Try ColorSnap to test colors This app can mock up what a paint color will look like in your living room, with the furniture and décor in the room. Also, you'll maybe find Magic Plan useful - it measures rooms and draws floor plans just by taking pictures with your phone. Read more about these home design apps

Hi I use a combination of 3 different programs depending on the need and who it is for. Each can be used to do complete drawings depending on your needs and time. I only use Sketchup to illustrate a 3d for clients so they have a visual. It has its limitations though as major changes can be quite laborious. I use Chief Architect only to nut out multiple layout options as you can simply click and drag to draw a wall that you have pre-defined the properties of eg brick veneer exterior, stud internal etc. If you have a room dimension you want to increase, you simply highlight the wall you want to move, click on the dimension that has popped up and change it. The surrounding walls alter to adapt to the new wall location so it is quick and easy. I don't use it for detail work as being an American program a lot of the options and specs don't apply unless you get Australian add ons... For detailed CAD drawings I use Autosketch 10 and TurboCad 20. Being old school (2D) I use Autosketch mostly for over 90% of my drawing as with about 7 or 8 tools you can pretty much draw anything and it does detailed construction drawings the way I prefer. Being only 2D you have to think 3D and draw the elevations etc in 2D but I enjoy that as it helps think through how something is going to be put together. Cheers

Learn Sketchup is on my to do list. I use the IKEA and Reece online tools, which are good for quick mockups to help visualise the space with basic 3D rendering, but they can be a bit buggy and of course only have their own products to work with. I use Illustrator and photoshop for quick plans and mockups too, but only because I have a graphic design background.

Try Sketchup, a version is available as a free trial download, and it is designed for beginners. https://www.sketchupaustralia.com.au/sketchup-free-trial/?gclid=Cj0KCQiA-c_iBRChARIsAGCOpB0ohpndTYGFgRORjRqn9bl5otiKxv0KE2YNanQJXWuq7rLVJZiaslcaAvBuEALw_wcB However like any software the results very much depend on the skills and experience of the user. Just because I know how to use Microsoft Word it doesn't mean I can write a best selling novel! The software won't teach you how to design, or what makes good design, or the best way to build, which is why people engage design professionals. Best of luck. Dr Retro of Dr Retro House Calls