Some embodiments include a method comprising using a first computing device to perform: obtaining an image of a scene captured using a camera coupled to the first computing device; obtaining camera setting values used to capture the image; determining, using the image, surface attribute values characterizing at least one surface shown in the image of the scene; generating an augmented reality (AR) interface at least in part by using the camera setting values and the surface attribute values to create a first composite image by overlaying a selected virtual furniture object onto the image so that the virtual furniture object is displayed in the AR interface as being on a first surface of the at least one surface shown in the image; and transmitting, to a second computing device and via at least one communication network, the first composite image, the camera setting values and the surface attribute values.