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15 apps to help you build your dream home

By Guest Poster •

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Building a home from the ground up can be fun and rewarding, but it can also be anxiety provoking. There is good news though with iPhones, iPads and Androids offering homeowners a tool that isn’t already in their toolbox, but is necessary to every home project; the app. Regardless of what stage you are at, apps offer design inspiration, budget management, building measurements, DIY tutorials, renovation ideas and so much more. Furthermore they are time savers that can help you cut costs and work more productively.

Below is a roundup of the best apps to get your home project started and make your smartphone the top go-to tool in your box. Get inspired, get planning and get building today!

1. Houzz
All great dreams start off with inspiration and so when you’re about to build, you can’t have enough of it. Houzz is your interior design app on the go and it’s filled with a large database of design ideas, creative concepts and product reviews. The app is free, easy to use and beautifully designed to create different rooms and browse ideas. To top it off, Houzz also gives you the opportunity to look up professionals in your area, like architects, builders and suppliers to help you complete your project.

2. Palette Cam
Palette Cam is a great free tool for creating unique colour palettes and schemes using inspiration found in everyday life. The app allows you to grab colours from your camera or saved photographs – it will match them and generate individual HEX and RGB values (colour codes) for each shade. The built in zoom view gives you pixel level precision when picking colours making this a fabulous tool for creating schemes and making paint colour and textile selections.

Palette Cam

3. Home Design 3D
Home Design 3D allows you to build a 3D model of your home so you can test out ideas before lifting a hammer or fetching the toolbox.

The free app gives a floorplan and room layout which you can draw in 2D, creating openings, adding walls, changing the shape and orientation – even the thickness of the walls can be drawn up. Designing your home becomes quick and intuitive, with customised textures, 3D project modes and night/day function to show you exactly what side of the house the light will fall at different times each day. You can also select furniture and décor items to really give you a sense of the final feel.

To top it off, you can also visualise and ‘visit’ your creation in real-time 3D using the app’s brand new photorealistic 3D rendering.

Home Design 3D

4. Housecraft
Housecraft is a furniture arrangement app that uses your device’s camera and augmented reality technology to let you place fully rendered 3D models anywhere in a space. A great planning app, it allows you to feel exactly how big objects are and how they’ll fit in a room. It also lets you admire objects from any angle, in any light, as well as save room configurations and try them out anywhere.

Housecraft

5. Tape Measure
Tape Measure is an augmented reality tape measure and ruler that fits in your pocket. Featuring a tape measure, laser level, stud finer and measurement history, this handy app helps you measure anything with your phone!

Tape measure app

6. Morpholio Board – Mood Board
Called ‘addictive’ by ELLE DÉCOR magazine and awarded one of the best apps for interior design and architecture, this is a fabulous app to make your dream mood board come true. Perfect with iPhone, Mac, and iPad, Board combines your ideal inspiration, decor or furniture library with powerful mood board and collage tools to design anywhere. It seamlessly interacts with Pinterest, features a curated product library and has AR furniture capability too. Whether you’re designing kitchen, nursery or home office mood boards or just style and inspiration, this one is everything you need to be an interior designer in one app.

Morpholio app

7. Home Outside
For $4.49, Home Outside is a landscape design app with all the tools you need to mock up your garden, create new garden designs and then share them with friends and family. It’s ideal for homeowners looking to try out new ideas in their yard and it allows you to select and place over 700 hand-drawn elements including trees, gardens, pools, patios, hammocks, driveways, houses and sheds, solar panels and more. It creates professional looking 2D aerial plans.

Home Outside

8. iScape – Landscape Designs
A free app, iScape lets you visualise a finished landscape project on your property before you even get the shovel out of the shed. The app acts as a virtual garden so you can plan, plant and produce your own personal oasis and produce photorealistic renders of your outdoor spaces (augmented reality or 2D designs) that can be saved straight to your smartphone or iPad using real images and actual photographs.

The app lets you tailor your projects (you can adjust colours, add layers, text and texture) before editing and saving them. Once you have collated your ideas you can share and favourite them too.

