Kitchen Cabinet Design Software

Kitchen remodeling is a major renovation work which does not leave a scope for any kind of blunder. Cabinet design particularly has to be done very carefully as they are to be fitted within the confined space in the kitchen. A little mistake in the design can make the entire remodeling work go for a toss. Sometimes, the cabinets may struggle to fit in their space or sometimes the vendor might have missed a utility opening. Without a cabinet design software, such mistakes in the design can only be detected when the cabinets are ready for installation. That, of course is not the right time to get the mistakes rectified, since so much of efforts and money have already been invested in it. Alteration of cabinets is the only way out, but that again is bound to affect the look of the cabinets. However, with the development of kitchen cabinet design software, such flaws in the design can be easily taken care of.

What is a Kitchen Cabinet Design Software

Using the software package, you can design the complete layout of the cabinets. It provides various menus for placing shelves, drawers and doors at desired positions. It also has provisions to accommodate openings for various utilities like pipes, drains, electricity sockets, etc. You can select an optimum position for placing the cabinets in your kitchen. The software also allows you to make changes to the design and view them instantly. In short, you can customize the design of the cabinets as per your taste.

This software package is mostly used by the vendors of cabinets and home improvement stores. If you choose to operate it at their stores, you'll only be able to have an access to their products. However, if you have one at home, you can easily customize your cabinets and get them installed as per your design. Moreover, you can make changes as and when the idea strikes you. The biggest advantage of this software is that once you finalize the design by taking accurate measurements and considering the utility openings, the vendor has little scope of committing an error while manufacturing them. Thus, the final product turns out to be almost flawless.

However, the job of designing the cabinets is not as easy as it sounds. You need to possess excellent programming skills. Also, it is a time-consuming and complicated process. All the measurements should be meticulously calculated and with accurate dimensions. Accuracy is the major factor that needs to be considered. The diameters of the openings should be measured correctly with their respective positions on the cabinets. Even a minor mistake in calculation can render the cabinet useless.

This software can be useful for you, only if you are proficient at designing and you have an eye for detail. People with mediocre programming skills should always rely on professional assistance. However, the software is being upgraded so that it becomes more user- friendly and even people with limited computer skills can use it effectively.

Interior Design Ideas for Kitchen

The kitchen is not merely a place to cook. Today, interior design for kitchen have to encompass a whole lot of factors. The beauty of the kitchen is not only in its outwardly appearance, but also in the planning of space. With the proper division of space, an interior designer has to consider the required area, factors such as the position of the appliances and how to make it a completely well equipped kitchen in the best possible design plan. Therefore, before you approach the designer with your ideas, you must first be clear on your requirements and priorities, which would enable you to find the right plan for the kitchen space.

Planning the Kitchen

You have to first define the space. Make a note of the position of doors and windows and other measurements and try to get some ideas from the interior designers about the space layout.

Give a careful consideration to the position of the appliances, the cupboards etc as the right location would aid you better in your daily activities.

Also decide in advance, the finish you would require for the cabinets, the flooring, the walls and window treatment.

Decide the distribution of light and also consider how to make the maximum use of the natural light source.

Once you have decided the basics, you can go ahead and think about the color schemes, countertops and furniture and other such interior design ideas for the kitchen.

Interior Design Tips for Kitchen

• Note down the problems faced by you with your earlier kitchen. Was the sink too low or was it the lack of proper space for displaying your crockery? Know these problems and try to rectify them in the new design.
• The drawers should have a solid base construction. This would help in an easy glide action. It would be useful to incorporate metal-sided drawers and runners that have full extensions.
• Plan the installation of the plumbing and the electrical services in advance. Also, try to retain the original fixtures and fittings to save on money and time.
• Always ensure you plan the kitchen considering the natural flow of movement. This would allow you to maintain a comfortable distance when you are cooking or washing and need to access the cabinets etc.
• Always position the sink, fridge and the oven/gas in the shape of a triangle. This would enable you to have a better access to the items and cook without any wastage of time.
• Note that the position of the dishwasher, cooking units etc should be considered as having it either on the left hand side or on the right hand side would create a difference in the way you operate in the kitchen. The sink should be placed under a window and against an outside wall for better lightning and convenient drainage. The sink, drainage and the dishwasher form the most important unit in the kitchen, so always ensure you position it first.
• The position of the dishwasher should always be near the crockery and cutlery. This would help in faster loading and unloading of the dishwasher. Also, try elevating your dishwasher by 9 to 12 inches. This would minimize all the bending!
• Dark-colored tiles should be avoided for the kitchen counters. This is because the soap residue would be easily visible on such colors and this would in turn ruin the interior design of the kitchen.
• Try to use recessed lightning on specific work areas. You can even try fluorescent lightning for a different result. These can be hidden above the wall cabinets.
• Use some indoor plants to liven up the kitchen interior design space.
• Use cork flooring, which is good for the feet and also absorbs sound. Insulating the walls would even help in reducing the noise levels of your area.
• Try to use your sink window as an extension for the countertop. This would enable you to quickly pass through, your food items for outside dining.
• Use light colors for a small kitchen. This would make it appear larger than it seems.
• Match the theme of your kitchen interior designing area with appropriate crockery, trivets and cutlery that can add to the ambiance.
• Ensure you plan to leave ample space areas near the fridge and the oven, which would help you in stashing away the items that may not be needed.

Your kitchen should always be practical, useful and also cheerful. Today, kitchen interior design is not just about making it look good. Smart functionality and management of space help you plan an attractive area that will make the practice of cooking a true delight!

Country Kitchen Designs

A kitchen is an integral part of your home and there are many kitchen designs that you can choose from. When you have a big house, you can choose a country kitchen design as a country kitchen is suitable for big sprawling spaces. The essence of a country kitchen is that it should exude warmth and nostalgia. You need to use flooring, lighting and kitchen cabinets that give you the feel of being in a rustic farmhouse. A country kitchen is very unlike a modern kitchen which has gleaming polished steel appliances and sleek surfaces. Country style kitchen designs are more about understated elegance and a warm welcoming appeal.

Design Ideas for Country Kitchen

Color
The most important aspect in designing a country kitchen is the color scheme of the kitchen. For country kitchen, it is the bright and bold colors that hold supreme. You cannot go wrong with colors like brown, tan and rust which are the earth tones. The biggest advantage of designing a country kitchen from color point of view is that you can choose vibrant colors like tomato red, verdant green, cobalt blue and purple for the walls and ceilings of the kitchen. If you are not very comfortable having bright colors in the kitchen, you can go for more soothing soft ocean colors like sea green and turquoise blue. These bright colors in the kitchen can be very well combined with cabinets and countertops in off white, ivory and beige. Some colors should be strictly avoided in a country style kitchen and these are gray and black. The kitchen can also be wallpapered in bright stripes or floral motif to give it the right rustic look and ambiance.

Flooring
Country kitchen designs are incomplete without the right type of flooring. Flooring should not only be natural and eco-friendly, but it should also help to give an open and airy feeling. The best flooring for a country kitchen is wood flooring in a soft color. You can also incorporate a laid back country feel by installing natural stone tiles that come in different textures and finishes. Placing a beautiful area rug on the kitchen flooring adds a nice touch to the overall decor.

Window Treatment
The most important aspect of a country kitchen is the window treatment. Make charming gingham patterned half curtains for kitchen windows with scalloped lace edging. For good country kitchen curtain ideas, you can also choose curtains in bright floral print like yellow or blue to give the kitchen a rustic feel. Display planter boxes outside the window sills or decorate your kitchen by placing a pot of fresh flowers like daisies and peonies. You can also place a small mini herb in containers that will not only be useful in the kitchen but also look appealing.

