Legendary tennis champion and seven-time Grand Slam titleholder Venus Williams has long had a passion for interior design. In fact, it has been 22 years since she launched her design firm, V Starr Interiors. Now, Williams is innovating in the generative AI realm with a new platform named Palazzo, designed to inspire users seeking to refresh their living spaces.
Palazzo has officially launched today and is currently accessible via the web, with plans for iOS and Android applications coming soon.
When users enter the platform, they can upload images of the room they wish to design. An AI-powered assistant called Vinci then generates an edited visual of the space. The AI evaluates user preferences, delivering tailored suggestions. For example, if a user desires a mid-century modern aesthetic, Vinci will provide renderings that incorporate suitable furniture, decor, and color schemes. Notably, the AI’s name pays homage to the renowned Italian artist you may be thinking of.
Users can also submit an inspiration photo alongside their room image, enhancing Vinci's understanding of their design desires. They can provide multiple requests, such as removing a couch or changing wallpaper. The more a user interacts with Vinci, the better it learns their style, producing designs that align closely with their vision.
While users enjoy a limited number of free iterations—around ten—they can choose from four credit bundles: $5 for 20 credits, $20 for 100 credits, $40 for 250 credits, and $75 for 500 credits. Additionally, there’s a referral program that rewards users with five tokens each time someone they refer creates an account on the platform.
Co-founder Raffi Holzer, who previously launched Avvir—a platform for construction sites acquired by Hexagon in 2022—indicates that the pricing model may adapt as the company continues to refine its offerings. Edward Lando, the founder of Goody and early investor in several successful startups, is also part of Palazzo's founding team.
Another intriguing feature of Palazzo is the “Aesthetic DNA” test. This interactive quiz invites users to select their preferred room designs, whether vibrant and colorful or minimalist and neutral. The results guide the AI in generating renders tailored to each user's aesthetic preferences.
An “explore feed” further encourages community engagement, allowing users to share their designs, collaborate with others, and browse user-generated content. Palazzo also enables users to share their creations on various social media platforms.
Since December, Williams has been promoting Palazzo on X (formerly Twitter) and showcasing her designs.
Currently powered by ChatGPT and Stable Diffusion, Palazzo plans to continually enhance its AI capabilities. “We've iterated on our AI's underlying technology several times and will keep doing so as new models emerge,” Holzer notes. The system has been designed for easy upgrades to ensure users have access to cutting-edge technology.
The AI training involved compiling a dictionary of industry-specific terminology and educating it on current furniture trends. For instance, Williams references the trending “cloud couch,” a plush oversized white sofa popularized on social media platforms. “Initially, we needed to clarify what 'cloud couch' means. Keeping up with trends, like the recent popularity of peach hues, is crucial for relevance in the industry,” she shares.
Palazzo's beta version launched in late December, attracting several thousand active monthly users.
Our experience with the beta version revealed that while it may not be flawless, Palazzo is user-friendly, affordable, and serves as a valuable inspiration tool for consumers, regardless of their design experience.
“It’s enjoyable and intuitive because it feels like interacting with a design assistant, yet it acknowledges its limitations. It’s important to us that it doesn’t replace the human connection,” Holzer explains.
Similar generative AI platforms are emerging, with retail giants like IKEA launching their own AI-driven design tools, and Walmart announcing its development of an interior design assistant leveraging generative AI and augmented reality technology. Last summer, Wayfair introduced its Decorify app, enhancing the competition in this space.
Although Palazzo lacks a large backing brand, it boasts a renowned tennis icon with two decades of design expertise.
Palazzo has ambitious aspirations, aiming to expand its offerings beyond generative AI. Plans include shopping and checkout features that allow users to purchase furniture and decor directly from their designs. Holzer shared that the platform will partner with retailers to integrate inventory that Vinci can recommend to potential buyers, with a rollout expected soon.
The company also envisions connecting users with home remodelers and other professionals as part of its services. “We aim to facilitate connections with home service providers who can help bring these design visions to life, whether that’s pairing users with a designer or finding a painter,” he adds.
Importantly, Palazzo is collaborating with established interior designers and firms like V Starr to share their designs on the platform while ensuring compensation for their contributions.
Williams emphasizes this commitment to creativity, stating, “AI should enhance efficiency and creativity, but it’s vital to maintain human interaction. We need to remember that aspect of life.”
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