Design the bathroom of your dreams virtually with an online program or purchased software.
Designing a virtual bathroom can be almost as enjoyable as designing a bathroom in real life. Although you won't be able to shower or brush your teeth in your virtual bathroom, you can create an ideal space that can be saved, printed, and maybe in the future come to life. A free option is to design your bathroom online; a more expensive way is to purchase interior design computer software and create your bathroom using the design tools provided with the program.
Instructions
1. Choose an online program that will allow you to create your virtual free of charge. Consider a program like Arrange-a-Room from the Ladies Home Journal website (lhj.com/style/decorating/easy/arrange-a-room/). You will need to install the Shockwave plug-in for this program as well as any other interactive online design program. With this type of program, you can choose from a variety of bathroom layout templates. You can pick out wall color, floor color, and furniture arrangements. Another free option is Google SketchUp (sketchup.google.com). Google Sketchup allows its users to create 3D home designs from scratch. This programs requires a bit more time and effort to master. If you are a novice designer with little knowledge about to-scale sketching or 3D design, expect to spend a few hours learning the ins-and-outs of a program like SketchUp.
2. Purchase an interior design computer software program. Consider a basic program from a company like Punch Software. Punch Software offers a program called Home and Landscape Design in which users can design and decorate the interiors of their virtual homes. Use a bathroom design template or start from scratch when choosing floor finishes, wall colors, sinks, tubs, fixtures, wall art, and accessories. Use the drag and drop feature to add in and manage elements from the design toolbox. Expect to pay around $50 for a Punch Software program. For the more experienced designer, consider a program from a company like Chief Architect. Chief Architect programs are more expensive (up to $2,000), but provide professional quality designs. They offer 2D and 3D design projects in which users can create the ideal bathroom to scale.
3. Design your virtual bathroom. Use your free online program or your purchased software program to create the bathroom you've always dreamed of. Select flooring, a sink, a tub, a shower, wall coverings, lighting, and architectural details. Add windows and doors, crown molding, and other accessories. Be creative with your design decisions and make a space you'll enjoy every day.
Tags: your virtual bathroom, online program, Punch Software, virtual bathroom, your virtual, bathroom design