In today’s digital world, artificial intelligence is changing the way we live, work and even how we build and maintain our homes. We’ve all heard of ChatGPT, the large language model that’s changing the way we communicate. Did you know that there are AI platforms to help you find design solutions at home? HomeGPT is just one of many AI-powered assistants designed to simplify interior design and renovation.

What do AI powered home design platforms offer?

AI-driven home design tools act as your personal home and design consultant. They are useful for homeowners, real estate agents and designers. Platforms such as HomeGPT can quickly generate a new layout for a kitchen or bathroom renovation, virtually style your room by adding furniture and provide useful design insights. They combine knowledge of home renovation, landscaping, architecture, interior design and budget planning with advanced language and image capabilities. 

There are many AI home design generators available including RoomsGPT, RoomSketcher, DecorMatters, AI Room Planner, Spacely AI, Homestyler and Interior AI. Each platform has a unique offering, some with free design features and most are available through a paid monthly subscription. There are design platforms that can generate detailed house plans (PlanFinder), landscape designs (IdealHouse) or renovation budgets (BlockRenovation) while others focus on furniture placement and décor. 

The benefits of designing with AI

AI home design platforms are an accessible tool that allows users with no prior design experience to feel empowered and explore the options before spending money on professional plans. AI can be a fun tool for those wanting to do some light design DIY and make the most of their living room and bedroom layouts. For more intensive renovations, like kitchens and bathrooms, approaching a designer with AI generated ideas gives homeowners and professionals a shared vision from the start. 

AI image generation allows you to see design ideas before committing, which is ideal for testing colours, finishes and layouts.

While these tools currently offer a limited range of options, they’re set to redefine the home improvement industry in the coming years by making professional-level advice and visualisation accessible to everyone. These systems are already helping homeowners to make informed, creative and confident decisions about their spaces. Real estate agents in New Zealand are increasingly using platforms such as Gepetto for virtual staging in their listed homes.

For those looking to build or renovate, a good approach is to use these design tools as your idea engine and planning partner, then collaborate with professionals to bring those ideas to life safely and legally.

AI home design limitations

While AI home design tools are a game-changer, it’s important to understand what they can’t do. AI is a tool to assist, not replace human expertise or official processes.

The quality of design platform responses depends heavily on how specific and accurate your prompts are. The more information you provide about measurements, budget or style, the more relevant and precise the output will be.

While AI tools can help you generate design ideas, layouts and even realistic visualisations, these outputs are conceptual. AI can’t replace the legal, safety and creative responsibilities of interior designers, architects, engineers, or builders. Instead, it works best as a collaborative tool, helping you brainstorm ideas, plan efficiently and communicate your vision clearly to professionals.

Home design generators can mimic design principles, but don’t have human intuition or taste. An AI tool can suggest “modern Scandinavian style,” but it doesn’t truly feel the atmosphere you want to create, that part is still uniquely human.