Have you looked at Chief Architect's Interior Design 10 software? There's a learning curve, but no CAD and lots of tutorials.

I've used a half dozen CAD programs, including AutoCAD for the last 30 years, and I think SketchUp is the most intuitive and powerful 3D tool available. I use it every day for client presentations.

There are other component- or module-based programs that appear easier, but they lack the true flexibility to let you create, confining you to the component library that comes with the program.

In contrast, SketchUp has excellent on-line tutorials and an ever-expanding library of existing models to save you time. And it allows you to mesh photography with your layout so you can see how the new fits with the old.

And it's free. Just sayin'.

It's a little like learning a language. If you go ahead and USE it, instead of focusing on LEARNING it, I think you'll find its pretty easy to pick up.

Best wishes on your projects!

To the two of you who replied to my Q (Tom and Decocco)..thanks so much..wise and helpful suggestions, much appreciated.

Otty: I use something called homestyler.com... it has the furniture and everything, is easy to use, and FREE!

Another program anyone might want to try (basic account for free), is 3Dream.net. It was created specifically for the interior design professional, easy to learn and use and has over 10,000 products and materials to use. I have added some images to show the results.