Kitchen design apps are the latest trend in home improvement, and for a good reason.
These apps make it easy for homeowners to visualize different design options and see how their new kitchen would look before paying for anything.
Whether you’re a homeowner planning a remodel or a contractor who wants to give the best advice, this article provides the best tools to do that.
Discover what’s the best kitchen design software for you and let the interior designer in you free.
1. Home Designer Pro
Home Designer Pro is a professional design tool that many contractors opt-in for. It’s perfect for home design, remodeling, interior design, and even cost estimation.
Home Designer is actually a tool promoted by Chief Architect (one of the best design tools out there, and on this list). Because of that, this app has very similar features that make it a go-to for professional contractors, but DIYers too.
This app is more affordable than Chief Architect though. Renting it is $59/mo, and buying it is $595.
Pros
- A great tool at an affordable price.
- Many automated tools like manual framing and manual roofing, where the tool generates fully editable framing (with joists, rafters, trusses, beams, posts, etc.).
- It has advanced cabinet and stairs tools.
- On their website, you can find over 600 articles and 9 hours worth of tutorial videos.
Cons
- It’s not free, but the subscription is affordable for someone who wants to perfect his craft.
- Is a little more advanced than the other options here.
2. Chief Architect
Chief Architect is one of the best tools out there for contractors who are taking it seriously.
It has automated building tools for any home design project and makes it super easy to create construction drawings, elevations, CAD details, and 3D models.
Here at Mortise & Miter, we’re fans of Chief Architect as it’s a super efficient tool that helps us get things done. The software is built for architects and builders, remodelers, interior designers, and kitchen & bathroom designers as well.
You can rent Chief Architect for $199/mo, or you can buy it for $3,295. It’s up to you which one to choose.
Pros
- It’s perfect for any interior design work.
- Has tons of options and automated tools.
- It allows you to build without limits.
- You can have a free trial to test things out.
Cons
- It requires a subscription if you want to keep using it.
- The outdoor design side of Chief Architect is limited.
3. Planner 5D
Planner 5D is a user-friendly software program that allows you to create 3D floor plans without special training or professional skills.
The product’s plus point lies in its blend between imaginable basic interface features as well incredible innovations such AR/VR technology and AI. These work hand in hand to create the perfect design for your sweet home.
Pros
- It offers a library with pre-made templates to make your project easier.
- It has over 3,000 elements for your 3D design.
- Planner 5D allows full customization of your space.
- It has a feature that also shows lighting and how shadow drops.
Cons
- Planner 5D lacks in-depth functionalities.
- It's better for casual designers and homeowners, not professionals.
- For premium and extra features, you'll need the paid software.
4. Homestyler
Homestyler is a free, easy-to-use 3D home designing tool that makes the design process straightforward.
You can furnish and decorate your kitchen with furniture from well-known brands, making it easier to create your shopping list.
Its drag and drop mechanism makes it easy for homeowners to create multiple designs and try things out. The clean and precise interface ensures you don’t need any professional design experience.
Pros
- Homestyler software allows you to create and share your ideas with design professionals.
- It showcases kitchen elements from your favorite furniture stores like Ikea, Home Depot, etc.
- It has a mobile version that lets you visualize and access your project on the go.
Cons
- It lacks an exhaustive feature set to design a full kitchen.
- Not suitable for professional designers.
- More for e-commerce workflows rather than designing.
- It's time-consuming.
5. Floor Planner
Floor Planner is an innovative design tool that helps you develop the perfect kitchen layout.
Its basic features, the library of furniture, cabinetry, and accessories make it easy to see how Floor Planner can create life-like scenes in no time!
You’ll be able to place walls, windows, or other structures while dimensioning text features allowing users maximum flexibility when designing their dream kitchens.
Floor Planner is a good option for creating layouts or blueprints. So if you’re looking to toy with kitchen layout ideas, this is a good option.
Pros
- It's a great option for creating interactive floor plans and blueprints.
- Even if only the first plan is free, you'll have unlimited edits to it, so you won't need more.
- The software's auto-furnish feature will decorate the room with just one click.
Cons
- Not suitable if you're looking for a realistic output or a spectacular 3D rendering.
- Not great for professionals, as you only have access to one layout plan.
- You'll have to pay an annual subscription for more options.
6. RoomToDo Software
RoomToDo is a simple and powerful program that allows you to quickly create walls in any shape and let your creativity flow with unique furniture customization options.
You’ll get decorative accessories, 3D design renderings, and walkthroughs for the kitchens you created from scratch. There’s no limit on what you can do with RoomToDo.
RoomToDo is designed to meet the needs of various industries, including interior design firms and real estate companies. The software also has easy snap tools to capture and send pictures for quick feedback.
Pros
- Works great for homeowners looking to create their design, interior design businesses, furniture retailers, and realtors.
- There is also a mobile version of the app.
Cons
- Not as many choices as other apps out there.
- The 3D output could be more realistic.
7. Planning Wiz
Planning Wiz is a great app that helps you visualize new kitchen layouts without making any changes.
This kitchen design app makes it effortless to decorate your space from scratch.
