Features & Tools:  

MyVirtualHome is a novel approach to interior design software. Working almost strictly in a 3D environment, you place room blocks to build your home and then select furnishings, colors, textures and materials to personalize it to your liking.

The interior design software program comes preloaded with the basics but downloading additional elements is a snap. For every category of object there is an “Online Results” selection available which immediately downloads extra elements directly into the selection palette. There is a constant navigation and tools menu on the left side of the program’s window and clicking on an element in the floor plan brings up a palette with the object’s properties and other useful information.

Although this is included in a interior design software review site, MyVirtualHome also has a landscaping component so that you can design both the inside and outside of your home.

Ease of Use:  

By virtue of its distinctive interface, MyVirtualHome is exceptionally easy to use. Point-and-click or -drag is the main methods of getting around in the design. While the navigation takes a bit to become accustomed to, once you’ve used the software for a short period of time you’ll be able to get around comfortably.

Look & Feel:  

The textures and colors are well done and polished. The left side-only navigation approach in the interface is unusual and requires some getting accustomed to but it doesn’t present too much of a hiccup in using the software.

Help & Support:  

The major drawback here is the fact that the developers are located in Australia which isn’t an issue if you live in that general area, however if you happen to live in the US or elsewhere it could present a problem. Support issues will take a bit longer to receive a response on due to time differences. MyVirtualHome developers have provided an excellent set of “Getting Started” type tutorials that will help acquaint you with the navigation. There is also an online manual, knowledge base and FAQ section that will provide help at all hours of the day or night. A user forum and email support round out the types of help that are available.

MyVirtualHome is a lot of fun to use. The game-play approach (realistic right down to the camera bob that happens as you take a virtual walk) makes this interior design software package a lot more approachable. This is a good tool for dreaming and visualizing as well as showing your own architect what you envision. The developers have incorporated a “contact professionals in your area” feature in the software but we were unable to locate any professionals in our area during the time we used the product. As for developing a hard set of plans for a remodel, you’d be better off with a CAD-based interior design software such as BeLight’s Live Interior 3D for the Mac or Better Homes & Gardens Interior Designer for the PC platform. See our review of MyVirtualHome in our Home Design Software reviews for more in-depth information.