Renovating the spaces in our homes is usually an entertaining activity. However, it may become complicated when it is difficult to picture the desired output. Especially if we don’t have a background in interior design. So I tried different Generative AI tools to help me navigate through the redesign of a room (Picture 1).
I used Spacely AI, a GenAI-powered interior design software, to redecorate the room. This platform not only allows small changes in the design but also complete makeovers. Particularly, the full transformation offers several options to choose from, such as color palette, style, lighting, and the AI’s creativity level. In my case, I decided on a natural color palette, Scandinavian Hygge-inspired style, and a balanced creativity level (Spacely AI, 2025).
Spacely AI’s proposal (Picture 2) clearly follows the guidelines and delivers a professional result by adding furniture, changing the floor, and the wardrobe. Nevertheless, one of the most interesting aspects of the application is that it builds and showcases a prompt with the selected characteristics.
So I used Spacely AI’s prompt in different GenAI chatbots: ChatGPT, Gemini, and Perplexity AI, to compare how these services use the same input to redesign the room. Every platform renovated the space following the Scandinavian style (Pictures 3, 4, and 5). Perplexity AI and Gemini added furniture and kept existing elements, such as the desk and floor. However, ChatGPT’s design looked more cartoonish and had different proportions than the original picture.
Personally, I believe that these platforms are helpful in the design process of a new space since they help you visualize the renovated space before committing to changing the decor. As an improvement, Spacely AI could add the option to select a budget and a country. So the suggested furniture would be available in stores in your region and within the price range. In the chatbot’s case, I asked them to deliver a list indicating where I could buy the furniture in the Netherlands. They suggested several decor websites that use Scandinavian style, but not the exact place where I could find the products shown in the photos. Finally, if these platforms, especially Spacely AI, seek to disrupt the interior design market, they not only need to offer inspiration but also how to implement the designs.
References:
- Google. (2025). Gemini 2.5 Flash [Large language model]. https://gemini.google.com
- OpenAI. (2025). ChatGPT [Large language model]. https://chat.openai.com
- Pararius. (2025). Willemskade. Pararius.nl. https://www.pararius.nl/kamer-te-huur/rotterdam/c2e3870d/willemskade
- Perplexity AI. (2025). Perplexity [Large language model]. https://www.perplexity.ai/
- Spacely AI. (2025). Spacely AI | AI rendering software for architects. https://www.spacely.ai/
Very interesting article! I think you explored a very nice use case for GenAI, and certainly one that is relatable for students that move often. I believe your research clearly shows that there is potential in this GenAI application, but for now it is still at a relatively basic level.
The fact that that in the ChatGPT image the proportion are distorted aligns with something I have noticed using ChatGPT, which is that it shows limitations when getting into a very specific application.
Probably, the best way for this idea to go forward would be to have the AI being developed by businesses that solely focus on interior designing and/or selling furniture. I believe IKEA has something like this, although it is not widely used yet and it limits the user in that only their products are available.
Hopefully we will soon see an application that allows us to correctly plan our interior design and also buy the corresponding furniture and decorations!