When designing your new kitchen, you could pay a professional to draw up some unique ideas and styles. But that seems just a little bit “last century” when it comes to remodeling your space.
Embrace the latest technology and build your kitchen in the virtual world, using kitchen design software to save you time and money. What could be better than immersing yourself in a 3D design, placing you inside the room to get a clear idea of how it looks.
Kitchen design software gives you a detailed view of your kitchen and allows you to try out different layouts to see what fits and what doesn’t. Some are more basic than others, while advanced software gives you 3D imaging.
Let’s take a tour of the best online kitchen design software options to see what they have to offer.
Why Use a Kitchen Design Software Tool?
Refitting a kitchen isn’t that much fun, but designing one is. Kitchen design software is the best way to visualize the ideas rolling around inside your head. Imagine seeing the fruits of your ideas in 3D, immersing you into the room before it is physically created.
If you are hiring a bespoke kitchen fitter, providing the most detailed plans helps them work accurately and to a schedule. It also removes any “gray area,” eliminating possible disagreements or disputes later down the line.
You could still employ a designer’s services, but if you present them with your clear designs and ideas, it could save you money in the long run by making the planning stages easier.
You also get a chance to see what works and what doesn’t. What seems like a great idea may not be that appealing in reality, and kitchen design software helps you iron out these problems before committing hard-earned cash to the project.
Plus, it helps you budget, as you install the elements of your dream kitchen virtually, keeping an inventory of what you need and basic costs.
Another advantage of using kitchen design software is the white-labeling element. Many free to use packages are a tool to advertise products from manufacturers linked to the software.
While some might not see this as ideal, other people like the idea that they can design their kitchen and plan and purchase the exact products to match their design.
Types of Kitchen Planners
There are two ways to approach kitchen design software; free and paid options. Both have their advantages and disadvantages.
Free to use products clutter their software with advertising and product placement, while pay to use packages charge extra to unlock new designs.
First, let’s take a look in detail at the pros and cons of free to use design software.
Best Free Kitchen Design Software Options
1. Backsplash and Cabinet Design Software
Image credit to Backsplash.
This type of software is very specific. It focuses on your cabinet and backsplash designs, as the name suggests. It allows you to check color coordination, patterns, and configurations for free.
It’s the ideal way to test combinations or splashback designs against types of cabinets and work surfaces. Getting the chance to see your design as it takes shape means you can change what doesn’t work.
Maybe color clashes that seem less evident on paper are front and center on a kitchen design template.
2. Sketchup
Sketchup is one of the easiest software packages to master. It is a basic version of Sketchup Pro, developed by Google. In 2012, it was acquired by Trimble Navigation and has since become a firm favorite with homeowners and remodelers alike.
Sketchup has a celebrity fan base, with Ana White, the woodworking guru, using it to create her award-winning furniture designs.
Many of the 3D templates are uploaded by fellow designers, but you still have the freedom to adapt and update the layout to suit your tastes.
Sketchup allows you to upload JPG, PNG, and SKP files, and the entry-level comes with 10GB of iCloud storage. Students can take advantage of lower fees if they select the paid version.
3. IKEA 3D Home Planner
Image credit to Ikea.
When this software was initially developed, it was a tool to design IKEA kitchens only, but it has since incorporated complete home design. For this reason, it is a strong contender for designing cabinets and layouts.
This free design tool is heavily geared towards retail sponsorship, so if you don’t want to be deluged with dedicated IKEA kitchens and associated products, this might not be the tool for you. If you can see past this, it is still a great tool to use for your kitchen ideas.
This web-based software allows you to start designing without setting up an account, unlike some other software. However, it is advisable to set up an account for the best user experience, especially if you want to save your designs.
4. Planner 5D
Image credit to Planner5D.
If you want photo-realism, Planner 5D lets you create realistic images of your kitchen, as well as offering 3,000 elements to give you a vast choice.
It works on Android and iPhone devices and is the perfect tool for designing other rooms inside your home. This app has a 2D mode as well, but beware because your kitchen design options can be limited.
Plus, some of the elements are not free, so you might not get the full benefits of the software unless you opt to pay.
What it does well is it teaches you how to plan a kitchen, giving you hints and tips. For those lacking any direction, this might be the software to get.
5. Home Hardware Kitchen Design Software
Image credit to HomeHardware.
This software is available as web-based software, so you don’t need to download anything. It has several preselected kitchen designs that you can download and use, but you can also start from scratch with your own ideas.
This tool immerses you into the layout, giving you a realistic feel for what works and what doesn’t.
6. Lowe’s Virtual Kitchen Designer
Image credit to Lowes.
Lowe’s software is very similar to the Home Hardware option. It has remarkable imaging, enabling you to render realistic designs of your kitchen.
