As technology advances in ways that even the less ‘savvy’ can use many of the simpler software programs on the market, so has it helped many students, builders, decorators, and prospective homeowners master the use of simple kitchen design software.
It’s not really that difficult to use some of the home design software out there, especially if you start off with the simpler (to use) and cheaper versions. If all you need is to create a simple kitchen layout, easy-to-use software will suffice.
So whether you want a simple makeover, to build a new kitchen, or to transform your bathroom, you can use a basic design software program to conceptualise your ideas.
Savvy or Not, it’s Easy to Use Kitchen Design Software
For those who already use design software, using the basic programs is definitely not for you but if you are a novice using such programs for the first time, it’s best to dedicate some time to familiarise yourself with it. If you give yourself an hour (or thereabouts) to study the interface and see what it offers, using it will become a ‘breeze’ from then on.
All this means is that you don’t have to be that savvy to use kitchen (and bath) design software. You only have an edge if you’ve previously learned how to use CAD software. In that case, you are better off using a more professional CAD program for building designs, like AutoCAD, Autodesk or Chief Architect.
Comprehensive Library of Cabinet Designs, Fittings, and Finishes
With basic kitchen design software, you’ll find loads of design concepts in its library. You’ll also find a vast range of fittings, furnishings, cabinetry, flooring, and many other features you can play around with until you get your desired concept.
From slate countertops to solid hardwood floors; contemporary kitchen designs to the warmer country style, whatever you can conceive in terms of designs and finishes can be found in the software’s library of designs and finishes.
At the click of a button; you’ll be able to fit in any of the under-listed (and more!) into your kitchen design concept:
- Base and top cabinets
- Sinks
- Taps
- Tiling and flooring
- Splashbacks
- Counter-tops
- Handles/knobs
- Glass
- Textures
As a First Time User of a Kitchen Planner, What You Need to Know
If you are using kitchen design software for the first time, there are a few things to know and do.
Software programs don’t do ALL the work; you’ll first have to play your part, and then the software does the rest to bring your idea to life. It will always depend on what you ‘feed’ into it. It’s an important role you have to play to ensure you get accurate end results. You can then leave the rest of the task to the software.
Step 1
You must ensure to take accurate floor measurements of your kitchen and note it roughly on a sheet of paper. As long as the measurements are as accurate as is possible and you note the precise positions of doors, windows, water supply, electricity switches, sockets, etc… on the sketch (including their measurements), you have ‘crossed the first hurdle’.
Step 2
Once your measurements are done, feed in the shape and dimensions of the space into the program. It will in turn generate an accurate floor plan. At this point, you are almost done.
Step 3
This is where your creativity comes to play. It’s time to have fun with moving things around on the interface, and create a great fit of all you require in your design. Place cabinets, shelves, appliances, breakfast counter, dining area, furniture, etc…, wherever you may wish, changing at will and at a click of a button, until you are satisfied.
The last step is the most exciting part of using kitchen planner software. You can spend hours just having fun . . . placing objects, colouring, adding stylish features, changing cabinet doors and drawer faces, even adding décor items like a bowl of flowers, fruit baskets, and countertop appliances. Just try it, you’ll love it!
Enjoy a Virtual Tour of Your Kitchen
When you finally develop a concept you are pleased with (whether simple or complicated), the kitchen planner will generate your design concept in 3D. It will generate and give you a virtual tour of your very own creation. Now you’ll see your kitchen as it will look.
You can move within your designed space from one end of the room to another, and if anything seems out of place, you can edit it quickly at the click of a button.
You can even get a view of your kitchen and see how it will look like with the infusion of both natural and artificial lighting (day and night).
So, if you decide to build a new kitchen or choose to remodel an existing one, it is strongly recommended that you borrow a leaf from the professional kitchen planners at home improvement stores and use a simple kitchen design software program to achieve what you desire for your kitchen style.