When you kick off a renovation, one of the first things your interior designer will do is create 3D visuals based on your ideas and feedback. They help you visualise your future home and decide if you like the design or want to change it.
With today’s advanced rendering software, these visuals are often so realistic that they look almost identical to the finished space. That said, small variations can happen along the way due to material availability, actual on-site lighting, budget adjustments or last-minute decisions. To give you a clearer idea, we’ve put together some examples of 3D renders alongside the completed projects to show just how these two would match or differ.
1. Senanda Residence, Selangor by Interior Hunters
This 1,000 sqft condominium in Selangor was given a complete overhaul by Interior Hunters, embracing the timeless elegance of Wabi-Sabi design. In the living room, the designer introduced a standout TV feature wall that flows seamlessly into the shoe cabinet and bench in the entryway. Every detail was carefully considered, including the use of a cloudy cream laminate to create a harmonious and refined look.
3D Renders
The bathroom also underwent a major transformation. The homeowner wanted to retile the bathroom walls; hence, the designer proposed overlaying textured tiles onto the existing ones as a cost-effective and hassle-free solution that preserved the original sanitary fittings while achieving the desired look.
Actual photos
At first glance, the 3D visuals and the completed project look almost identical. Upon closer inspection, you’ll notice some differences in the choice of loose furniture like the coffee table, dining set, and sofa, as well as the ceiling lights and fans.
However, the built-ins and soft curves found on the plaster ceiling turned out exactly as envisioned. Even subtle details like the texture of the tiled walls in the bathroom, the shape of the bathroom mirror and the wainscoting design on the living room walls highlight how closely the final outcome matched the render. This proves the firm’s ability to bring the design vision to life through thoughtful material choices and precise execution.
2. Tiara Residences, Selangor by DR Housing
This four-storey home in Selangor has been reimagined by DR Housing with a modern luxury makeover. On the lower ground floor, an infinity pool opens up to sweeping outdoor views, creating a seamless indoor-outdoor connection.
3D Renders
Each space carries its own unique colour palette, from soft blues and greens around the pool area to rich jewel tones in the living and dining rooms, while the bedrooms feature more calming pastels designed to encourage rest and relaxation.
Actual photos
While the renders provide a general impression, photos of the end product highlight the rich textures, material grains, and finer craftsmanship. The pool design, kids’ bedroom and the entertainment in particular look nearly identical to their render, with slight changes to the loose furnishings and ceiling light choices.
The most noticeable differences can be seen in the master bedroom, en suite bathroom and the entertainment area. In the bedroom, the platform bed and overall tone vary from the 3D render due to changes in colour and material choices. The same applies to the master bathroom, where the washbasin, wall tiles and mirror differ from the original proposal. In the entertainment area, slight display changes as well as lighting differences and the shape of the pool table make, it look completely different from the 3D render. Despite these noticeable changes, DR Housing has done an excellent job of bringing the 3D renderings to life in this project.
3. Citizen, Kuala Lumpur by Glassic Conzept
This 1,000 sq ft condominium in Kuala Lumpur has been completely transformed into a modern minimalist haven for two sisters in their 50s. Glassic Conzept embraced a neutral palette of beige, cream, white and black to create a clean, calming and timeless atmosphere, while reconfiguring the layout by merging the living, dining and dry kitchen into one seamless space.
3D renders
Built-in cabinetry with a mix of open shelves and concealed storage helps keep clutter out of sight, while thoughtful additions such as sliding doors, a breakfast peninsula and two functional kitchens (dry and wet) strike a balance between style and practicality. Several finishing touches, like textured paint, custom built-ins, and cosy nooks, including a reading corner and intimate dining spot, add warmth and character to the minimalist design.
Actual photos
While the 3D renders look like like an editorial spread from a magazine, the real photos feel more lived-in and personal. One of the most noticeable differences is in the dining area, where the homeowner chose to forgo the wall of frames in favour of bare walls for a cleaner, uncluttered look.
Since the home is occupied by just two people, the dining and bar area setup was simplified to only two chairs and two bar stools, unlike the arrangement shown in the render. Another subtle change is the console table in the entryway, which appears in a darker tone rather than the proposed white. Still, the overall design remains true to the vision, as Glassic Conzept successfully delivered on the promised look, where the built-ins and fittings appear almost identical to those in the 3D renderings.
Commercial project:
1.Golden Duck, Selangor by Dot Works
This project by Dot Works was designed to create a sound and vision showroom for Cinemagica Malaysia. The showroom is thoughtfully divided into distinct sections, each with its own character. One area embraces a minimalist-industrial aesthetic, defined by clean lines, steel accents, light play and geometric forms.
3D renders
Another section offers customers a full home cinema experience, with a mid-century-inspired concept using warm wood tones, curated vinyl displays, and iconic leather seating. This creates a very cosy yet sophisticated ambience for customers to experience the quality of their home cinema.
Actual photos
What’s remarkable is how closely the final outcome mirrors the 3D renderings, if not exceeding expectations. Custom-designed furniture look almost identical to the visualisations, from the backlit cabinetry and soft curves to the sofa selection and ambient lighting. Even the colour palettes align perfectly with the proposed scheme. The only noticeable difference is the artwork displayed on the walls.
This project proves Dot Works’ ability not only to conceptualise creative ideas but also to translate them seamlessly into reality.
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