3D Interior Design Rendering Techniques, Tips

How to Create Realistic Interior Lighting with FluidRay

April 7, 2020/in 3D Rendering, Interior Design, Lighting

We are in trying times. No matter each of our specific situations, everyone has been affected by the global pandemic and we’ve all had to modify our day to day lives in order to keep our communities safe. The FluidRay team wishes everyone the best as we all adjust.

Are you able to work remotely? Why not use this time to refine your rendering skills with these tips on how to use FluidRay to create renderings with realistic lighting?

Proper interior lighting is crucial when designing an interior, particularly when working to create the ambiance of a room. Lighting adds both style and function and determines the mood of the space. Perfecting the lighting effects in 3D renderings enables designers to accurately communicate the intended mood for a room. Creating lighting effects in FluidRay is fast, easy, and produces beautiful results that will impress your clients!

Keep reading for detailed instructions on how to bring your renderings to life with interior lighting.

Step 1: Import Your 3D Model

Create your 3D model in your favorite modeling software. We used SketchUp for this example.

livingroom.skp

Once your model is created, import the file into FluidRay.

FluidRay works directly with SketchUp (.skp), Rhino OpenNurbs (.3dm), FBX (.fbx), Alias Wavefront (.obj), Collada (.dae), 3DS (.3ds, .ase), DirectX (.X), Stanford PLY (.ply), and STereoLithography (.stl).

If your filetype isn’t listed here, simply export to an .fbx file within your 3D modeling software and then import into FluidRay.

Step 2: Set Materials

Let’s begin by setting the materials in the model. By setting materials before adjusting the lighting, you can see how the materials will react in real time when adjusting the lighting. Select an object from the model and then from the drop down menu in the Materials tab, drag and drop the desired material into your rendering. FluidRay has a large library of high quality materials from which to choose and the ability to import additional materials.

Step 3: Add Environmental Light

Environmental light comes from the outside, rather than from the inside. Environmental light is a global parameter, meaning it will affect the entire rendering, not only one part of it.

In this example, we start with the night environment and then we increase the light’s power.

You can see the room in our model takes on light from the environment as if it is night time outside. Increase the light’s power in the right panel using the Environment tab.

Step 4: Add Artificial Light

Artificial light includes overhead lights as well as table or floor lamps. We recommend applying the artificial light first without the environmental lights. Simply select the surface you want to emit light and tweak its emission power and color. You can also drag and drop an emissive material onto the surface.

Go through these same steps for each of the artificial lights in your rendering.

Step 5: Turn Environmental Light Back On

Turn the environmental light back on so the rendering includes both environmental and artificial lighting. This rendering is really coming together!

Step 6: Finalize and Adjust Your Rendering

In this final step, you’ll tweak the materials, environmental lighting, and artificial lighting to get to the final result. Thanks to FluidRay’s speed and ability to render in real time, you’ll immediately get an idea of how the render will look after each and every material or light change.

Check out this video that walks you through how to do these steps in real time.

Watch this video on YouTube

FluidRay also offers training tutorials for more details on learning how to render images. You’ll create designs quickly and easily, freeing yourself up to focus on imagining interiors for your clients.

If you want to experience how FluidRay can help you inspire your clients, download our software for a free trial. Our pricing is inexpensive so anyone can experience the good side of rendering!

5 Reasons Interior Designers Choose FluidRay for Rendering

March 12, 2020/in Interior Design, News

There’s nothing like walking into a well-appointed space that has been well planned out yet feels natural and comfortable. Interior designers have a talent for creating these environments but it takes a special dance of communication and coordination with their clients to get it just right. To support this level of communication, designers turn to FluidRay as their choice software for easy and fast rendering.

Here are the top 5 reasons why you’ll love FluidRay rendering software too:

1. Quick Learning Curve

FluidRay’s intuitive interface and straightforward training resources make learning 3D rendering effortless. Our engineers designed FluidRay with usability in mind and the workflow can be grasped in a matter of minutes. To make rendering even easier, FluidRay comes with a large library of environments, materials and backgrounds. Check out our training tutorials for more details on learning how to render images in FluidRay. You’ll create designs quickly and easily, freeing yourself up to focus on imagining interiors for your clients.

Regardless of technical expertise, anyone can get up to speed on FluidRay in just a few minutes.

I love how I can drag & drop materials, lights and furniture in my interiors and quickly see the results! I can produce different proposals for my clients in no time. I can even tweak the illumination and materials while they stand by my side!
– Evelyn G.

2. Lightning Fast

With many rendering applications, large images can take several hours to complete. However, FluidRay’s lightning fast technology allows you to create immediately visible images that can be edited as needed, streamlining your workflow! Our engineers use artificial intelligence to ensure super fast performance and there are no GPU limitations.

