Kitchen Design Planner - How Can 3D Software Be Useful?

The kitchen is such an important part of a home. People spend time cooking, some even prefer to have their family meals there, too. Essentially, it’s a space that’s meant to reflect you. How can you design a kitchen plan that truly suits your fancy? What free online tools can help you create a custom space? How can they be used to preview the finished project beforehand? Courtesy of all the tips detailed, you’ll be able to transform your kitchen into the ideal space.

How Can I Design an Online Kitchen Plan for Free?

Source: 3M construction 3M excavation

To design a kitchen plan for free, you can use an online tool, computer/tablet software, or an app. Such tools allow you to design a realistic kitchen plan, one that’s suited to your needs while exploring different layout options.

What 3D Software Can You Use to Design a Kitchen?

Below are five examples of different software that allow you to easily design a 3D kitchen plan, without being tech-savvy:

KitchenPlanner

KitchenPlanner is a powerful, free online tool enabling you to easily design your own kitchen plan. It helps you preview your new kitchen in under a few minutes by using interactive models and user-friendly features. KitchenPlanner is the perfect way to design a kitchen plan that meets both your needs and wants.

ArchiFacile

ArchiFacile is a practical and intuitive software that enables you to create a kitchen plan easily and quickly. Courtesy of its easy and intuitive drawing tools, you can sketch walls, doors, and windows, including diverse sanitary and electrical installations. You can also add furniture and equipment, as well as decorative items like blinds or curtains.

KoziKaza

KoziKaza is an online interior design and layout software that helps you create a plan for your kitchen. With its intuitive tools and layout templates, you can easily design your kitchen while getting a 3D sneak peek of your project. 

Ikea’s Kitchen Design Planner

Ikea’s kitchen planner is a tool that allows you to build a kitchen plan online. With it, you can choose amongst a variety of Ikea furniture and accessories to design a custom kitchen based on the size of your space and your needs.

Eklipse

You can opt for Réno-Dépôt’s Eklipse software to design your kitchen plan. This free software allows you to build a 3D plan online. You can choose your preferred cabinetry, appliances, materials, and colours to design your dream kitchen.

This software also features examples of fully furnished kitchens that you can then customize to your liking by adding decorative items, replacing cabinetry and appliances, or simply colour schemes. This is perfect for those who aren’t inspired from the get-go and aren’t looking to design their kitchen from scratch.

What’s the upside to using Eklipse? The products featured are all available for purchase at Réno-Dépôt.

How to Design a 3D Kitchen Plan in 5 Steps

Source: AVA Construction

Below are the main steps to follow when designing a kitchen plan, including the software best suited to a specific planning stage.

Step 1: Pick a unit of measurement

Are you more of a metric system person or imperial?

While Réno-Dépôt automatically uses the imperial measurement system, KitchenPlanner lets you choose from the outset. You can easily switch to another measurement system halfway through in the settings. Same for ArchiFacile, using the drop-down menu found at the bottom of your screen, you can switch from one to the other with a click of a button. 

Step 2: Design the space

Not all kitchens are rectangular in shape. And that works just fine because all software allow you, from the get-go, to choose a type of room: 

• Square-shaped

• L-shaped

• T-shaped

ArchiFacile features an “empty plan” option, allowing you to sketch a specific room. 

For sloped roof areas or angled walls, KitchenPlanner allows you to design such a layout as easily as can be. Simply select the wall and via a drop-down menu, add a slope.

Consider all details that can make a difference. A baseboard heater, window, or door can totally change your kitchen’s layout. The same goes for columns, ceiling joists, partitions, or protruding features. Don’t forget to add these to your plan from the start. Doing so will save you a lot of trouble down the line.

KitchenPlanner and Eklipse are two of the most intuitive software, allowing you to easily add such features.

Step 3: Design

Source: Construction Rubix Inc.

Once the space is designed, using Eklipse, you can “edit the room,” moving on to the design stage.  

With ArchiFacile, select the type of room, for the purpose of this article, opt for “kitchen,” to access the cabinetry options, accessories, and other must-have items. 

KitchenPlanner features a list of items to integrate into your kitchen:

• Kitchen cabinetry 

• Appliances 

• Furniture 

However, Eklipse and Ikea’s kitchen planner have, by far, the most items available. Several tables, chairs, and lighting options, each allowing you to personalize your kitchen like no other software. 

Step 4: Ground up: floors and walls

Why only mention floors and walls now? Because you aren’t drawing your kitchen floor plan based on flooring or wall colours. Rather, you’re choosing flooring and wall colours based on your kitchen. 

The only thing that could push you to carry out this step prior to designing the floor plan itself would be if your ceiling is peculiar (e.g. panelling, etc.). If so, you might be tempted to showcase it.   

Step 5: Request a quote and shop around

Once you’ve designed your kitchen, now’s the time to save it. To do so, you simply need a working email address. You can request a quote, or you can simply shop around at Réno-Dépôt or Ikea to buy what you need to build your new kitchen with the software.

What Features Are Available in Eklipse?

Source: AVA Construction

Why design a 3D kitchen plan if you can’t find everything you need? With Eklipse, you can choose from a large inventory:

Appliances

Looking for a stove? You have seven to choose from—convection, gas, dual-fuel range, slide-in, or freestanding. If you’re a serious cook, there are four gas-fired or dual-fuel range stoves available. 

Cabinetry

Putting a number on the range of cabinet options available would be far from straightforward. You literally have access to everything: 

• Base cabinets

• Base corner cabinets

• Wall cabinets

• Wall corner cabinets

• Pantry

• Tall cabinets

• Panels

• And more 

For each category, dozens of cabinet models are available. All homeowners who have sought out free kitchen design software know how difficult it is to find as many items. 

Réno-Dépôt has pulled out all the stops to provide an online 3D kitchen planner that meets all expectations.  

Lighting

Eklipse software doesn’t stop there since its lighting options also exceed expectations.

Between floor lamps, flush mounts, or sconces, there are more than 77 light fixtures to add to your kitchen plan. 

Styles

Kitchen finishes are super important for the room’s overall balance. Hence, Eklipse offers a wide range of colours, wood features, and flooring options. 

From marble to slate with tile in between, you can find a floor covering that’s already adorning your kitchen or one that will best suit your kitchen. Nothing was left out. From redwood to slate, your 3D kitchen plan will be an accurate representation. 

How to Design the Best Kitchen Plan

Source: Construction Rubix Inc.

A modern kitchen features a decent-sized countertop and functional cabinetry that limits space loss as much as possible, including guaranteed vibes conveyed as much through decorative items and the colour scheme.

Designing a 3D kitchen plan can take a turn for the complicated if you overlook a few key tips:

Optimize Space with a Kitchen Island

A kitchen island maximizes space use and allows for additional counter space. It can also have a totally different style compared to the rest of the kitchen. However, for an even more eye-catching look, use the same material for both the island’s countertop and sides. For a more charming result, the range hood can be a different colour than the island.

Opt for a 20-inch by 48-inch kitchen island (50 cm/120 cm).

Storage

• Avoid having storage spaces for heavy items (pots, pans, Dutch ovens, etc.) in higher-up areas.

• Store items you don’t often use higher-up (cookbooks) or lightweight stuff (glasses, salad bowl, etc.).

• Consider a built-in microwave to free up your counter space.

• Choose tall cabinets that reach the ceiling to optimize storage space.

Key Kitchen Layout Rules

Keep in mind that a kitchen and its storage have to be designed in such a way as to facilitate moving around from point A to point B, whilst keeping it to a minimum. 

• Allow for at least 42 inches (1.10 m) of clearance between your dining room table and your cabinets and 18 inches (45 cm) of countertop space on either side of your stovetop. 

• Position any appliance requiring water to operate (dishwasher, laundry machine, etc.) near the sink.

• All doors must swing open without touching.

• Corner drawers shouldn’t collide with your cabinet doors (consider the size of your cabinet pulls).

Designing a Plan for a Functional and User-Friendly Kitchen

Designing a kitchen suited to your needs calls for careful thought regarding layout, material selection, and space optimization. By considering your habits and desired functionality, you can design a kitchen that pairs user-friendly features and aesthetics. A well-thought-out layout allows you to maximize comfort and efficiency. Transform your kitchen into a user-friendly and enjoyable space to use on a daily basis.

FAQ About Kitchen Plans

What is the best free virtual kitchen design tool?

All virtual kitchen planners featured in this article are good tools, allowing you to design a kitchen suited to your needs. However, Eklipse by Réno-Dépôt and Ikea’s kitchen planner have the added advantage of featuring in-store items.

What are the 3 golden rules to follow when building a kitchen?

Here are the three golden rules to follow for a functional and ergonomic space when building or renovating a kitchen:

1. Work triangle: The three main items (refrigerator, sink, and stove) must form an efficient work triangle to facilitate movement and make meal-prepping seamless.

2. Optimize storage space: Top, bottom, and within hand’s reach, it’s important to plan for sufficient storage for utensils, cookware, and kitchen accessories, as well as food.

3. Adequate lighting: You have to think about lighting in general, but also task lighting that’s focused on the countertops and stovetop. And, if your kitchen doubles as a dining room, you can also add ambient lighting.