Storage Solutions and Furniture
The best kitchen designs cannot be complete without the proper furniture, storage solutions or accessories. As the colors of the walls and ceilings of a country kitchen is bright and vibrant, the kitchen cabinets and accessories should be in a muted color. If you can afford good wooden cabinets than opt for light colored wooden furniture like oak and walnut, reserve the expensive and darker mahogany cabinets for the dining room or the living room. Kitchen tables and shelves should also be in a matching color to the cabinets. Most country kitchen cabinet designs are in white color, which makes the kitchen appear more spacious although they are very difficult to maintain. If you like, you can also place a small wicker chair for the cook to rest while preparing meals. Scour your local flea market for antique furniture for getting good deals.

So this was all about country style kitchen designs and how you can incorporate these in your home. Accessories like an old grandfather clock, copper pots and pans, patterned wooden ladles and terra cotta pottery should also be used in decorating a rustic kitchen.

How to Design a Kitchen Layout

Kitchen is one of the busiest places in the entire house and a warm place full of memories. Being the most busiest place, it needs to be arranged in a way that all the appliances and the countertops in the kitchen are laid out in a way that makes the kitchen cooking friendly. The kitchen also needs to be clutter free and should offer plenty of space for the cook to move around during cooking. Kitchen layouts and design, thus, plays an important part. While kitchen remodeling, you can decide how to design your own kitchen based on the details given below.

Kitchen Layout Ideas

U - Shaped Kitchen
As the name suggests, this kitchen is 'U' shaped with three sides being covered with countertops and one side being open. The sink and the appliances are also a part of these countertops. There are a number of cabinets that can be built over these countertops and under them too. This type of kitchen design is popular in small houses as well as in large houses. It looks less cluttered, however, if this kitchen is bigger in size. This kitchen offers plenty of space to keep the appliances as well as to cook. Also, there is a lot of space for the cook to move around comfortably.

G - Shaped Kitchen
This type of kitchen layout is very similar to the U-shaped kitchen. There is an additional elongated partial wall built in a 'G' shaped kitchen. With plenty of storage space and lots of space to move about, this kitchen is ideal for a big family. Another advantage of these type of kitchen layouts and design is that there are plenty of cabinets for storage and there is plenty of space available due to the countertops all around. Many cooks can cook together in such a kitchen at any given point of time without being in each others' way. A G shaped kitchen is mostly suitable for a large home.

L - Shaped Kitchen
A 'L' shaped kitchen is the most popular type of kitchen. The kitchen layout is very flexible and there is a lot of space available on the side for appliances. Other than that, kitchen countertops in such kitchens provide space for cooking as well as for preparation. Storage and cabinets are also not an issue in a L shaped kitchen.

Galley Kitchen
A galley kitchen is also similar to the U-shaped kitchen but with two parallel countertops only. It is ideal for a small house, where space is not available in plenty. The cook can easily maneuver in such a kitchen as the two parallel countertops offer a lot of space for cooking and preparation. Kitchen cabinets can be made below the countertops and above the countertops as well which provide plenty of space for storage. The two parallel countertops also offer a lot of space for appliances. If need arises, a galley kitchen can be converted into a U-shaped kitchen.

Single Wall Kitchen
As the name suggests, a single wall kitchen is a kitchen with one countertop that covers the entire wall of the kitchen. This kitchen design layout is suitable for a small house or for a studio apartment. This type works well in an open space and a kitchen island can later be added to this type of kitchen. The storage space and the cooking space is very limited and hence, the kitchen appliances need to be placed with extreme care.

Not only do kitchen islands look great, they provide plenty of benefits too. An island provides plenty of space for storage, for cooking, for keeping the appliances, for preparation and the island also provides place for the family to eat. The following kinds of kitchen layouts and design work well with a kitchen island.

L - Shaped Kitchen
An L shaped kitchen with an island will offer a lot of space for movement, for storage and will facilitate easy cooking and easy preparation. The island can be converted into a breakfast bar for the family or an additional kitchen sink could also be installed in the island.