I don’t usually have the luxury to spend time figuring out how to make a realistic material or set up a lighting studio for each new product; here’s when FluidRay comes to the rescue.
– Diego P.

3. Affordable

Our pricing plans make FluidRay accessible to anyone with no long term contracts or hidden fees making it the tool of choice for independent designers and firms alike. In fact, ALL3DP recently ranked FluidRay as one of the best rendering tools on the market, comparing it with rendering software that costs considerably more. Learn more about our pricing options and find a plan that works best for you.

4. Creates Stunning Designs

Did you know that FluidRay can take your 3d model and transform it into a realistic and beautiful image in a matter of seconds? While designers will review a 2d image and can imagine its full potential, many interior design clients struggle with 2d images and will imagine a space much more confidently with a rendered file. Using FluidRay to communicate by sharing realistic images allows you to better communicate with your clients both during the proposal phase and design phase to get plans exactly right. FluidRay also enables you to make changes to your rendered images on the fly so you can quickly communicate changes, impressing your clients and getting the job done.

I downloaded FluidRay, played around with the settings (very intuitive) and in a few minutes I was able to show my clients beautiful images of my designs.
– Ian P.

5. Compatibility

FluidRay is compatible with your favorite modeling software and supports the following formats: SketchUp (.skp), Rhino OpenNurbs (.3dm), FBX (.fbx), Alias Wavefront (.obj), Collada (.dae), 3DS (.3ds, .ase), DirectX (.X), Stanford PLY (.ply), STereoLithography (.stl).

Simply open up FluidRay, click “import model” and select your file. You’ll be rendering in seconds! The included extensive library of materials, models, and lights all readily available in an easy drag & drop interface enables you to create any space you can imagine.

FluidRay’s extensive features, easy-to-use interface, quick rendering capabilities, affordability, stunning designs, and modeling software compatibility make it the perfect rendering software for interior designers.

If you want to experience how FluidRay can help you inspire your clients, download our software for a free trial. Our pricing is inexpensive so anyone can experience the good side of rendering!

Where to Find .SKP Files

March 15, 2016/in 3D Rendering, Architecture, Industrial Design, Interior Design, Jewelry Design, Managing Assets, Product Design

Regular SketchUp users probably already have a big archive of .skp files to draw on for projects, but sometimes you need something new and it helps if you can grab one rather than building from scratch. I did some wandering around the web and found some sources for .skp files. Some are free and some cost a bit, but the nice thing is that these sites are reliable — you can bookmark them and come back whenever you’re searching.

3DWarehouse – https://3dwarehouse.sketchup.com/
No surprise you’re going to find SKP files at 3DWarehouse, but it’s worth mentioning that they have a fun mix of models including architecture, people and products.

SketchUp Texture – http://www.sketchuptexture.com/p/3d-sketchup-model.html
SketchUp Texture has several collections of room and furniture models in the SKP format. I liked a lot of the stuff in the Houses and Villas collection. It also never hurts to have furniture models when you’re figuring out interiors.

TF3DM –
These guys have a little bit of everything. The quality can vary, but it’s worth checking out. I’d definitely check here for military vehicles.

SKPWizard – http://skpwizard.com/freeblocks.php
SKPWizard carries a good selection of office furniture models. They also have some vehicles, construction supplies, and electronics. I’ve visit here before starting on an office interior project.

TurboSquid – http://www.turbosquid.com/Search/3D-Models/free/skp
I’d say their free .skp offerings are mostly related to furniture or home decor, but TurboSquid also has some human and animal models, as well as, some building models. Check them out for starter models to practice on.

GrabCad – https://grabcad.com/library/software/sketchup
I’ve found some gorgeous building models here along with a variety of furniture, mechanical, and other objects. If you’re doing product or industrial design, then make sure you check here for things like gears and motors too.

David Hier – http://www.davidhier.co.uk/freemodels.html
Let’s take a moment to thank David for sharing some of his models for high-end designer furniture. He shares a lot of his stuff on TurboSquid, but make sure to check his site for goodies. His models might be good for a hotel room or lobby project where if you’re going for a contemporary look and feel.

Creative Crash – http://www.creativecrash.com/sketchup/
Creative Crash’s marketplace has a lot of goodies. The quality and prices will vary a lot and some models are a bit pricey, but you’ll find plenty of well done vehicle, electronics, exterior and environmental models to work with.

Nomeradona SketchUp, VRay Resources – http://sketchupvrayresources.blogspot.com/p/free-sketchup-scenes-and-models.html
There is not a lot here, but the few models are well done. I especially like the sofa and padded material models. Hopefully, they’ll keep adding to the site, but I’d pick up the sofa models now to have handy.