9. Photo Measures
Photo Measures is a super easy way to save measures on your photos on iPhone and iPad. You simply just take some photos and note down the dimensions on them. Not only does this help you take accurate measurements along when you meet with trades, but you can collate all of the spaces in your phone for easy access. The app also allows you to do the following:

  • Take a photo and directly draw measures on it
  • Edit your measures with a very intuitive interface
  •  Quickly add text as comments when measures are not enough
  • Easily organise your photos by category
  • Export your annotated images as PDF or JPG

10. Rapid Reno Mate
Dubbed the ultimate renovator’s companion, the free Rapid Reno Mate is a powerful tool that can manage the business side of your renovations. Rapid Reno Mate is like your personal project manager and will help you every step of the way, making it easy and enjoyable to renovate your home.

Key features

· Plan multiple projects
· Track your budget
· Manage your trades
· Find products and your nearest suppliers
· Access exclusive offers
· Inspiration and DIY help

The app was developed by Rapid Renovation Expert, Naomi Findlay, who wanted to create a simple solution for renovators to complete successful and enjoyable renovations time and time again.

11. Dulux Colour 
The Dulux Colour app allows you to select a photo of your room and use Dulux colour to virtually ‘paint’ the area. This will give you an idea of what your finished project could look like by visualising colour on your walls. You can choose from popular colour palettes or create your own – you can even browse through the entire Dulux range on your phone.

Cleverly, the app also matches colours – just sample a part of a photo to reveal the closest digital match from over 1,100 colours. You can also save your project, share it with family and friends and compare and view multiple paint schemes.

Dulux Colour app

12. SketchUp
It used to be that interior design and architectural software was the exclusive domain of the professionals but that all changed when SketchUp came along. While it’s not strictly an app, we thought we’d include it because it’s hugely popular and for so many reasons. A highly intuitive, easy to learn 3D drawing tool, SketchUp lets you draw building plans and elevations and create animated walkthroughs and flyovers of your designs. SketchUp also has the world’s largest collection of free 3D models which means building materials, plants and real-world objects including furniture and appliances can be inserted into your designs with just a few clicks. It really has put design software in the hands of regular folk.

Sketchup

13. Airtasker
Perfect for when you’re looking for a tradie or handyman, a cleaner, removalist and more, Airtasker lets you list a task (including details of when and where) alongside a fair budget for it. ‘Taskers’ are then able to bid for the job at which stage you can take a look at their profiles and reviews and choose the best candidate. Airtasker handles the financial side of things making it one easy to use and seamless platform.

Air Tasker

14. hipages
Arguably the best place to find a tradie in Australia, hipages works similarly to Airtasker in that you can list a job and thereafter obtain multiple quotes from professional tradies. It’s a free service that instantly alerts local tradies to submit quotes and after the quotes are received you can compare profiles and verified recommendations to choose the best applicant.

hi-pages

15. Reece 3D bathroom planner
While it’s not an app per se, Reece’s 3D bathroom planner is a fabulous tool for the home renovator and it’s a lot of fun too. Who doesn’t want to plan their bathroom in 3D with just a few clicks? Firstly, you set up and design your bathroom in 2D before adding your favourite Reece products. Then you add your finishing touches (tiles, plants, wood finishes and colours) before reviewing your bathroom in 3D and saving your design. You can also browse predesigned rooms, check out the bathrooms from The Block and peruse the latest trends within the software too.

Reece

This post originally appeared in 2014 but has been updated in 2022 to provide more relevant content for readers.

Check out Reno Addict, our dedicated renovating section

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October 24, 2020

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  • Before & after: this week’s Selling Houses recap: Roselands, NSW
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  • Art Deco apartment makeover to create New York Paris vibe
  • Why render is the unsung hero of garden design
  • Palette Cam 15 apps to help you build your dream home

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SALE ALERT! Listen up Sydneysiders, one of my fav SALE ALERT!

Listen up Sydneysiders, one of my favourite home stores @shack.furniture.homewares are having their annual warehouse sale this week, from Thursday until Saturday.