It supports 3D design, and you even have the option of zooming into the virtual kitchen to check the smallest details. The only downside is it can be slow, making the experience a bit labored.
7. Roomstyler
Image credit to Roomstyler.
Roomstyler is another easy-to-use 3D option that allows you to create detailed designs without the clunkiness of the Lowe’s software. Roomstyler is also fast and efficient.
You don’t even need to choose a layout to get started, unlike other software. Choose the kitchen module, and you can begin designing. It also lets you place appliances and crockery.
One exciting feature of this software package is you can upload your final designs to Facebook to share with the world and gauge opinions.
On the downside, the images lack the quality of some design tools, and it does take a little practice to master.
8. Prodboard
Image credit to Prodboard.
Prodboard is Ukrainian, so when you load your design, you might see Russian on the screen. Don’t panic! Simply click the translate button, and you can read it in English.
This online option is linked to furniture makers and home-related stores, so you might find your choices limited.
It has a crispness and clarity, making the 3D design easy to visualize.
9. Homestyler
Image credit to Homestyler.
Homestyler is another online design tool that lets you input your own kitchen layout or choose from their preselected templates. It has 3D clarity, and you can choose from a range of options such as cabinets, sinks, and appliances.
It also comes as a handy mobile version, increasing your convenience. Imagine designing your new kitchen on your smartphone without losing the quality of the images.
10. RoomToDo Software
Image credit to RoomToDo.
RoomToDo is a favorite of professional designers and real estate agents, so it should serve you well. If it works for them, it’s going to work for you.
It is a whole-home design tool, so once you’ve finished with the kitchen, you can get started by planning another room.
RoomToDo has a vast list of design choices, which you can access by clicking the option on the right of the design page. This 3D software is user-friendly and available in a mobile version for increased convenience.
11. Planning Wiz
Image credit to Planning Wiz.
It’s always a great idea to draw out your design first using a floor planner. You can then start to build your perfect kitchen using this user-friendly tool.
Once you have your basic design, Planning Wiz allows you to select elements like cabinets and appliances, adjusting them to scale to fit your layout. You can even upload PDF and background images with the blueprint sketch.
It also lets you choose the room decor, seeing what compliments the elements you have chosen. And because it’s interactive, you can change it if you don’t like what you see.
12. Caesarstone’s Kitchen Visualizer
Image credit to Caesarstone.
This Kitchen Visualizer is design software for the entire home or commercial premises. It is simple to use, making it a dream for beginners.
All you need to do is click the kitchen area you want to design, and the kitchen elements fill the screen automatically. Also, you can scroll through multiple splashbacks by clicking the splashback button.
You can easily play about with colors and designs, comparing worktops, cabinets, and materials at a glance. It even lets you select the flooring to complement the design.
13. Formica “Design A Room”
Image credit to Formica.
This software allows you to upload your kitchen photos or use their preselected images. You can compare colors and materials while creating your design by placing the mouse over that option.
This software is more nuanced than other versions, letting you build your creative skills. You can design objects like backsplashes, cabinets, shelving, and flooring.
14. Floors And Kitchens Today Virtual Room Designer
If you want kitchen design software similar to Ceasarstone’s, then this Floors and Kitchens Today virtual designer will suit your needs. It works by clicking an area of the kitchen that opens up design options.
You can chop and change the styles and designs to suit your tastes, and to kick-off, you get several starter kitchens to match countertops, flooring, cabinets, and backsplashes.
15. Colonial Kitchen Visualizer
Image credit to Colonial Marble.
If you lack the time or the inclination to come up with your own design, this online software gives you preselected templates for the best layouts and color schemes that you can tweak to your heart’s content.
Select your chosen design and get to work customizing the cabinets, worktops, and even the appliances.
16. Floor Planner
Image credit to Floor Planner.
Floor Planner is an excellent software package, but it limits you to one free design only. If you want increased choices, you need to pay a fee.
Also, while it is a useful tool, if you want 3D images, it might be best to consider other software tools. It does allow you to draw in 2D and view the results in 3D, but you would need the paid service to do that.
17. Southern Stone Surfaces Visualizer
Like other similar design software, Southern Stone Surfaces Visualizer allows you to create designs that include the countertops, floors, walls, cabinetry, and backsplashes.
You can design contemporary and classy kitchens using materials like graphite, marble, and quartz.
18. WilsonArt
Image credit to WilsonArt.
WilsonArt has developed this design software to complement its range of composite materials like laminates and furniture.
It allows you to customize your design using cabinets, backsplashes, and walls.
19. Houzz Home Design & Remodel App
Image credit to Houzz on Google Play.
Houzz Home Design and Remodel App won a New York Times award for one of the best home improvement and design tools. So, this one is worth checking out!
