# Virtual Decorating The design world is upgraded with tech-focused simulations. By [Michael Hemsworth](https://www.trendhunter.com/Michael.Hemsworth), Contributing Researcher | Published Oct 24, 2014 | Category: [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/modern-art-and-design-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/virtual-decorating ## Key Figures - Trend score: 3.8/10 - Evidence articles: 4 ## What is the Virtual Decorating trend? **Virtual Decorating:** The incorporation of virtual and augmented reality technology into the design world is supporting consumer preference to try before they buy, which is particularly important when it comes to high-priced goods like furniture. The shift towards virtual decorating is a further extension of the retail tech boom that pushes convenience and time effectiveness for both brand and consumer ## At a Glance - Evidence: 4 featured examples - Articles from: Jan 12 to Sep 26, 2014 - Published: Oct 24, 2014 - Patterns: [Convergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/convergence) - Megatrends: [Multisensation](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/multisensation), [Gamification](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/gamification) ## Audience - Gender: 30% men, 70% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Themes within the Virtual Decorating trend ### Virtual Reality The incorporation of virtual and augmented reality technology into the design world is supporting consumer preference to try before they buy, which is particularly important when it comes to high-priced goods like furniture. ### Augmented Reality The use of augmented reality technology in furniture and interior design apps allows for consumers to visualize how a piece of home decor will fit in with the rest of their existing furnishings, making shopping easier and less time-consuming. ### Smart Projector Technology Smart projector technology from companies such as Vizera Labs allows for real-time upholstery projections on actual furniture to help consumers test different shades in store and pick the right fabric for their home, making the shopping experience more personalized and efficient. ## What the Virtual Decorating trend means for industry ### For Furniture Retail Companies in the furniture retail industry can benefit from incorporating virtual or augmented reality technology, allowing consumers to try out products before they purchase, ultimately reducing returns and increasing customer satisfaction. ### For Interior Design Interior design professionals can benefit from technologies such as augmented and virtual reality, allowing them to showcase designs to clients more effectively and efficiently. ### For Fashion Design Fashion design students and professionals can take inspiration from Vizara Labs' use of augmented reality technology for furniture retail and adapt it to enhance virtual presentations and seminars of their creative concepts. ## Trend signals for Virtual Decorating Trend score 3.8 out of 10, from popularity 64%, activity 44%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 64% - Activity: 44% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Virtual Decorating trend 4 featured examples from Jan 12 to Sep 26, 2014. - [Projected Design Previews](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/furniture-shopping): The Smart Projection Device Helps With Upholstery and Furniture Shopping (Category: Business) Implication: The use of augmented reality and real-time upholstery projections can revolutionize online furniture shopping and enhance the customer's online shopping experience. - [Virtual Decorating Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/augmented-reality-app-for-interior-design): Furnish's Augmented Reality App for Interior Design Makes Choices Easy (Category: Tech) Implication: Disruptive innovation opportunity: Adopt augmented reality tools and virtual decorating apps to revolutionize the way interior designers collaborate with clients and visualize des… - [Virtual Furniture Retail](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/augmented-reality-furniture): Vizera Labs Uses Augmented Reality to Sell Furniture to Consumers (Category: Business) Implication: Virtual and augmented reality technology can revolutionize the furniture industry by allowing customers to try out furniture in their homes before purchasing, saving time and hass… - [Virtual Furniture Shopping Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/augmented-pixels-showinroom): The Augmented Pixels ShowInRoom 3D Tablet Tool Debuted at CES 2014 (Category: Tech) Implication: Furniture retailers who adopt augmented reality technology and virtual interior design experiences like ShowInRoom can differentiate themselves and attract customers looking for i… ## Recent trend clusters - [Sensory Packaging](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/sensory-packaging) (Art & Design) - [Automated Upkeep](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/automated-upkeep) (Tech) - [Serial Snacking](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/serial-snacking) (Lifestyle) - [Autumn Teasers](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/autumn-teasers) (Business) ## Trending in Art & Design - [Fruit-Inspired Cleaning Tools](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vilada-punch) - [Electrically Powered Airline Seats](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/premium-economy-seat) - [Textural Furniture Ranges](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fall-designs-blu-dot) - [Recycled Neon Light Sculptures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/encore-encore) All articles: [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign)