Choosing the right program
Home-design programs can tackle many other chores, such as estimating
construction costs, thanks to databases built into the programs. And some
have powerful architectural tools, based on the same sophisticated programs
that professional architects use. Given the variety of programs available, and
the unique nature of your project, it’s smart to make sure you choose the right
one for your needs.
Good advice on finding the right program is offered by eHow.com, a Web
site offering tips on “How to do just about everything.” The Web site recommends following these steps:
1. Decide what sort of software you want. There are different programs for
decorating and furniture arranging, landscaping, painting and from-the-
ground-up home design. Some are available in bundles that have it all.
2. Read the software’s system requirements to make sure it’ll work on
your computer.
3. Take your time learning the software. The best design programs are
complicated, and you won’t be drawing plans the day you install them.
4. Think about the features that are most important to you. For example,
do you want to see a 3-D view of your sketch, build a rough construction
budget or add landscaping to your design? Different programs have
different features.
5. Measure the lot you’ll be building on, if you’ve already selected it. You’ll
need the contours of the land as well as its dimensions.
6. Ask paint dealers if they have paint-simulating software. These programs
let you apply various color schemes to a digital photo of your house. A
TIPS & TRICKS
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Home and backyard before.
HOME DECORATING
WITH TOSS PILLOWS
PILLOWS CAN ADD that special sparkle
to a room’s décor, just as the right jewelry
can give an old outfit a fresh look.
Generally speaking, choose solid-color
pillows to place against patterned furniture
and vice versa, but don’t be shy. Pattern on
pattern can work well if you stay within a
color family. And introducing several pillows
in complementary shades can do wonders
to spruce up a plain sofa.
Consider a wardrobe of pillows that can
change with the season—light and cheery
colors in the spring, darker vibrant colors
in the fall and maybe a festive look for the
holidays. They’re an inexpensive way to
transform any room.
For bigger decorating projects, a pillow or
two that you really love can provide the
inspiration to build your décor around. Pick
up one or two of the colors in the pillow as
the main and accent colors for your room. A
A dream home and backyard can be envisioned using design programs.
