Interior design tools and equipment can make the planning process much easier. When starting a new interior design business, it is important to understand which tools and equipment are necessary for success. This article will outline the most important tools and equipment for interior designers, as well as how they can be used to streamline the planning process.
Interior Design Tools Online
There are a number of interior design tools available online that can be used to help with the planning process. These tools can be used to create floor plans, furniture layouts, and color schemes. They can also be used to find inspiration for new projects.
Some of the most popular interior design tools include:
- AutoCAD
- SketchUp
- Adobe Photoshop
- GNU Image Manipulation Program (GIMP)
These software tools can be used to create detailed plans for interior spaces. They can also be used to create visualizations of how a space will look after it is decorated.
AutoCAD is a computer-aided design program that is commonly used by interior designers. It allows users to create 2D and 3D drawings of interior spaces.
SketchUp is a 3D modeling program that can be used to create detailed plans for interior spaces.
Adobe Photoshop is an image editing program that can be used to create color schemes and furniture layouts.
GIMP is a free alternative to Photoshop that can be used for similar purposes.
Other Online Interior Design Tools
Foyr Neo: Foyr Neo is an interior design tool that can be used to create 3D models of interior spaces. It can also be used to create floor plans and furniture layouts.
Pinterest: Pinterest is a social media platform that can be used to find inspiration for interior design projects. It can also be used to create mood boards and color schemes.
Houzz: Houzz is an online platform that connects homeowners with interior designers. People use it to find design inspiration and locate interior designers working in their area.
Interior Design Management Software
Interior designers also benefit from project management software such as:
- Trello
- Basecamp
- Asana
These tools can be used to create project timelines, track deadlines, and manage client communication.
Trello is a project management tool you can use to create interior design project boards.
Basecamp is a project management tool that can be used to track interior design project deadlines.
Asana is a project management tool that can be used to manage client communication and the workflow for interior design projects.
Accounting and Bookeeping Software
Interior designers should also pick up accounting and bookkeeping software such as:
- QuickBooks
- FreshBooks
- Xero
These tools can be used to manage interior design finances.
QuickBooks is an accounting software program that you can use to manage your finances.
FreshBooks is invoicing and accounting software that can be used to manage interior design finances.
Xero is an accounting software program that can be used to manage interior design finances.
Customer relationship software
You’ll also benefit from picking up customer relationship management (CRM) software such as:
- HubSpot Sales CRM
- Pipedrive
- SugarCRM
These tools can be used to manage interior design client relationships.
HubSpot Sales CRM ican be used to manage interior design client relationships.
Pipedrive is a CRM software program that can be used to manage interior design client relationships.
SugarCRM can be used to manage interior design client relationships.
Interior Design Equipment that Every Interior Designer Needs
Every interior designer needs a few key pieces of equipment to get started. These items include:
A laptop or computer: This is necessary for using interior design software programs.
A printer: This is necessary for printing out plans and drawings.
A measuring tape: This is necessary for taking measurements of interior spaces.
A camera: This is necessary for taking photographs of interior spaces.
Additional equipment includes:
Furniture: This is necessary for staging interior spaces.
Paint: This is necessary for painting interior spaces.
Fabric: This is necessary for upholstering furniture and making window treatments.
Flooring: This is necessary for installing new flooring in interior spaces.
Conclusion
Interior design tools and equipment can make planning and executing projects easier. They help streamline workflow and manage business functions, putting your design firm on a path to success.