Artificial intelligence (AI) has transformed our world in unprecedented ways, influencing various industries, including interior design. AI’s capabilities have opened up new horizons in the art of creating living spaces. In this journal post, we will explore what AI is, how it is utilised in designing interiors, the pros and cons of its application, and the ethical considerations surrounding it.
Before we delve into the world of AI in interior design, let’s clarify what AI is. AI refers to the simulation of human intelligence in machines, enabling them to perform tasks that typically require human intelligence, such as learning, reasoning, problem-solving, and decision-making. It’s the technology that powers the digital assistants and smart systems we encounter daily.
AI is making significant waves in the interior design realm, offering innovative ways to shape our interior spaces. Designers have been using Computer Aided Design (CAD) applications for decades, with the first CAD software being traced back to the 1950s but becoming more popular as computers became more accessible to people in the 1990s. At Boaz Studio, we use CAD software such as Adobe Photoshop, Adobe InDesign and Vectorworks on a daily basis to put our designs down onto paper (or screens!). CAD and AI serve different purposes. The key distinction between CAD and AI is that CAD is primarily a design tool, whereas AI is a broad analytical technology used as an assistant. We are now seeing an integration of the two. CAD software can benefit from AI’s capabilities by incorporating machine learning algorithms. For example, AI can help automate the design optimization process based on user preferences and data analysis. AI can assist CAD in tasks like analyzing design choices, identifying errors or inconsistencies, and generating design variations.
The most common AI usage we come across daily in the interior design world is generated images. We thought we’d have a go at using Midjourney, a generative AI program and service, and see what it can come up with:
Prompt: “Alexander McQueen inspired barbers shop”
We wanted to see if the Midjourney Bot could generate an image of a finished interior from one of our projects, which is currently in the construction phase. I think we confused it…
Prompt: “Using this image, plastering walls and painting in Bauwerk limewash paint”
Then we tried a very specific prompt.
Prompt: “A living room, blue velvet corner sofa, black built-in TV unit opposite, pink and orange walls/ceiling. Mid-century modern aesthetic”
Um…. where’s the blue sofa?!
There’s no doubt that this is all incredible and we had a lot of fun. At first glance the images look impressive, but if you look closely, you’ll see inconsistencies and some very strange things. Spot the weird in these examples:
His legs became one with the chair!
This floating popcorn.
Floating objects, unknown objects, sci-fi objects…
The contractors must have loved working on this ceiling!
We noticed the most successful images were minimalist interiors (less to go wrong?).
Prompt: “Wabi Sabi inspired bedroom”
Prompt: “High-end minimalist restaurant”
We started looking into this because it is clearly something we are going to be seeing more of in the near future. In this journal post we focused mainly on the image generation, but AI could be used for almost anything. AI algorithms could be able to analyse optimal room layouts, give personalised recommendations tailored to your tastes, find energy consumption patterns, recommend adjustments for lighting, temperature control, and insulation, and assist in budget management.
AI lacks human touch, potentially leading to less creative or emotionally resonant designs. As interior designers, we pull inspiration from several sources to come up with our design solutions. These might include looking at the history of the building and location, understanding our client’s desired lifestyle, their likes and dislikes, inspiration from nature, art history, knowledge of architectural styles, cultural and personal influences. These will not be considered on a personal level by AI if it creates a design for a client.
The images we generated using an AI bot would potentially be useful for gathering inspiration, but none of the pieces of furniture in them actually exist. You wouldn’t be able to shop the look!
The use of AI raises several ethical considerations and challenges. Data privacy, AI bias, and the potential for overreliance on technology are a few of the concerns. AI systems may require access to personal data to offer personalised design recommendations. It’s essential to ensure that user data is handled with care, adhering to privacy regulations and obtaining informed consent from clients. Clients should understand how AI systems arrive at their design recommendations. Transparent operation of AI tools is crucial to building trust and maintaining client confidence. AI algorithms used in interior design should not inadvertently discriminate against certain individuals or groups. Design recommendations should be unbiased and equitable for all clients.
Our perspectives on this matter may evolve over time, shifting with the emergence of new technologies and our deepening understanding of them. We want to see more transparency from designers using AI in their work, using it to compliment their expertise rather than replace their skills. As discussed in this journal post, there are many benefits to embracing AI, but it is paramount that we strike a balance between AI assistance and human touch. Creating emotional connections between clients and their spaces is so important in design.
It’s essential to navigate this industry transformation with ethics and a critical eye, ensuring that AI is used to compliment and enhance human creativity. Let us know your thoughts on this topic! We invite you to join our AI in interior design discussion on our social media platforms.
