With the help of AI, you can create a home that is not only beautiful but also uniquely yours. Be warned, after reading this article, you may want to renovate or build your home in a completely new and exciting way.
Artificial intelligence is getting more and more sophisticated, reaching the point where AI-powered tools can help and inspire you to design your dream home.
One such tool that can assist you in your home design decisions is Midjourney, an AI-powered platform that generates images that can serve as inspiration for your next home improvement project.
You can even use your own pictures of your home, and the AI will suggest design changes or adjustments that could improve your home’s interior or exterior.
In this article, we’ll explore the world of AI-generated home design ideas, and by the time you finish reading, you may never want to approach home improvement in the traditional way again.
Table of Contents
What is Midjourney?
Midjourney is an artificial intelligence program that can generate images from textual descriptions, similar to OpenAI’s DALL-E and Stable Diffusion.
The tool was released in open beta on July 12, 2022, and is led by David Holz, who co-founded Leap Motion. To create artwork with Midjourney, users can use Discord bot commands.
It is free to use but you can also choose to pay for extra features such as Fast mode as they call it. Fast mode will let you get access to the GPUs, which generates the pictures, faster.
Using Midjourney, you can generate images that can serve as inspiration when it comes to your home improvement projects such as wallpaper, murals, what colors to choose, what gloss to choose, etc. The AI will take your text descriptions and then create visuals based on them.
What is Discord?
Discord is basically a voice and text chat app that lets people talk in real-time. It is especially popular among gamers, as it allows them to communicate with each other while playing games online.
On Midjourney’s server channel, you can enter your description, called prompts, and then the AI will generate a visual that fits your description.
They’re also working on a web interface that will be more user-friendly for anyone who isn’t familiar with Discord.
The benefits of using AI for home design
By letting an AI generate visuals based on your description, you can explore home design ideas without having to physically construct or renovate anything.
The AI can quickly generate different variations of a room or an exterior, giving you the freedom to experiment and play around with various design ideas before committing to any changes in your actual home.
The pictures it generates can give you new ideas and inspiration that you may never have thought of on your own.
For example, when I entered a prompt for a bedroom with modern led lighting it had put lighting not only in the usual places such as in the ceiling but also under the bed. I’ve seen led lighting under stuff such as cars and behind TVs before, but never under a bed!
How to use Midjourney for home design
Follow these steps to get started with Midjourney:
1. Join the Midjourney Discord server
Go to Midjourney.com and select Join the Beta, or go directly to the Midjourney Discord.
Before joining the Midjourney Discord server, you’ll need a Discord login if you don’t have one already, Learn how to create one here.
2. Join a channel
When you’re on the server browse down and join a Newbies channel.
3. Use the /imagine command
You start your prompt with the /imagine command. Commands are used to create images, change default settings, and other tasks.
Then you just type your description and hit enter. For example:
/imagine bedroom, modern led lighting, wainscoting, evening lighting –ar 3:2
The –3:2 sets the aspect ratio for your picture.
What is aspect ratio?
The aspect ratio sets the dimensions of your image. It’s represented by two numbers separated by a colon, such as 16:9 or 4:3.
In our example above, the aspect ratio is 3:2, which means that the width of the final image will be longer than its height.
The 2:3 ratio is common for example portraits. If you don’t set an aspect ratio it will set it to 1:1 which is a square shape.
I recommend using the 3:2 ratio for most images, as it is the most versatile for home design.
Text weights
When you want more focus on an object you can use 2 colons after. For example:
/imagine bedroom, modern led lighting, mural, angel::2 –as 3:2
The ::2 will let the AI know that you want more focus on the angel in the picture. The other descriptions are set to 1 as standard. You can even use negative numbers to reduce the focus, such as -1.
The seed parameter
Seed numbers are generated randomly for each image but can be specified with the –seed or –sameseed parameter.
Using the same seed number will produce similar images. For example:
/imagine bedroom, mural of an angel, evening lighting –ar 3:2 –seed 38783
Just type in whatever number you like between 0–4294967295.
Tips and tricks to get the best results
Here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Be specific about the style or theme you want: The more specific you are about the style or theme of the art you want, the more likely the generator is to produce something that meets your expectations.
