Her Honest Space

Discover how AI interior tools helped me save time, clarify my vision, and co-create a space that works for my growing family.

I studied interior design and have always loved decorating — but for a long time, real life always seemed to take priority over creating a home that felt like us. Money had to go toward bills. Time was poured into work. Then I became a mum… and suddenly even ten minutes of undisturbed time felt like a luxury.

But the longing to shape my home into something nurturing and beautiful never left. Especially as I was spending so much time in it.

The challenge? My partner doesn’t always see the vision unless it’s laid out clearly — ideally in 3D. I tried using Home 3D and a few other free interior apps, but he still struggled to visualise the changes. “It just doesn’t look real,” he’d say. And I understood. Those mockups felt more like cartoons than real life.

So I started exploring AI-generated design tools — and although I had low expectations at first, the more I learned to use them well, the more they started becoming a key tool in how I brought my ideas to life.

Why AI Interior Tools Made a Difference for Me

AI tools allowed me to upload a photo of my actual space — and then instantly see different layout, colour, or styling options that felt more like a real photo than a flat mockup. It wasn’t just about making something pretty. It helped me:

• Make informed decisions before spending money
• Communicate my vision to my partner clearly
• See affordable styling options in real context
• Save time while parenting

As a mum, it’s not always easy to jump into full creative mode on demand. AI helped streamline that process so I could use the little pockets of time I had more effectively — even if it was just five minutes during naptime.

Real-Life Examples from Our Home

Laundry Cupboard Makeover

Living in a compact apartment means storage is always tight — and my laundry cupboard was just a sink, dryer, and washing machine. I knew I needed more functionality, but I was overwhelmed trying to make it work affordably.

So I uploaded a photo and described my goals. AI helped me visualise affordable storage upgrades while keeping the space feeling airy and accessible. With a realistic visual, my partner could finally see the vision — and was fully on board.

Transitioning the Nursery

My little one is now a toddler. He climbs, explores, pulls things down — and the nursery/office hybrid we once had just wasn’t cutting it. I needed a floor bed, safer storage, and more play access. I used AI to visualise updates while keeping a few essential furnishings — and again, the real-life-style mockup helped me bring my partner along in the decision-making. It was less overwhelming, more doable.

What Helped Me Most in This Season

• Starting Small: I’d love to transform our entire home in one go — but that’s not reality. What worked was choosing one area, finishing it, and then moving on. That also allowed me to adapt slowly, as life changed.
• Trusting Myself: AI is helpful — but you are the designer. Your lived experience, your daily routines, your gut instincts… those matter more than any tool.
• Remembering My Home Should Work With Us: I want our space to grow with us, not against us. Life changes. Kids grow. So our home should adapt too.
• Seeking Support When I Need It: I wish I had asked for help sooner, instead of powering through overwhelm. Whether it’s AI tools, a friend’s eye, or professional advice — you don’t have to figure it all out alone.

Some Mum-Friendly Tips for Using AI in Interiors

• Use AI to test ideas before committing. Want to paint the walls but unsure of the colour? Test it with AI first.
• Create a “vision board” using real photos of your space. Ask AI to suggest budget-conscious ideas that suit your life (think: toy storage + calming corners).
• Analyse inspiration, don’t just copy it. If something catches your eye on socials or Pinterest, ask: What do I actually love here? The colour? Texture? Storage? Lighting? This helps you recreate the feeling in a way that works for your home — not just duplicate a look.

You’re Still the Designer

These tools don’t replace your creativity — they just support it.

You know your family’s rhythms. You know how the light hits your living room at 3PM. You know what you need within arm’s reach and what makes you feel grounded. Your space should reflect that. Not glossy social media trends. Not someone else’s idea of beauty.

You.

A Gentle Reminder Before You Go

Maybe there’s a space in your home that feels a bit off — cluttered, cramped, or just not “you.” Maybe this is your quiet nudge to start small.

Even if it’s just one shelf.

One corner.

One storage basket that makes your mornings smoother.

Because in this season of motherhood, you deserve a home that feels like support — not stress.

And maybe, with a little help from tools like AI, you can begin creating a space that reflects your honest life… one that grows gently with you and your family.