUp is one of the most comprehensive free 3D design tools available online. Its immersive interface makes it feel like you’re walking through your future home, yet it’s flexible, like working with pen and paper. The free version is great for amateurs, while the pro version is ideal for professionals in architecture, construction, and interior design.

Pros:

• User-Friendly Interface: SketchUp is known for its intuitive design, making it easy for beginners to start creating 3D models quickly.
• Extensive Library: The platform offers access to millions of pre-built models through the 3D Warehouse, allowing users to enhance their designs easily.
• Multi-Device Compatibility: Users can access SketchUp on various devices, including web-based platforms and desktops, facilitating flexibility in design.

Cons:

• Performance Issues with Complex Models: Large and intricate designs can lead to slow performance or crashes, particularly on less powerful hardware.
• Limited Features in Free Version: The free version has fewer features compared to paid subscriptions, which may restrict some users’ capabilities.
• Learning Curve for Advanced Features: While basic functions are easy to grasp, mastering advanced features may take time and practice

Floorplanner

This tool allows you to design and decorate in 2D and 3D without downloading any software. It’s easy to use and has a simple interface, making it great for those wanting to create floor plans quickly and efficiently.

Pros:

• Ease of Use: Floorplanner is designed for simplicity, allowing users to create floor plans quickly without extensive training.
• Web-Based Access: Being web-based means users can access their projects from any device with internet connectivity.
• Collaboration Features: It enables easy sharing and collaboration on projects with clients or team members.

Cons:

• Limited Customization Options: Users may find that the customization options are not as extensive as those offered by more advanced software like SketchUp.
• Performance Limitations: Depending on the complexity of the project, performance can lag, especially in a web environment.
• Subscription Costs for Advanced Features: Accessing premium features requires a subscription, which may not be ideal for all users

SmartDraw

SmartDraw is another easy-to-learn floor plan tool. It offers thousands of templates and design options, allowing users to explore infinite possibilities. However, the tool is only free for the first seven days, so an upgrade may be required for long-term use.

Pros:

• Versatile Diagramming Tools: SmartDraw offers a wide range of templates and diagramming tools suitable for various industries.
• Integration Capabilities: It integrates well with other software like Microsoft Office and Google Workspace, enhancing productivity.
• User-Friendly Interface: The interface is straightforward, making it accessible for users of all skill levels.

Cons:

• Limited 3D Modeling Features: Unlike some competitors, SmartDraw primarily focuses on 2D diagrams and lacks robust 3D modeling capabilities.
• Costly Subscription Plans: The pricing can be high compared to other similar tools, which may deter some potential users.
• Internet Dependency: As a cloud-based tool, it requires a reliable internet connection for optimal performance

Planner 5D

Known for its visual appeal, Planner 5D lets you explore your design in a fully immersive experience. It’s ideal for creating floor plans on the go, as it works on iOS. You can start from scratch or use templates to easily adjust the floor’s shape, size, and materials.

Pros:

• Intuitive Design Interface: Planner 5D is praised for its user-friendly design interface that allows users to create detailed floor plans easily.
• Rich Visualization Options: It provides high-quality visualizations and 3D views of designs, enhancing user experience.
• Cross-Platform Availability: Users can access Planner 5D on various devices, including mobile apps, making it versatile for different users.

Cons:

• Limited Free Version Features: The free version has significant limitations in terms of available features and assets compared to paid versions.
• Performance Issues on Complex Designs: Like many design tools, it may struggle with performance when handling large or complex projects.
• Subscription Costs for Full Access: To unlock all features and assets, users need to subscribe to a paid plan, which might not be suitable for everyone

HomeByMe

Cory’s favorite, HomeByMe, is 100% free. You can use real-world products from brands to furnish and decorate your home. The tool lets you switch between 2D and 3D modes as you complete your floor plan, making it highly versatile.

Pros:

• Realistic 3D Visualization: HomeByMe excels in providing realistic 3D renderings of designs, which can be beneficial for presentations and client approvals.
• User-Friendly Design Tools: The platform is designed to be easy to use, even for those without prior design experience.
• Community Sharing Options: Users can share their designs within the community or with clients easily, fostering collaboration and feedback.

Cons:

• Limited Free Features: Similar to other applications, the free version has restrictions that may limit functionality for serious designers.
• Performance Variability: Users have reported performance issues when working on more extensive projects or using lower-end devices.
• Subscription Fees for Advanced Features: Accessing premium features requires a subscription, which could be a barrier for some users

Conclusion

If you’re looking for an app to turn your design dreams into reality, these home interior design apps in Singapore can help. Whether you prefer something simple or with advanced features, there are plenty of options to suit your needs and budget. Once you find what works best, give it a try! If you need guidance on selecting the right app or have any questions, our team is happy to assist with personalized recommendations to make the process easier.

Elpis Interior – Renovation Contractors in Singapore

Looking for an interior designer? Elpis Interior, based at 4A Pahang St, was established in 2015 and is a leading provider of design consultation for residential projects. Elpis offers a full range of services, including reducing snags, lowering costs, shortening schedules, and speeding up close-out times.

Elpis also specializes in space planning, design, and delivery of interior environments, offering strategies, design plans, budgets, and 3D visualization. Focused on maintaining quality within planned budgets, Elpis ensures cost-performance improvements and faster project completion. Contact Elpis now to discuss your home and decor needs in Singapore!