- Use descriptive language: The more descriptive your prompt is, the more information the generator has to work with. Use descriptive words and phrases to convey the mood, tone, and overall aesthetic you’re looking for.
- Be open to experimentation: While it’s important to be specific, it’s also important to keep in mind that generative AI art generators are experimental by nature. Sometimes the results can be unexpected and can lead to new and exciting outcomes.
I’ve noticed that the AI sometimes won’t pick up on all the things you write in the prompt. You will have to experiment by adding and subtracting words to get the desired effect.
You don’t have to type in the prompt as short as I did in the example above, you can also type it like this:
Create a computer-generated image of a realistic human portrait in a modern and minimalist style. The portrait should be of a young woman with dark hair and green eyes. She should be facing forward and have a serious expression. The background should be a solid color, preferably black. Use PBR rendering technique and the final output should be in 4k resolution.
The result from that prompt:
Use your own images
You can also upload your own photos you have taken of your home. Drag the photo over to the discord channel or press the plus icon where you type in your prompt.
When it’s uploaded click on the image and then press Open in browser. Then right-click and copy the address for the image.
Then type in your prompt with the /imagine command followed by the address, then enter the description as you like and hit enter.
It won’t use your photo exactly as it is, but it will use your photo as a base to create something different.
You can also mix 2 photos in a prompt.
Properties to use in prompts
Here is a list of some properties you can use in your prompt:
| Effects | Description |
|---|---|
| Double exposure | A photographic effect that combines two or more images into a single image, often creating a surreal or dreamlike effect. |
| Phantasmal iridescent | A style characterized by shimmering, rainbow-colored hues and an otherworldly, ethereal quality. |
| Diagrammatic drawing | A style characterized by precise and technical illustrations, often used to explain complex systems or processes. |
| Watercolor sketch | A style characterized by loose, flowing brushstrokes and a delicate, translucent quality. |
| Ornate | A style characterized by intricate details and decorations, often featuring elaborate flourishes and patterns. |
| Analytic drawing | A style characterized by precise and technical line work, often used in architectural or engineering illustrations. |
| 3D 32-bit isometric | A style characterized by three-dimensional renderings of objects or scenes, often with a simplified, blocky aesthetic. |
| Infographic illustration | A style characterized by clear, concise visuals and text, often used to convey complex information in a simple and accessible way. |
| Plasticine | A style characterized by 3D models or animations made from clay or plasticine, often with a playful and tactile quality. |
| Typography art | A style that emphasizes the creative use of typography and text to create visual interest and convey meaning. |
| Sketch or line drawing | A style characterized by loose, gestural line work and a rough, unfinished quality. |
| Oil painting or other traditional art styles | A style characterized by realistic or stylized renderings of subjects using traditional art techniques such as oil paint, acrylics, or watercolors. |
| Cartoon or comic book style | A style characterized by bold outlines, bright colors, and exaggerated features, often used in comics, animation, or children’s books. |
| Photorealistic or hyperrealistic rendering | A style characterized by extremely detailed and realistic depictions of subjects, often using digital or traditional techniques to create a convincing illusion of reality. |
| Abstract or non-representational art | A style characterized by a lack of clear representation of subjects, instead emphasizing shape, color, and texture to create a mood or evoke emotion. |
| Collage or mixed media | A style that combines multiple images or materials to create a single image, often using textures, patterns, or found objects. |
| Low poly or pixel art | A style characterized by simple geometric shapes and a limited color palette, often used in video games or digital art. |