You can find this app in the Google Play Store or the Apple Store for iPhones. Once installed, you can open the templates and even layer images of your kitchen, adding cabinets, sinks, and appliances to see how it looks.
However, this software is not as user-friendly as some design packages, so you might find it challenging to navigate.
20. Renuit Kitchen Design Software
Image credit to Renuit.
Like many other software packages, this one allows you you use preselected layouts to get an idea of how your kitchen will look. It lets you choose the cabinets, backsplashes, and appliances.
Simply select the kitchen layout, then pick the cupboards and doors from their size list, and start adding.
Advantages of Free To Use Kitchen Planners
- No cost
- Easily accessible
- Widely available
- No expensive upgrades
- No expensive add-ons
- Simple to use
Disadvantages of Free To Use Kitchen Planners
- Limited capabilities
- Some charge fees to unlock extras
- Slower software
- Limited designs and elements
- White-label linked
Best Paid Kitchen Design Software Options
21. Chief Architect – Home Designer Suite
The popularity of Chief Architect software is undisputed. It is robust, highly detailed, and it gives you multiple options for kitchen designs. It also helps you design the entire house.
If you want to spend less than $100, this is the best design software for value for money. You can create designs on a room by room basis, building entire floors.
The attention to detail is second to none, although mastering it takes a little practice. Once you get used to it, it will prove to be invaluable.
One word of advice; choose the right compatible software for your Mac or PC.
22. SmartDraw
SmartDraw has been around since the mid-90s and has been updated and improved with each new version. It is so popular; it is a design stalwart of public and private sector institutions, as well as some Fortune 500 companies.
Thanks to its professional fan base, designers and programmers have contributed to many of the kitchen layouts, supplying unique designs for you to access.
You get the choice of over 70 types of visuals, including graphs, charts, and schematics. The only downside to this software is the price. It can seem expensive compared to other similar packages.
The upside to paying for this software is it is free of affiliate links to products and items frequently peddled on free to use packages. For this reason, it is uncluttered and user-friendly, once you get the hang of it.
There is a free version if you click the “Try it for free” trial button, but if you want to access the 4,500 templates and over 34,000 symbols and images, you need to subscribe and pay monthly.
It could benefit from online tutorials and hints and tips for those new to this software desperate to ask questions because mastering it takes trial and error.
23. ProKitchen Software
ProKitchen allows you to really get into the details. It has templates and visuals that include products from over 300 manufacturers.
You can visualize how your kitchen looks with the appliances in situ before you commit to purchasing your kitchen for real.
You get a real sense of how the kitchen will look with the exact placement of all your appliances, sinks, backsplashes and even colors on the walls. This software is also compatible with PCs and Macs.
24. 2020 Kitchen Design Software
This software is impressive because it lets you create and tour 3D designs using a 360-degree view. Couple this with the brilliant images that take on a lifelike feel, and you get an immersive format that makes an impact.
This software is widely used in the professional design world, but it is also a favorite with homeowners. To purchase, you must first download a 30-day free trial before committing to the premium subscription price.
25. HGTV Kitchen Design Software
HGTV is a pay-TV channel owned by Discovery Inc and dedicated to home interiors and real estate. Thanks to the channel’s output, once you download the software, you are never far from innovative design ideas. This just takes it to the next level.
And the channel is not just limited to kitchen and home design; it gives you landscaping and home remodeling solutions as well.
While it is a premium service, it isn’t too costly, and once downloaded, you get a continuous stream of fresh ideas.
26. Punch! Software Home Design Studio
This software is available for both Mac and PC. It’s relatively inexpensive to purchase and simple to master. It also has a broad scope of design options.
It allows you to try different designs and elements to see what works best for you, and it comes with a bonus pack, giving you even more kitchen choices.
27. Space Designer 3D
Space Designer 3D is a photorealistic design tool that gives realistic and accurate representations of your kitchen.
To use the software, open it in your web browser, create an account, and start designing. It allows you to see your designs in startling clarity and immersive 3D.
The products included in this package are white-labeled by other companies, but you are under no obligation to purchase any products.
Advantages of Paid Kitchen Planners
- Greater capabilities
- More design options
- Faster software
- Easier to personalize
- Greater range of design elements
- 360-degree, 3D imaging
- Less white-labeling
Disadvantages of Paid Kitchen Planners
- Expensive
- Charge for add-ons
Science Fiction For the Perfect Kitchen
Kitchen design software is such a useful tool in creating warm and inviting spaces within our homes. The kitchen is the heart of any property and deserves the extra attention to detail that 21st-century design tools deliver.
There are so many software packages available that choosing the right one can be a challenge; however, it is worth the effort if you want the best designs.
So, if you want the kitchen of the future, break with tradition and download the latest technology. It could be a smart investment.
