Better Homes and Gardens Interior Designer – Customer Reviews
Easy to use-But very limited
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I bought this and the Punch interiors software. This software is easy to use compared to Punch, but I suspect thats partly because H&G is very limited in options. For instance in Punch you can design your doors exactly as they are. In H&G you choose a style and have a few options. Punch also has a large library of trees, shrubs and plants to use to landscape your design. H&G only has potted plants. With H&G there are few backgrounds to use, and most look like they were taken from the west coast; mountains, sand dunes and million dollar homes on the beach. Nothing for the average person living in a suburb. Punch allows you to import your own digital photos as background, or just use their sky background. Either works well. I imported several panoramic photos of my backyard and side, and you can then put them at any angle to completely surround your design. BUT, you better read the manual (342 pages), it's not an intuitve program, H&G is. With H&G you can basically start after just a little homework. H&G; easier to use with less options. Punch; harder to learn but more flexibility.
7/26/2006 12:00 AM | Rating:
Limited
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As another reviewer said, the furniture selections are very limited and fairly lame in appearance. That includes lamps, rugs, accessories etc, too. You will not be able to duplicate a space that you see in the design magazines, but you will be able to get a general idea of what your space will look like in terms of color combinations and furniture arrangement.The object selections are just not comprehensive enough. The software is fairly stable, but slow ( I am using a 1.7ghz computer with almost 1 gb of memory). The camera controls are awkward, but usable. For painting, there are many colors to choose from and its easy to show different combinations. Floor plan layout is good. I did not need to get precise, so I do not know how it would hold up in a more serious application.
This could be 5 star software if the object library was made more comprehensive and the camera controls were more user friendly.4/22/2006 12:00 AM | Rating:
Good software and fun, too
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I have not spent tons of time working with the program yet, but have done enough to know that the learning curve is reasonable if you are somewhat publishing program literate. It has lots of potential for aiding in visualizing what your project will look like finished. If you are willing to invest some time to learn the program features, it performs as promised.
3/24/2006 12:00 AM | Rating:
Not usable as intended
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I tried to like this product.As previous reviews have said it has significant design limitations.If you only need a 2D floorplan there are better tools for the same money or less.The object libraries that come with the tool - furniture, fabrics, etc. - are really lame.This limits it's value as an interior design tool.I did not attempt to return it so I cannot comment on their return policy.
2/2/2006 12:00 AM | Rating:
Should be called CAD for Dummies....
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I was a little skeptical about this program- until I tried it last evening for the first time. I am really impressed.....I did not even use the tutorial before I dove in and tried to play a bit.I created a single room in less than 3 minutes, using simple walls, doors, windows, and a fireplace.Adding flooring and coloured walls was so easy it was almost sinful!LOL
I am most anxious to do more with the program and learn about all its capabilities.Today I watched the tutorial and was really surprised at how much this program can do!
I am entering into an interior design program in January 06 and wanted to "play" with the CAD software in advance.I was really happy and impressed with the simplicity of the Better Homes and Gardens version as the idea of CAD seemed intimidating.Not any more....
I whole-heartedly recommend this program to everyone who is considering designing their interiors or for students of interior design who have not yet attempted any CAD programs.11/22/2005 12:00 AM | Rating:
