Which Kitchen Design Software Should You Choose?

Online Kitchen Design

This option does not require downloading or installing software on your computer, but that doesn't mean you won't have to pay a certain amount of money to access the program or save your project (such options are possible when using questionable applications). Therefore, before starting work, carefully read the program's usage rules.

Kitchen Design Software by Ikea

This is one of the most intuitive and easy-to-use programs with a wide range of features. In this program, you can set any room size and also place windows and doors.

The only but very important limitation when using this program is that you can only choose furniture items from Ikea's product catalogs.

What is called "Ikea-MANIA" (obsession with Ikea products) is not a mass phenomenon in our society. Unfortunately, knowledge about the quality, practicality and modularity of Ikea products for home and office interiors is mostly limited to younger generations. And that's a pity.

Regarding the program, the interface is localized into Russian, so users of this software won't face any problems. Moreover, the planner provides a detailed description for each furniture item selected by the user. What's more: hints, tips, and sometimes even warnings about usage or combination of various elements appear from time to time.

It is possible to view the room from above and in perspective. The program's functionality allows changing cabinet handles, embedding household appliances, changing the color of cabinet doors, countertops, floors, walls and other design elements.

Advantages: Intuitive interface for everyone, a wide selection of furniture items and textures.

Disadvantages: Limitation of furniture choices to Ikea catalog items (though, this is more of a "pro" than a "con"). Also, the program is demanding in terms of user computer specifications, it slightly loads the processor, and sometimes lags, but overall works excellently!

Photo 1 — Ikea Kitchen Design Software

Stolline Online Planner

This application allows designing the entire apartment, including the kitchen. In the interior elements catalog, you can find not only standard furniture but also special objects like doors, windows, household appliances, stairs and more.

To create an online kitchen design in this program, you still need to download and install some of its components on your computer.

The program is localized into Russian, and the interface is simple. There is a possibility to view the room from inside, from above, and in isometric view. This program suits those who want to create a sketch of a kitchen, so to speak, "experiment" in the future design. For serious projects, the program lacks functionality.

Advantages: The program is quite understandable, the interface is in Russian, and there is a possibility to choose additional interior elements.

Disadvantages: Specific control of selected objects. This is also a corporate program designed for dealers and customers of the Russian furniture company Stolline - product selection is limited to manufacturer's catalog items. There is a need to download and install some components.

Photo 2 — Stolline Apartment Design Software

Haecker Designer

This corporate program from Haecker factory is not translated into Russian. However, basic knowledge of English will be sufficient for its use.

This program features an even simpler interface and, importantly for online design programs for homes, high-speed performance. In addition to standard viewing angles, the program allows creating a 3D view of the room.

However, this feature requires downloading and installing a special viewer. The selection of possible modules, textures and accessories is wide, and you have plenty to choose from. Considering the program's fast performance, this is probably the best option among those presented.

Advantages: Wide selection of installation elements, fast performance, ease of use, even despite the English interface, and the ability to create 3D views.

Disadvantages: Difficulty in use may arise for people who are not familiar with the English language.

Photo 3 — Haecker Kitchen Design Software

These programs work free of charge.

However, they are not designed for creating custom projects: they only allow using ready-made furniture items from the catalogs of corresponding manufacturers. If you're interested in working on a complex kitchen interior and building furniture models yourself, online programs are not for you.

Offline Programs: How to Download Kitchen Design Software and Avoid Mistakes

It's hard to choose the best among the listed designers, as each has its own significant drawbacks. Generally, Pro100 and KitchenDraw programs get more recommendations, and working in them together is necessary for creating a quality project. For novice designers or users who create kitchen designs occasionally rather than as a profession, 3cad evolution is also suitable.

IMPORTANT! Most programs that work only after installation on a PC are paid.

KitchenDraw — Furniture Design Software with the Most Comprehensive Functionality

You can set any room parameters and create constructions of any type and purpose in it. The source code for the program can be downloaded from the official KitchenDraw website.

The program includes catalogs of household appliances, kitchen furniture, lighting elements and décor. There is an option to expand the catalog library by downloading files from the Internet. Predominantly, items in the basic catalog are sufficient and no additional downloads are needed.

The editor allows viewing the room from above, in front (interior contours/realistic representation), creating 3D contours and two visualization modes (fast render and final photorealistic render).

Additionally, the program enables quickly setting long countertops, baseboards, skirting boards and cornices. There is a pleasant feature for creating tile layouts (floor, backsplash, walls). To use this feature, you only need to enter the area parameters in the corresponding field, and the rest is done automatically by the program.

Advantages: Wide functionality.

Disadvantages: Time is required to learn the usage rules and become familiar with all available KitchenDraw features.

Photo 4 — Kitchen Design Software KitchenDraw

Photo 5 — Kitchen Design Software KitchenDraw

3cad evolution for Texturing

This editor is often only available in English. Foreign language can slightly hinder quick work and understanding of features, but the interface is intuitive.

This program can also be downloaded from the company's official website. Registration on the site is not required to download, but you can only get the Lite version for free.

The main difference of this program from others is that it allows not only modifying the shape of furniture but also changing the appearance of textures. The program also uses existing catalogs of top global manufacturers' appliances: Smeg, Bosch, Siemens, etc.

Advantages: This program can be quickly installed, it also works fast and downloads updates as they become available on the server. With 3cad evolution, you can get quite realistic images.

Disadvantages: Difficulties in mastering the program may arise for people who do not have basic knowledge of English. The more functional version of the program is paid.

Photo 6 — Kitchen Design Software 3cad evolution

Photo 7 — Kitchen Design Software 3cad evolution

Sketchup — Simple Google Program

This program is presented by the globally renowned corporation Google. In this program, you can create any objects and also download existing modules. However, Sketchup will not give you the same level of precision in placing interior elements as the above offline programs.

This program allows drawing a more high-quality design than in online programs, but it is not suitable for creating 3D models (additional application Vray needs to be downloaded). For creating more serious models, it's better to use other programs.

Advantages: Among simple offline programs, this one is probably one of the best.

Disadvantages: Insufficient functionality to support professional designer work.

Photo 8 — Example of a Completed Kitchen Design in Sketchup

Photo 9 — Example of a Completed Kitchen Design in Sketchup