HUGE savings on furniture, homewares and decor with 30 to 80% off. Wowsers!

I'm a big fan of SHACK and can never leave one of their stores without a few styling goodies for my place! It's just too tempting!

While you're at the sale, mention Interiors Addict for an extra 10% off!

Unit 16a, 1801 Botany Rd, Banksmeadow NSW 2019

Thursday 1st to Saturday 3rd June 2023, 9am to 4pm. Not online.

#sydneyshopping #sydneysale #sydneysales #sydneyfurniture #shackfurniture #shackfurniturehomewares #interiorsaddict #theinteriorsaddict #jenbishop #heartyourhome #comeshoppingwithme
A door to door continuous curved stone ledge in th A door to door continuous curved stone ledge in this bathroom is one of the cleverest designs we've seen in a while!

This mega ledge, made of Corian, even incorporates a sink, seamlessly.

Combined with venetian plaster on the walls, it's no wonder this Illawarra bathroom by @birdblackdesign feels like a day spa!

Come check it out via link bio.

Lead designer Stuart Gibson says: "One smooth curve, right around the room, from either side of the door opening. As it moves around, it creates a ledge for the bath: for bath oils, lotions, a book and a champagne glass. The ledge continues around and becomes the vanity, widening out to create a custom seamless basin."

#bathroomhappiness #bathroomdetails #bathroomshelves #bathroomshelf #venetianplastering #coriandesign #coriansolidsurface #spalikebathroom #spabathroom #sustainablebathroom
Catch the season finale of @sellinghousesaus last Catch the season finale of @sellinghousesaus last night?

We have all the before and afters for you on the blog now, via link in bio (and swipe for a taster).

#sellinghouses #sellinghousesaustralia #foxtel #lifestylechannel #beforeandafterkitchen #beforeandafterlivingroom #beforeandafterrenovation #realitytv #housetours #interiorsaddict #theinteriorsaddict #jenbishop #heartyourhome
😍 Not sure what's better: the custom mirror abo 😍 Not sure what's better: the custom mirror above the fireplace in this Art Deco one-bedder or the wallpaper in the kitchen (swipe)?!

It's been a while since we featured an apartment makeover on IA. Would you like to see more apartment interiors? Head to the blog now to see more of this one. Via link in bio.

#artdecoapartment #artdecointerior
#artdecomirror #artdecofireplace #artdecomelbourne #artdecofurniture #artdecobuilding #artdecointeriors #apartmentrenovation #apartmentinterior #smallspaceliving #melbourneapartments #melbourneairbnb #kitchenwallpaper #wallpaperaustralia
Low tox and planet friendly laundry liquid (and sh Low tox and planet friendly laundry liquid (and sheets and soap and powder!). We have a great roundup of the best options on the blog today. 

A whole host of brands are offering eco-friendly, low tox alternatives to the more chemical-laden ones. Not only that, they often smell amazing, look good on your shelf and come in recycled or recyclable (or even better, both) packaging. 

Good for your skin, your clothes and the planet: what’s not to like?

Do you use any of these?

COMPARE THEM ALL VIA LINK IN BIO NOW.

#lowtoxliving #lowtoxlife #lowtoxlifestyle #lowtoxhome #lowtoxlaundry #lowtoxswaps #naturallaundry #naturallaundrydetergent #naturallaundrysoap #ecolaundry #lowtoxcleaning #ecofriendlyhome #ecofriendlyhouse #laundryliquid #laundrypowder #laundrysoap #naturalcleaning #chemicalfreecleaning #interiorsaddict #theinteriorsaddict #jenbishop #heartyourhome
Play room goals!👌🏻 This is just one room fr Play room goals!👌🏻

This is just one room from today's real house tour which I really love because in employing interior designer @issyandhcreative the owners weren't looking for a complete rip out and re-do but rather to work with what they had in their new suburban home (including a dated kitchen) and give it a largely cosmetic glow up with styling and new furniture (some of which was upcycled). 