| Fantasy or sci-fi themed art | A style that focuses on fantastical or futuristic subject matter, often featuring imaginary creatures, landscapes, or technology. |
| Landscape or cityscape scenes | A style that focuses on the natural or urban environment, often featuring a panoramic view or a particular location. |
| Portraiture or figure drawing | A style that focuses on the human form, often featuring realistic or stylized renderings of faces or bodies. |
| Monochrome or Sepia tone | A style characterized by a limited color palette, often using shades of a single color or a brownish hue to create a vintage or antique look. |
| Stylized or Impressionist | A style that emphasizes the artist’s personal interpretation of a subject, often using loose brushstrokes, bright colors, or exaggerated features. |
| Cutout or Paper-craft | A style characterized by 3D models or animations made from cut-out paper or card, often with a playful and tactile quality. |
| Calligraphy or Typography based | A style that focuses on the creative use of typography and lettering, often featuring intricate designs or stylized fonts. |
| Impressionism or Pointillism | A style characterized by a loose, gestural technique and a focus on light and color, often using small dots or strokes to create a sense of movement or atmosphere. |
| Mosaics or Tiles | A style characterized by a patchwork of small, colored tiles or pieces, often used to create intricate patterns or designs |
| Lighting | Description |
|---|---|
| Direct sunlight | Lighting from the sun, typically bright and harsh with high contrast. |
| Neon | Lighting from gas discharge tubes, often creating a bright and colorful glow. |
| Synthwave | Lighting characterized by bright, neon colors and an 80s-inspired aesthetic. |
| UV | Ultraviolet lighting, often used to create a fluorescent effect. |
| Soft or diffused lighting | Lighting that has been scattered or diffused, often creating a more gentle, even illumination. |
| High key lighting | Lighting that uses bright, even illumination to create a cheerful, upbeat mood. |
| Low key lighting | Lighting that uses dark shadows and limited illumination to create a moody, dramatic effect. |
| Rim lighting | Lighting that comes from behind a subject, often creating a bright outline or halo effect. |
| Backlighting | Lighting that comes from behind a subject, often creating a silhouette effect. |
| Side lighting | Lighting that comes from the side of a subject, often creating depth and texture. |
| Front lighting | Lighting that comes from the front of a subject, often used for a flat, even illumination. |
| Natural lighting | Lighting from natural sources such as the sun or moon. |
| Artificial lighting | Lighting from man-made sources such as incandescent or LED bulbs. |
| Warm or cool lighting | Lighting with a color temperature that is warm (yellow/orange) or cool (blue/white). |
| Colorful or monochromatic lighting | Lighting with a variety of colors or a single color. |
| Dramatic or moody lighting | Lighting that creates a dramatic or moody atmosphere through use of shadows and highlights. |
| High-contrast or low-contrast lighting | Lighting with a high contrast ratio (bright highlights and dark shadows) or low contrast ratio (more even illumination). |
| Spotlight or stage lighting | Lighting that focuses on a specific area or subject, often used in theatrical performances or presentations. |
| Ambient or background lighting | Lighting that provides overall illumination to a space, often used to create a mood or atmosphere. |
| Reflections or glows | Lighting that reflects off a surface or creates a glowing effect, often used to add depth and interest. |
| Shadows or silhouettes | Lighting that creates shadows or silhouettes, often used to add drama or mystery. |
| Fire or candlelight | Lighting from flames, often creating a warm and flickering effect. |
| Smoke or fog effects | Lighting that creates a hazy or smoky atmosphere. |
| Nebula or galaxy lighting | Lighting that mimics the appearance of a nebula or galaxy, often used in sci-fi or fantasy settings. |
You could also use lighting prompts based on the time of day like morning, afternoon, evening, night or with different seasons like spring, summer, fall, winter.
When it comes to styles you can just add any artist you like in your prompt and it will generate your image in the style of that artist.