SketchUp4Architects – http://www.sketchup4architect.com/sketchup-components.htm
There is a good selection of models here with an emphasis on architectural components (rooms, doors, windows, floors, stairways, etc.). You’ll also find some people, furniture, and vehicles mixed in. This is a good resource for assets to construct rooms or other basic architectural modeling tasks.

SweetHome3D – http://www.sweethome3d.com/importModels.jsp
SweetHome3D offers several collections of models, some with hundreds of files included. In some cases, you’ll be directed away from the site, but I didn’t find anything shady — just more models. Pay attention to the licensing rules.

Modlar – http://www.modlar.com/information/3d-models/
Modlar is the place to get manufacture approved models of appliances, tools, industrial equipment and more. It’s heavy into sinks, faucets and other kitchen and bathroom models, but you also have industrial, furniture and flooring. A good site for anyone doing kitchens and bathrooms, or looking for some well done pieces to refine home models.

TruStile – http://www.trustile.com/design-planning/3d-cad-symbols/sketchup
This is vendor site so you won’t find a variety. That said, TruStile gives you models for about 40 different styles of residential doors. I suggest picking them all up and keeping them as resource for any residential housing project.

Popular Woodworking – http://www.popularwoodworking.com/sketchup-for-woodworking-models
Every model here is for something wooden. Fortunately, you can use wood almost anywhere. A decent selection of models though you’ll see a lot of tables and cabinets. Worth browsing for touches to add to a rustic cabin or home. You might also use the benches for parks or other outdoor settings.

Kolbe – http://www.kolbe-kolbe.com/architectLibrary/index.cfm?pcID=7&pID=169
Another vendor site. This one is focused on Kolbe windows. The models are well made and done to work well with any architectural models. Like with TruStile, I’d grab as many as you can now so you have the for later.

That’s it for now. I’ll keep looking and adding as I discover new sites. Leave a comment if you want to share some of your own models or let us know about some good sites.

Feature image: Asus P6T6 3d model by 3DRegenerator

Where to Find .3dm files

August 25, 2015/in 3D Rendering, Architecture, Industrial Design, Interior Design, Jewelry Design, Managing Assets, Product Design

You can build your own .3dm files but it takes time and you may not get the best results. If you’re like us, then you’ve probably got a few spots you check for models, and you’ve also probably bought some sets over the years. But you always end up needing something you don’t have, and having to look around.

I did some snooping through my lists of sites to find ones that offered a good mix of .3dm models. Not all the sites are free or have large selections, but they are all dependable. Take the time to browse through a few of them when working on a project and you should be able to find what you need.

TF3DM – http://tf3dm.com/3d-models/all/1/3dm
This site has a good selection of models, but they range in quality from high-end to beginner. You can find anything from full buildings to Black Hawk helicopters to a T-Rex. Prices vary a lot, and you need to be careful to check which license is available for each model.

CGTrader – http://www.cgtrader.com/free-3d-models
A library of free 3dm models, heavy on automotive but you can find some animal, environment and product models if you look around for a bit.

GrabCad – https://grabcad.com/library/software/rhino?per_page=20&query=3dm
Not a very large selection, but there are some nice ones here & the site has good search functionality.

AD-3D http://ad-3d.com/free-rhino-3d-nurbs-models/
This is a free collection — available for both personal and commercial use (but not reselling) — from Aleksandar Dimitrov. Mostly furniture models, but some exteriors like fields thrown in.

FlexiCad – https://www.flexicad.com/download.php?lang=de&misc=1300
Honestly, it’s only 4 models here but its worth going to pick up the Audi TT model.

Aversis – http://www.aversis.be/3dmodels/
Not many here, but they are all decent quality. Click the links labeled “Rhino” to get the .3dm files.

Turbosquid – http://www.turbosquid.com/
You’ve probably come across this site before. Big selection of models. You can search subject and then filter to get models compatible with Rhino. Pretty much everything here is high-quality, but you’re going to pay for it: prices range from US $5 – $500. Fortunately, you can filter by price. If you need a model for work, then this is a good place to look, but not sure its the right place for a student.

Craftsmansspace – http://www.craftsmanspace.com/free-3d-models
If you’re looking for free geometries and pattern 3dm files, then I’d check here. Nothing to fancy is available, but you can use these models for things like fencing, icons, wall art without too many problems.

Yobi3D – https://www.yobi3d.com/
It finds 3D models on the Internet with simple keyword search. The models can be previewed in 3D right on your browser.