The brief was to create a family friendly home. "They weren't looking for perfection but rather a warm and relaxing retreat for their busy young family." This playroom though? Pretty close to perfect! And the mum did the colour coded books herself. Love that😁

Head over to the blog now via link in bio to see the rest of this home.

#playroomideas #playroomgoals #playroomdecor #familyhomes #kidfriendlyhome #kidfriendlyinteriors #familyhomedecor #sustainabledecor #affordablerenovations #interiorsaddict #theinteriorsaddict #jenbishop #heartyourhome #beanbagchair #beanbags #colourcodedbooks #colourcoded #toyroom #kidsroomdesign 

Pix by @tealily
All the heart eyes for this little setup 😍 Hea All the heart eyes for this little setup 😍

Head to the blog to shop this and two other gorgeous styled images from @greenhouseinteriors 

The stunning @mrsniceart artwork has already sold but the good news is, you can still get prints of it!

Styling by Aisha Chaudhry for Greenhouse Interiors, assisted by Nikki McGar, Kylie Harris, Rachael Blake and Max Green. Photography by Stephanie Rooney. 

#poolart #sideboardstyling #buffetstyling #consolestyling #vignettes #greenhouseinteriors #barcartstyling #shopthelook #bluehomedecor #poolumbrella #beachumbrella
Bookworms need a cosy book nook! 📖 🐛 Seb an Bookworms need a cosy book nook! 📖 🐛

Seb and Charlie had one of those kid size couches in their playroom but frankly, they'd outgrown it! I picked this Aussie made compact 2-seater Ruby sofa from @fantasticfurniture 

I'd usually go for grey to keep it neutral but as it's in a kid's room I went for this heather blue fabric to make it a little more fun while still classic. There's more than 50 fabric choices for Fantastic's Aussie made range so good luck choosing 😂 

I left the legs off to keep it below the windowsill. I'm super happy with the quality. It looks a lot more expensive than its $699 pricetag 👌🏻

Books, natural light and a cosy couch = happy boys! And let's not pretend they won't be watching the odd movie on there too 🍿 because #keepingitreal

#FantasticFurniture #FantasticFamily #booknook #booknookstagram #booknook #bookwormsofinstagram #littlereader #littlebookworm #cosycorner #cosycorner #playroomideas #toyroom #interiorsaddictfamilyhomereno #interiorsaddict #theinteriorsaddict #jenbishop #heartyourhome #aussiemade #aussiemadefurniture #twoseater #kidssofa #kidscouch #bluesofa #loveofreading
Last week we interviewed chalk paint pioneer Annie Last week we interviewed chalk paint pioneer Annie Sloan from her UK base about colour and Aussies' relationship with it. (And how's this for a before & after kitchen?! 😍)

Annie’s latest green hue, Coolabah Green, is inspired by the Eucalyptus trees of her childhood (did you know she was born in Sydney?). “I made it in tribute to Australia and I’m thrilled to say that’s been really popular both here in the UK and in Australia. It’s a kind of smoky, silvery sage green that’s very easy to work with and would complement accents of Amsterdam Green deliciously.”

Sales stats show Aussies are all about greens while elsewhere in the world greys and blues are more popular from her range. So tell me, are you a green lover?

Head to the blog to read Annie's thoughts on upcycling furniture and more. Via link in bio.

#chalkpaint #chalkpainted #chalkpainting #chalkpaintfurniture #chalkpaintlove #chalkpaintmakeover #anniesloanchalkpaint #anniesloanhome #anniesloanpaint #paintedkitchencabinets #paintedkitchen #paintedkitchens #upcycler #upcyclers #upcyclersofinstagram #upcycledfurniture #interiorsaddict #theinteriorsaddict #jenbishop #heartyourhome #anniesloan #greenkitchencabinets #greenkitchens #greenpaint #coolabahgreen #coolabah
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Comments

  1. AvatarMelissa says

    May 12, 2014 at 9:26 am

    Is there a paint company app where you can download a photo of your house and see your own home in selected colours … to see before committing $$ to a paint colour??

    • AvatarJen Bishop says

      May 13, 2014 at 5:10 am

      I’m sure there is, I’ll look into it!

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