Draw rooms, walls, backgrounds, windows, and doors to create the design of your fully functioning home. The software allows you to insert your home’s blueprint to measure the furniture and walls perfectly. It allows you to create and redecorate your flooring plans as you wish.
As with any design app, it helps you communicate more efficiently with your architect, designer, or contractor by clearly showing them your ideas.
Pros
- It offers quick tutorials to get a gist of how everything works and interacts.
- The drag and drop function allows you to quickly create a 2D plan.
- You can save the design into your account and retrieve it later.
- You can export and print the design in high resolution.
Cons
- The 3D output is not realistic at all.
8. Kitchen Planner
The Kitchen Planner is an online tool that allows you to design your dream kitchen without the expense of hiring anyone.
The broad selection tools allow you to create something unique and see how it fits your space. Choose everything from cabinets and countertops to your range hood.
There are dozens of flooring options, cabinet fronts, countertops material, and tile models that you can try. From nearly 50 types of wood and more than 90 countertop choices, you’re sure to find a look that suits you.
The space is also 3D, so you won’t miss any details when designing it. This straightforward online software requires no registration or fees.
Pros
- It's a rapid and easy process.
- It offers a 3D view.
- Kitchen Planner requires no download or registration.
Cons
- Its 3D rendering is not the best.
9. Virtual Architect Kitchen & Baths 10
Virtual Architect Kitchen and Baths is a leading option for renovating the heart of your home.
It allows you to sketch new spaces or even upload your own photo to get started.
It takes seconds to create an accurate, shareable image on all devices to get instant visual confirmation before making any changes.
The app’s drag-and-drop functionality and the extensive library of materials and appliances ensure you’ll find your ideal kitchen layout.
You’ll be able to change options and add or remove cabinets, lighting fixtures, and other features.
However, the best feature of this interior design software is its 3D rendering. This kitchen design software offers a quick 3D rendering and a 360-degree walkthrough option.
Pros
- You can import a photo of your existing space to start your project.
- Photorealistic 3D renderings.
- Extensive materials catalog.
Cons
- Has a desktop version only, no app or browser interface available.
- Premium features are available but only with an annual subscription.
10. Space Designer 3D
With Space Designer 3D, you can design your new kitchen without downloading anything.
This kitchen design tool is available from any browser, so you don’t need programs or apps installed on your computer. Easily switching between 2D and 3D views allows you to see different perspectives and adjust accordingly.
You can choose different floorings, cabinets styles, or appliances that would work best for your ideal layout and kitchen style.
Space Designer 3D’s option to “Show Alternatives” allows you to identify alternatives for kitchen appliances. This feature is great if the design team has been debating between two different kitchen islands and needs only one more vote before finalizing.
Pros
- It offers a cloud-based account to safely store projects.
- It has a pay-per-project option.
- 2D and 3D are instantly available.
- Good 3D rendering quality.
Cons
- Renderings require credits.
- Limited cabinets and materials.
11. Foyr Neo
When designing your kitchen, it can be daunting to try and decide what kind of countertop or color you want. With the click of a button in this software – all those decisions are made for you!
Foyr Neo is not your basic kitchen design software. It provides sleek and intuitive design software with tools that instantly produce stunning visuals.
It features a fast rendering speed with high-quality output and no learning curve – perfect for those who don’t have time on their hands!
The pre-built catalog contains over 60K products, ensuring you never run out of options when creating your space. It’s also paired with beautiful inspiration rooms that fuel one’s imagination.
Foyr Neo is the ideal professional interior designer that will help you visualize your remodeled kitchen.
Pros
- Ready-to-use kitchen design templates.
- Ease of use.
- Over 60K products.
- 3D Design mode for creators.
- 4K photorealistic renders.
- Has a free trial version.
Cons
- It requires a rather expensive subscription.
12. IKEA 3D Kitchen Planner
If you have your sights set on an IKEA kitchen, their kitchen design app might be perfect for creating one.
IKEA is well-known for its minimalist, Scandinavian-inspired furniture that looks good and doesn’t cost a fortune. These same properties apply to their kitchen systems and appliances.
Their website allows users to create their kitchens by choosing pre-designed options or inputting customizations like backsplashes and counters before generating a shopping list.
Compared to other premium software providers, the 3D planner from IKEA is a good deal for what you get.
Pros
- The app has constantly updated products ideal for a trendy design.
- You can generate a shopping list based on your design.
- You can hire a designer from IKEA to help with your design (with a fee).
Cons
- Very basic, not recommended for professionals.
- Suitable only if you're looking to design the entire kitchen with IKEA furniture.
Conclusion
There are a lot of design apps out there, but not all of them have the features you need.
Investing in a quality design app is a great idea if you’re a contractor and want to provide the best service for your customers. If you’re a homeowner who wants to communicate his ideas better, a kitchen design app is all you need.
Naturally, these apps come with pros and cons. What should ultimately impact your decision is how much you’ll be using it and how tech-savvy you are.
Our advice is to look for a straightforward kitchen designer app with several pre-designed templates.
Having a clear understanding of what you’d like your kitchen to look like will help you and your contractor transform your home into how you envisioned it.
Get in touch, and let’s create your new kitchen layout together!
