Kitchen Design Software

There was a time when this was true. But now, with the help of free computer design software, you can take control of your kitchen remodeling from beginning to end. You may not be able to do precise drawings with the free software but you can do enough to get an idea of exactly what you want and minimize the design work expense.

Kitchen design software is available for purchase and for free and from simple and easy to use to complex and detailed. The free software tends to be of the former type. But, free kitchen design software will offer enough detail for you to get started with your design. The necessary spacing and measurement details will generally come with software you pay for.

Most of the free design programs are easy to use even for the beginner. If you have used a design program for other purposes, a garden design for example, you will be comfortable with a more complex program. Otherwise a simple, easy to use program will be the most helpful to you. Your choice between programs will also depend to some extent on both your experience with this type of software and your degree of interest in participating in your kitchen remodeling plans.

One of the best design software options that include kitchen design features is SmartDraw 2009. The full fledged paid version is among the best there is and they offer a free trial version. With this software you can chose a blank floor plan or start with one of several existing one models that can be adapted. This eliminates much of the beginning design work.

SmartDraw offer three kitchen templates or you can opt for a blank one and start from scratch. This design program provides you with everything you need from appliances to measurements. It is fairly easy to learn the basics if you are familiar with design programs and if you can do your design work within the 10-day free trial period it may be all you need. If not, you can purchase a limited edition version is $99.

Google Sketch Up is another free option for kitchen design software. This software can be downloaded from www.sketchup.google.com. It offers 3D modeling and video tutorials that help you get started. It is also user friendly. And like Smart Draw a more detailed version available for a price.

You will also find free downloads of very simple design planning tools like the one available from IKEA. It will help you create either a 2D or 3D model of your kitchen design. You can create a floor plan, add all the elements to it and view it in 3D. IKEA merchandise is all that is available, however, so this program is limiting in that respect.