Well, I thought IKEA would have done this by now, but in the event it turns out to be Whirlpool that is the first company to officially put fully virtualized 3D models of its home appliances onto Google’s 3D Warehouse, ready for you to place in your dream SketchUp home. Here is the press release to prove it, and here is a direct link to the Whirlpool models in 3D Warehouse. Talk about viral marketing in the abundance economy!

Expect everybody else to follow suit. In a few years, I wouldn’t be surprised if you’ll be able to push a “buy” button in SketchUp and have your inventory of virtual home furniture materialize on your doorstep. With a cut to Google, of course.