When creating interior CGIs (computer-generated imagery), it’s essential to focus on details that not only enhance realism but also resonate with potential buyers. From lighting choices to lifestyle touches, here are some do’s and don’ts to help you achieve stunning, effective interior visuals.
Showcase The Remarkable
Do: Make sure your interior visuals highlight the unique and distinctive features of your project. Feature items that make the space stand out, whether it’s an architectural element or a stylish piece of furniture. Including realistic views from the windows is key. A scenic backdrop or a peek into the garden can transform a space, adding depth and helping potential buyers visualise the location.
Don’t: Avoid bland, generic scenes where nothing stands out. If the visuals fail to show what makes your project special, the viewer may lose interest quickly.
Lighting Sets The Mood
Do: Lighting is one of the most powerful tools in CGI. It sets the mood, creates an atmosphere, and can make the space feel more realistic. Choose the right time of day for the scene—natural sunlight streaming in can evoke warmth and brightness, while soft evening light can create a cosy, inviting ambience. Tailor your lighting to match the emotion you want the space to evoke.
Don’t: Avoid flat, artificial lighting that leaves the space feeling cold or dull. Poor lighting choices can make even the most luxurious interiors look uninviting.
Add Lifestyle With The Details
Do: To make your interior CGIs more relatable, incorporate small lifestyle details. Things like an open book on the sofa, a half-filled coffee cup on the table, or champagne flutes on the kitchen counter can help tell a story. These little elements help viewers imagine themselves living in the space, increasing its appeal. You’re not just selling a property; you’re selling a lifestyle.
Don’t: Avoid overly staged or unrealistic details that feel disconnected from how people live. The goal is to add subtle, relatable touches without making the space look too cluttered or artificial.
Accuracy Adds Clarity
Do: Precision is crucial. Make sure every element, from the flooring to the door style, reflects what will be present in the final build. This includes the smallest details, such as the way the doors swing or the exact finish of the windows. Accuracy reassures the viewer that what they see is a true representation of what they’ll get.
Don’t: Avoid shortcuts that compromise accuracy. If the details in the CGI don’t match the final design, it can lead to confusion and disappointment down the line.
Feature Unique Living Spaces
Do: Not all rooms are equal in the eyes of potential buyers. Focus on highlighting unique living spaces like hallways, staircases, or open-plan areas that flow into the garden. These spaces often have more character and can leave a lasting impression. While one bedroom may look much like another, living spaces have the power to differentiate your project.
Don’t: Don’t spend too much time on rooms that don’t add much visual interest. Instead, focus on spaces that have a unique design or layout to really make the property stand out.
Add Kitchens & Bathrooms
Do: Kitchens and bathrooms are essential focal points for any potential buyer, so always include at least one of each in your CGIs. Showcase the exact appliances, fixtures, and finishes that will be used, from the cooker and fridge to the tile choices. These rooms are the busiest spaces in the home, and accurate depictions help viewers visualise how they will interact with the design.
Don’t: Avoid using generic kitchen or bathroom designs. If these spaces aren’t portrayed accurately, it can leave buyers questioning the quality or reliability of the property.
Curtains & Blinds
Do: Curtains and blinds add a “lived-in” feel to your interiors, enhancing the realism of the CGI. Incorporating them thoughtfully can help tie the room together, making the image feel more authentic and warm. Ensure that these elements complement the overall aesthetic and colour palette of the space.
Don’t: Don’t leave windows bare unless you’re aiming for an ultra-modern, minimalist look. Bare windows can make the image feel more like an unfinished CGI rather than a warm, welcoming space.
By following these tips, you can create interior CGIs that not only look beautiful but also feel authentic, helping potential buyers imagine themselves living in the space.
