[Yosemitest]

When I was in the military, I knew one day I would move back home, where I grew up.
I THOUGHT that I'd work on a house design while I was in the military, a little at a time.
BUT, I never got around to it. Hence, I didn't learn how to use my program.
Now, I'm older and have acquired items, say speakers that need a minimum distance from the TV, and I want to plan a good layout for a home, and play with the plan.
Then when I'm satisfied with the layout, I'll start construction.

I guess there's always the pencil and paper method.

[the invisib1e hand]

I guess there's always the pencil and paper method.

Don't discount it -- all software does is automate it. Wouldn't be a bad idea to start with sketches even as you're getting to learn your software. I say, learn it, and then if it has limitations find something a little more sophisticated.

[the invisib1e hand]

LOTS of people - I've known designers -- who at one time or another cut out little 2-d models of things and moved them around on a sheet of paper.

The thing that will help you most is "scale" -- i.e. 1" = 10' or something similar (there are standard scales architects use). Once you've worked that out for say, your wood stove, your couch, and your living room, you'll be able to make good use of the concept.

Remember, these are tools to make design easier -- not to make you a slave to learning design.

Try it!