Summary:
Veras uses generative AI to transform sketches, 2D images, and 3D models into realistic renderings and animations. This article provides a step-by-step guide on how to bring a kitchen renovation to life with Veras' latest version, 4.0, which is powered by Nano Banana.
Kitchen renovations often start with something deceptively simple: a hand sketch, a black-and-white elevation, etc. While these drawings are conceptual, they rarely help homeowners—or even designers—fully feel the space.
For this project, I used Veras 4.0, powered by Nano Banana, to transform a flat 2D cabinet elevation into a rich, animated design visualization that helped bring my recent kitchen renovation to life.
Here’s how the process unfolded.
Step 1: Turning a 2D elevation into a Colorized Design
The starting point was a 2D black-and-white elevation provided by my cabinet designer. Rather than rebuilding the space in a traditional 3D modeling workflow, I imported this image directly into Veras 4.0.
Using a simple prompt, Veras interpreted the linework and generated a fully colorized 2D elevation, adding materiality, depth, and lighting cues. In 15 seconds, the drawing shifted from a technical document to something that felt like an early design vision—clear enough to react to, but still flexible.
This step alone made it easier to interrogate the finishes, scale, and overall composition without committing to modeling in 3D (yet).
Step 2: Generating a 3D perspective from a different angle
Next, I asked Veras to create a 3D perspective from a different angle—something that has been difficult, if not impossible, with AI engines. Since Veras is now leveraging Nano Banana, it executed the task perfectly.
Along with generating the new perspective view, I also prompted Veras to add a kitchen island in the foreground with a modern waterfall countertop
Step 3: Editing the island casework with the Sketch Tool
Once the island was in place, I wanted to refine it further. Using the Veras Sketch Tool, I selected portions of the casework beneath the island and prompted Veras to modify the cabinetry.
This felt less like “editing geometry” and more like having a conversation:
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Select the area
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Describe the change
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Let Veras reinterpret the design
The result was a more refined island that better matched the overall aesthetic I was looking for.
Step 4: Lighting the space through prompts
Lighting plays a huge role in how a kitchen feels, so the next step was all about illumination.
Using prompts, I asked Veras to:
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Add pendant lights over the island, evenly spaced
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Place recessed can lights with black trim in the vaulted ceiling
I felt Veras handled both placement and spacing really well, reinforcing the architectural style of the space while keeping the lighting design clean and modern.
Step 5: Bringing the design to life with Image-to-Video
For the final step, I used Veras’ image-to-video feature to animate the completed still image.
The subtle addition of adding people to the space turned the rendering into something far more immersive. Instead of a static image, the design felt alive, making it easier to imagine the finished kitchen as a real space rather than a concept.
Why this workflow matters
What stood out to me most in this process wasn’t just speed—it was fluidity. At no point did I feel locked into a rigid pipeline. I could move freely between 2D, 3D, editing, lighting, and animation, all while staying focused on design intent rather than jumping from software to software.
In summary, a single elevation drawing became:
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A colorized design study
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A 3D perspective
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A refined, iterated concept
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An animated visualization
Before and after
For those who are interested, here are the before and after photos of the kitchen.
Before
After
Conclusion
I was thoroughly impressed with the results and had a lot of fun creating this workflow. I’d love to see what you are able to create with the newest release of Veras.
Join me for a live session on Veras 4.0
On February 17th, at 5:00 PM CET, I'll be hosting a live Ask Me Anything session on Veras 4.0. Register now and learn how the latest evolution of Veras expands everyday workflows, supports design intent, and opens new possibilities for working with AI in practice.