AI and Interior Design: Where It Helps and Where It Falls Short

AI and Interior Design: Where It Helps and Where It Falls Short

It’s no secret that AI is everywhere right now and interior design is no exception. As the technology continues to evolve, we’ve been paying close attention to how it’s showing up in our clients’ decision-making process.

So far, we’ve had a few clients come to us after turning to AI for guidance and in each case, they were left with more questions than answers.

One client used AI to generate a rendering for a kitchen remodel. At first glance, the design looked impressive. But upon closer inspection, the details didn’t hold up. The scale was off, key elements were misaligned, and the layout wasn’t functional in a real-world setting.

Another client asked AI for guidance on construction sequencing. The recommendation? Start with painting. While that might sound harmless, it overlooks a fundamental step demolition. In reality, construction requires a very specific order of operations, and getting that wrong can lead to costly mistakes.

A third client, dealing with a post-flood renovation, asked AI to recommend a contractor. The result was surprising: the suggested contractor had only average online reviews. It raises an important question—how does AI determine what (or who) is “best”?

To be clear, AI isn’t going anywhere. And it can absolutely be a helpful tool especially for inspiration and initial ideas. But as these examples show, it still lacks the real-world experience, technical knowledge, and nuance that interior design requires.

We’re continuing to stay informed and curious about how AI can support our clients but also where it may lead them in the wrong direction. Like any tool, it’s all about knowing when (and how) to use it.