This list is a work in progress. If you’d like to have your model site, set or file added, then leave a comment.

Interior Design for Small Spaces

February 26, 2015/in 3D Rendering, Interior Design

Many people are avoiding new home purchases or moving to new apartments, and trying to get more out of their current space instead.

I’ve pulled together a few videos that focus on making creative, smart use of small spaces. Take a look at these and you’ll see how much potential even the smallest space can have.

Make sure you watch the first video (the one right below this paragraph). It will help you get into the right mindset for tackling small spaces.

Small Space Decorating Ideas

Small living room interior design ideas

Man turns 500 sq ft into a mansion - room idea video

A lot of older houses have small spaces that are under-utilized: attics, basements, utility closets, etc. that can be turned into vibrant & functional spaces with a little effort.

Small apartments are challenging because you have to fit all the living needs into a limited space. But their are still opportunities to design something cool & livable if you use your imagination.

Checkout our Interior Design playlist on YouTube for more helpful videos.

Ideas to Make Your Furniture Standout in Interior Renderings

February 12, 2015/in 3D Rendering, Interior Design

Interior designs can be tricky because you need to find the balance between an accessible, welcoming space and something with a bit of style. If you’re too generic or bland, then no one cares. But if you’re too imaginative, then you’ll turn off people with more conservative tastes.

One way to work around this challenge is to mix in a few pieces of furniture or decor that standout, but keep the room pretty simple overall. We’ve pulled together some videos to give you ideas for modeling and rendering interior furniture with a bit of character.

Home & Family - How to Makeover your Dresser using Wallpaper

This video shows a DIY approach to giving dressers or cabinets more style. You can adapt this to your renderings by applying different texture patterns to tables, shelves, cabinets, etc.

This video highlights some very creative pieces of furniture that can be focal points for discussion or the centerpiece of a interior design plan. Look at this video for ways to repurpose objects, re-shape rooms, and utilize big pieces of furniture in your room models.

future furniture design

This video is all about futuristic looks and furniture that moves and changes. Look at this video for different lighting styles you might use and how to mix lighting with textures.

Kids Room designs - for girls and boys , Interior furniture ideas for cheap small spaces

A collection of kids room photos. Children’s rooms can be great because you have more leeway in how furniture looks. But you also usually get less space to work with. Watch this video to see how to make any space more fun by using unconventional or playful furniture designs.

Tonic on form, texture and materials in furniture design.

This video highlights work by Tonic, a very cool furniture design company. There is a lot being covered in this video, but I’d suggest focusing on the use of clean lines mixed with more organic materials. Also think about the repetition of furniture pieces in common areas.

This ones features several very modern bedroom designs. Take note of the difference ways that storage is provided and where the windows are. This is a good video for thinking about lighting, negative space, and how differnt furniture materials can work together.

What’s The Look You’re Trying to Create?

Every project is different and you need to adapt. How do you find pieces of inspiration for your project? Let us know if there is a particular look, a room configuration or a design style that you want help with. We’ll pull up any videos we can to help. Also, make sure to subscribe to our interior design playlist on YouTube for more ideas.

Videos for 2015 Interior Design Trends

February 5, 2015/in 3D Rendering, Interior Design

One of the best ways to impress a client with your interior design renderings is to show that you’re aware of current design trends and have an eye on what’s becoming popular. Interior design — like fashion — tends to be cyclical but also quick to change.

If you want to keep clients excited or refresh your portfolio, then checkout the interior design videos below.

This is a short video that looks at a home with a lot of light and natural wood. If you’re thinking about cabin interiors or homes set in more scenic setting, then watch this one.

Best Modern Kitchen Design and Interior Ideas 2015

This one focuses on emerging trends in kitchen design.With so many people becoming foodies, it’s important to incorporate the latest trends in cabinetry, appliances and space usage. Kitchens can make or break any interior design project.

Interior Design Trends 2015

Here’s a video with a little more character. The Southern Girl walks you through trends in patterns, colors and themes. I like that she also shows examples from the 70s. It’s weird how interior design trends come back around.

This video looks at designs for small living rooms. I’m not sure how much demand you’ll get for rendering these types of spaces, but downsizing and smaller apartments are trends in many cities right now. The ideas here can also be applied to dens, reading rooms or play rooms.

This video is like a reality tv show. You may not like the Robeson’s, but they do a good job of refreshing a room with just some paint and few wall decorations. I’d look at this video if you are looking for little touches you can add to a model. The little details are often what sells it.

What Else Should We Look At?

What are the challenges or problems you have with getting your interior design renderings right for clients? Let us know and we’ll find some help for you. You might also subscribe to our interior design playlist on YouTube for more videos.