Review: Arcon 3D Home Designer Expert design software

If you’re thinking of adding an extension, refitting your kitchen or even self-building a house, 3D Home Designer Expert is aimed at you.

From wall to wallpaper, it’s designed to help you visualise your plans quickly and easily.

The program works in two modes, between which you can switch at will. First is the construction mode, where the floorplan is laid out.

You can start from scratch, building your structure wall by wall or use the Project Assistant.

In design mode, you fill your structure with furniture and fittings. There are about 4,800 objects to choose from and around 1,300 wall coverings, textures and floorings.

At any time, you can toggle between 2D and 3D views. Most of the construction and design is best done in 2D, but the 3D perspective is fantastic for gaining an impression of how things will look in reality. There are many solid and wireframe options, you can rotate models through all axes, and add shadows/reflections.

The program’s interface is a doddle to navigate. Most tasks are self-explanatory – if you can use Microsoft Paint and know how to drag and drop, you’re in business. You don’t need any Cad (computer-aided design) skills, and if you get stuck, there’s extensive integrated help and – refreshingly a thick, printed manual.

Despite all the features, the software is no replacement for an architect or project manager (Arcon 3D Architect, at £199.99, aims to fill that role). Neither will it advise you on planning and building regulations, so you may need to seek professional advice. Even so, the drawings the software produces will serve you well when you do contact a pro, saving both time and money.

Overall, 3D Home Designer Expert is one of the best products of its type we’ve seen.

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