So, let’s take a look at some of the most important things you need to focus on when creating a 3D interior design photo. These tips will breathe new life into your designs and attract more clients.
1. STUDY FROM REFERENCE
Whether we talk about the piece of furniture you are drawing in 3D, floor tiles, or light source, having a practical reference will always make your work easier.
Regardless of how creative you are, without a reference, you can easily overlook some important features of the objects you render in 3D.
Studying your actual reference will tell you more about textures and materials. You’ll be able to create a much better 3D render that’s not only appealing but photorealistic as well. Of course, your render doesn’t have to be the exact copy of the reference. It’s just something that helps you create a more authentic design.
2. THE CHOICE OF COLORS
If you want to create a photorealistic 3D interior design photo, you have to be careful with your choice of colors.
You have millions of great colors to choose from, each one more beautiful than the last one. However, natural material colors are usually the best. But this doesn’t mean that you have to use the monotonous earthy tones only like browns and beiges. The choices of color depend entirely on your taste and your clients. It means that you want to avoid colors that are too saturated and those that are black or white completely.
When you have pops of color, such as bright red, creating the chromatic aberration effect can make them stand out even more. This color fringing (or distortion) is often seen in real-life pictures, and it can be a perfect addition to any 3D interior design photo.
3. THE TEXTURES
Most 3D rendering software comes with their own library of textures and materials. So, browse through all of your different options to find those of the highest quality.
You’ll need to pay very close attention to materials such as wood or leather. They’re easily recognizable materials with unique features, so it’s easy to notice when something is off with them. They’re never perfectly smooth, and you need to ensure that they have adequate reflective properties that make them stand out.
When creating textures, you want your audience to be able to feel them. A quick glance at your 3D interior design image will tell them exactly how the material will feel to the touch. Therefore, use high-quality materials, and spend much time needed on their appearance.
4. THE LIGHTING
Lighting is everything in 3D interior design. It will bring all the colors to life, the textures will become visible, and it can set the mood for the entire scene.
Depending on the scene you’re trying to set, you can use different light sources, the best one always being natural light. A combination of direct and indirect lighting will work wonders for the creation of a photorealistic design.
If you’ve created your objects from reference, you can study how different light sources affect them in real-life, then try and recreate that in your design.
What you need to pay very close attention to are the reflections. Not all textures and materials have the same reflective qualities, and you need to ensure that your matte surfaces aren’t glossy.
5. THE SCALE AND SIZE
Whether you’re creating your objects from scratch or are importing them from the library, you need to ensure that their sizes are realistic and proportional.
You can easily edit and adjust your measures in most 3D rendering software, and ensure everything is exactly the size that it’s supposed to be.
The right size is just for visual effects, it’s important if your clients decide to go along with your creativity. It will ensure that everything can fit in their home or office, and they will have fewer problems once the construction begins.
6. BEAUTIFUL DÉCOR
The space you create needs to be livable. This means it needs to have beautiful décor. Picture frames, flower vases, coffee cups, they’re all essential for creating a realistic 3D render and impressing your clients.
The point of 3D interior design photos is to help your clients visualize their new space. All the details that they’d like to have should be included in your renders.
This is what will add some personality to your designs and make them stand out. You’ll want to invest time and effort into perfecting every detail of your interior design photo.
7. A REALISTIC RENDER WITH IMPERFECTIONS
Nothing in life is absolutely straight, perfectly smooth, or perfectly glossy. Remember this when you create a 3D interior design photo.
Primarily, there’s no such thing as overusing your beveling tool. Even the sharpest edges of your design should have a certain roundness to them. You’ll see what a difference this makes when you add your light sources. Perfectly straight edges will seem fake, while those with a slight curve to them will seem photorealistic.
Secondly, feel free to add some cracks and scratches to the fine china, or a few loose threads to the throw blanket over the couch. Some wear and tear on the dining room floor, and a faded color on the staircase.
These small imperfections will make it seem like someone is actually using the space you’ve created, so it will look much more appealing and realistic.
8. THE HUMAN TOUCH
Your interior design photos are created with the aim to attract clients and help them visualize their new space. The easiest way to achieve this is by adding people to your photos.
If possible, you can actually use the photos of your clients, your own photos, or simply download the available images and use them in your design.
This will usually be one of the final steps in your design, but you still need to focus. Make sure everyone belongs to this place. This means they are casting shadows on furniture, you can see their reflection on the TV screen, etc.
These small details will bring your whole design together and ensure all your viewers are impressed.
9. THE BOTTOM LINE
Creating a realistic 3D interior design image is not easy. It takes hours and hours of hard work. But knowing what needs attention will help you create a realistic and inspirational design.
Many small details are easily overlooked, and these tips will help you track and help you create a perfect 3D interior design photo.