| Style | Description |
|---|---|
| Simon Stålenhag/Stalenhag | A style characterized by a blend of futuristic and nostalgic elements, often depicting rural or suburban landscapes with sci-fi or fantasy elements. |
| Victorian | A style characterized by ornate and elaborate details, including steep roofs, towers, and intricate trim work. |
| Colonial | A style characterized by simple, symmetrical designs, often featuring two or three stories, brick or clapboard exteriors, and columns or pillars. |
| Craftsman | A style characterized by handcrafted details, including exposed rafters, decorative brackets, and natural materials like wood and stone. |
| Bungalow | A style characterized by a low-pitched roof and a single-story floor plan, often featuring a wide front porch and simple, functional design elements. |
| Prairie (Frank Lloyd Wright) | A style characterized by horizontal lines, open floor plans, and a focus on natural materials and the surrounding landscape. |
| Ranch | A style characterized by a low, spreading profile and a single-story floor plan, often featuring an attached garage and a simple, unadorned exterior. |
| Tudor | A style characterized by half-timbering, steeply pitched roofs, and decorative chimney stacks, often featuring Gothic or Medieval design elements. |
| Mediterranean | A style characterized by stucco exteriors, red tile roofs, and decorative ironwork, often featuring arched windows and doorways. |
| Cabin | A style characterized by a rustic, cozy feel, often featuring natural materials like wood and stone and a focus on the surrounding landscape. |
| Greek Revival | A style characterized by classical design elements, including columns, pediments, and symmetrical facades, often featuring white or light-colored exteriors. |
| French Country | A style characterized by a warm, welcoming feel, often featuring stone exteriors, wrought iron accents, and a mix of rustic and refined design elements. |
| Antebellum | A style characterized by grand, symmetrical designs, often featuring two or three stories, large columns, and expansive porches, popular in the Southern United States prior to the Civil War. |
| Art Deco | A style characterized by bold geometric shapes, bright colors, and intricate details, popular in the 1920s and 1930s. |
| French Renaissance | A style characterized by ornate details, including steeply pitched roofs, decorative chimneys, and elaborate stone carvings, inspired by the architecture of the French Renaissance. |
| Modern | A style characterized by clean lines, minimal ornamentation, and a focus on functional design, often featuring large windows and an open floor plan. |
| Italianate | A style characterized by tall, narrow windows, decorative brackets, and a low-pitched roof, inspired by the architecture of Renaissance Italy. |
| Romanesque Revival | A style characterized by rounded arches, massive stone walls, and intricate carvings, inspired by the architecture of the Romanesque period. |
| Gothic Revival | A style characterized by pointed arches, intricate tracery, and ornate decoration, inspired by the architecture of the medieval Gothic period. |
| Camera Angle | Description |
|---|---|
| Aerial or satellite view | Used to show a wide and expansive view of a scene from a high altitude |
| Close-up | Used to capture a tight shot of a specific object or subject to show details or textures |
| Wide-angle | Used to capture a broad and expansive view of a scene to show large groups of people or wide open spaces |
| Long shot | Used to capture a full-body shot of a person or object to show the subject in its entirety |
| Medium shot | Used to capture a shot of a person or object from the waist up to show the subject in more detail |
| Overhead | Used to capture a shot of a scene from above to show the layout or structure of a room or location |
| Low-angle | Used to capture a shot from a low perspective to make the subject appear more powerful or dominant |
| High-angle | Used to capture a shot from a high perspective to make the subject appear smaller or less powerful |
| Panoramic | Used to capture a wide and sweeping shot of a scene, often used to show the scale and grandeur of a location |
Gallery with examples
Here are some images I’ve created by typing in different prompts:
House Exteriors
Living room
Dining room
Bedroom
Kitchen
Bathroom
Patio
Gaming room
Music Studio
Man Cave
Home Office
Home Theater
Basement
As you can see, the possibilities for creating computer-generated images are endless. You just have to use your imagination and play around with the commands available until you get something you like.
Once you know what kind of images you want to generate, it’s easy to get results.
FAQs
Is Midjourney only for professionals or can anyone use it for home design?
Anyone can use Midjourney to easily generate images of anything they like.
Can I make changes to the designs generated by Midjourney?
After it has generated an image you can make variations to your prompt by clicking on the Make variations icon under the image.
If you click U1, U2, U3 or U4 when an image has been generated it will Upscale the image and it will also add more details in the image.
How long does it take to generate a design with Midjourney?
It takes about a minute, it can take longer sometimes when the AI is overloaded with requests.
Conclusion
With the help of AI, you can visualize a home that is not only beautiful but also uniquely yours. By using AI-powered tools like Midjourney, you can explore and experiment with home design ideas without having to commit to any changes.
With Midjourney, you can create visuals based on your description and get ideas that you may never have thought of on your own.
Now try it out for yourself!
Special thanks to Kris for inspiring me to write this article. Check out his website for more AI related stuff!