How a kitchen design app can help you plan your dream space

When remodeling your kitchen, you need to visualize the layouts, colors, and materials to ensure everything comes together perfectly. That's where a kitchen design app comes in. You can experiment and see how each change will look before deciding.

Read on to discover the qualities to look for in kitchen design apps before settling on one and popular free recommendations you can try out.

What is a kitchen design app, and why use one?

A kitchen design app allows users to plan, create, visualize, and experiment with their kitchen layout, style, and functionality before making any physical changes. These apps use drag-and-drop elements, 3D modeling, augmented reality (AR), pre-built templates, and customization options to simulate a detailed kitchen representation.

This feature eliminates the risk of costly mistakes and disappointment by showing how different materials, equipment, layouts, and colors will look in the kitchen. For example, you might discover that an open shelving concept feels cluttered in 3D or that an island blocks traffic flow, prompting you to make adjustments before demolition or purchases begin.

It also improves the planning process, saving time compared to traditional methods. Instead of waiting for a professional designer’s availability, you can explore ideas instantly. Additionally, kitchen design apps help avoid budget pitfalls, as they often include cost estimates so that you can prioritize upgrades.

Key features to look for in the best kitchen design app

When choosing a kitchen design app, here are the key features to consider to ensure that it meets your needs, whether you're a beginner or not.

Ease of use and accessibility

The best kitchen design app should be easy to use, especially for beginners who don’t have prior experience with design software. Look for apps with guided tutorials, easy-to-navigate dashboards, clear menus, and drag-and-drop functionality. It should also be accessible across multiple devices. This flexibility allows you to work on your designs anytime, anywhere, and on the most convenient device. 

You can sketch a rough layout on a smartphone while on the go, refine it on a tablet with a stylus, and finalize details on a desktop for better screen clarity.

2D and 3D design options

A kitchen design software app should offer both 2D and 3D modes for a comprehensive view of your kitchen. The 2D layout lets you map out floor plans, calculate measurements, and determine the placement of walls, windows, doors, and appliances. It also ensures proper spacing between fixtures, cabinets, and appliances. This “bird’s-eye view” is critical for avoiding functional errors, like a refrigerator door that blocks a walkway. 

On the other hand, 3D visualization brings the designs to life by allowing you to “walk through” your virtual kitchen. It highlights how materials, lighting, colors, and texture will look. The 3D model can also highlight spatial flow issues or aesthetic concerns, like awkward sightlines or poor lighting, which might not be evident in a flat 2D design.

Extensive object libraries

A standout feature of any app for kitchen design is access to extensive object libraries. These libraries should include various cabinets, countertops, flooring, appliances, lighting, and other options. The more diverse the options, the better you can customize your design to suit your vision.

Look for apps that partner with real brands to include accurate, customizable models (e.g., IKEA cabinets or Samsung refrigerators), which help users make informed purchasing decisions. A drag-and-drop feature is also key in free kitchen design software, as it simplifies experimentation and allows you to easily place and move objects within the design, making the process more interactive and enjoyable.

Ability to save and share designs

Saving progress lets you revisit and tweak ideas. Generating shareable links or exporting files in standard formats (PDF, JPEG, or CAD) makes it easy to communicate visions with contractors, designers, or family members. Some apps even offer cloud storage, ensuring that your designs are never lost and can be accessed from any device. 

Free kitchen design software vs paid options: What’s right for you?

Free kitchen design tools like Planner 5D or IKEA Kitchen Planner are ideal for casual users and small-scale projects. They allow users to create basic designs, experiment with layouts, and visualize their space without any upfront cost.

However, a significant drawback is the limited selection of objects. Free tools have fewer items in their libraries, which means you might be unable to access a wide range of cabinets, appliances, and other kitchen elements to create a highly customized design.

There are no advanced features like photorealistic 3D rendering, lighting simulations, material cost estimators, or AI-powered optimization to create more realistic representations of a space. Free software also lacks integration with other tools or the ability to save and export designs in high-resolution formats, which could be a drawback if you plan to share your designs with contractors or designers.

Ultimately, the decision to choose a free kitchen design software or pay for one hinges on three factors: pricing, learning curve, and required features. Free software is great for quick, basic projects or personal use. However, paid software justifies the cost when you need advanced customization, a broader selection of objects, and more professional-grade features. If you’re experimenting with a minor refresh, free tools suffice. If you’re overhauling a kitchen or working with clients, paid software’s advanced capabilities are worth the splurge. 

Popular free kitchen design tools worth trying

Looking to try out a free kitchen design tool? Here are some of the best worth exploring:

RoomSketcher

RoomSketcher is user-friendly and offers both 2D and 3D planning. It allows users to create customizable layouts, visualize their kitchen from different perspectives, and make quick adjustments. 

IKEA Kitchen Planner

The IKEA Kitchen Planner is perfect for those looking for an affordable, do it yourself kitchen design. It directly links to IKEA products, allowing you to see their prices in real-time and plan your kitchen using actual items.

Planner 5D

Planner 5D can be used for kitchens and entire home designs. It has a strong mobile app and an extensive library of 2D and 3D objects. The tool also offers community design challenges, allowing users to be inspired by others' creations.

HomeByMe

HomeByMe offers quick-start and precise design modes. It allows you to switch easily between basic and detailed designs depending on your skill level and needs.

FAQs about kitchen design apps

Is there a free app to design a kitchen?

Yes, there are several free apps for designing your kitchen. Some popular options include RoomSketcher, IKEA Kitchen Planner, Planner 5D, HomeByMe, SketchUp Free, and Houzz.

What is the best app to design a kitchen?

The best kitchen design app is user-friendly, with an intuitive interface that makes creating and modifying designs easy. It should offer a wide range of features, such as the ability to visualize layouts in both 2D and 3D, access to a diverse object library for customization, and ensure accurate measurements and scaling for real-world applications. A few top choices with these qualities are RoomSketcher, Planner 5D, and IKEA Kitchen Planner.

How to design a kitchen layout free of charge

Various free online kitchen design tools allow you to experiment with different layouts. Most come with pre-designed object libraries, allowing you to choose from multiple cabinets, sinks, and appliances without paying for premium items. To make the most of the free versions, use the 2D view to plan your layout and refine it before moving to the 3D view for a more detailed visualization. Pay attention to any tutorials or help guides the app offers to learn how to navigate effectively. 

Do it yourself kitchen design tips

When designing your kitchen on your own, it’s essential to start simple.

• Focus on the layout first. This ensures the space flows well and all appliances and cabinets are positioned efficiently before considering aesthetics.
• Use pre-built templates to save time. Then, tweak it to fit your space and preference.
• Save multiple versions of your design as you go. This allows you to experiment with different layouts and styles and easily compare options without losing any progress.

Wrapping up: Turn your virtual kitchen into reality

Before you invest in a paid plan, start with a free kitchen design tool. They allow you to experiment, play around with layouts, and get a feel for what works in your space without spending a dime. It’s a great way to refine your ideas and get a clearer picture of your vision. 

Once you’re happy with your vision, consider consulting a professional designer to ensure everything is perfect. They can offer expert advice and ensure your plans are practical, especially if you’re going for a more complex or custom design