U - Shaped Kitchen
If the kitchen is huge and is U-shaped there can be an island in the middle of the kitchen. This island could be used as a breakfast table for the family. There can be plenty of storage space to make kitchen cabinets beneath the island countertop. A grill or an oven can also be a part of the island. Besides the whole lot of storage space available, the island can also offer a lot of space for cooking and for preparation too.

Dos and Don'ts

Dos

• Position the appliances, the drawers and the required utensils in the order that they are needed and also make sure that they should not be an obstacle in kitchen cleaning.
• If the kitchen is being redesigned, the original kitchen design should be considered.
• If a kitchen island is added, there should be plenty of space to move around.
• Plenty of space for the dustbins and the incinerators should be decided in advance.
• Enough space for sinks and for the food prep area needs to be allowed.
• Plenty of consideration should be provided for lighting and fittings of the kitchen.

Don'ts

• The kitchen should not be overcrowded with too many kitchen appliances and crockery.
• If the island is to be converted into a breakfast bar, there should not be a sink in that area.
• The appliances should be arranged as per the needs and should not be placed in such a way that they become obstacles.

As it can be seen from the above, designing a kitchen layout is simple and can be easily done while kitchen remodeling. The kitchen layouts and design should be decided based on the space available and the requirement of the cook.

Interactive Kitchen Design

Rachel had always been proud of being a miss know-it-all. She always felt she knew everything there was to know about everything. One day she realized that she needed to update her information when her colleague mentioned interactive kitchen designs and the wonderful designs that could be created with just a few interactive designing tools. She left the office that day dejected and switched on her computer as soon as she reached the confines of her home. That done, she poured herself a glass of wine and took a packet of wafers, ready to spend the rest of the evening updating herself about this designing tool. After all she did so want to retain her title!

Interactive Kitchen Design - What is it?

Today with all the changes that have been wrought in web technology it is possible to see what your kitchen will look like in a lifelike three-dimensional sphere. This technology ensures that the three-dimensional sphere resembles your kitchen without actually going ahead and investing a large sum of money on it. To do this, you can use an interactive design tool in order to try out different ideas and combinations. This tool is very interactive, easy to use and can help you select kitchen finishes, faucets and fixtures.

The approach used by this design is one of multiple sketches that are used to exemplify several design possibilities. Apart from only giving wing to your creative urges, you can also interact with interior designers and contractors. This tool certainly helps you build your kitchen as well as identify the features that suit your lifestyle the most.

This interactive kitchen tool is very useful because it comes with a guide that provides you with the best online information and the resources available. This guide certainly makes sure that you get the best deal when designing your kitchen.

Using this tool you can also save and print your kitchen design combinations along with the model numbers and estimated prices of things like faucets. It is advisable to load the design on to your hard drive too. This information might assist you when you decide to make another series of kitchen designs. The tools can be used for free on most websites, so you could just try your hand at it!

Kitchen Remodeling

You can use an interactive designing tool even when you are planning to remodel your kitchen in order to ensure that it meets its daily requirements. But, before you actually get down to designing it is advisable to get acquainted to online designing. While at this, it would also be a good idea to look around what is available in your kitchen, since there might be a few things you would like to keep!

Once you are done with that, you can use the tools to design the kitchen you had in mind. Now you can go ahead and take the design to your contractor and explain visually, telling him in details what your requirements are.

A remodeling interactive kitchen design uses an approach that includes numerous sketches that are made up of several design possibilities. This and the interaction with contractors and interior designers ensure that you have a kitchen that fits your lifestyle. With a clearer picture about your requirements the interior designer and contractor will give you numerous design possibilities as well as tell you about the advantages associated with each potential layout. With their help and the remodeling tools, you will have a kitchen space that develops around necessary design elements as well as the beauty you have so long desired.

Kitchen Design: Small Kitchen Remodeling Ideas

When remodeling your small kitchen, the primary emphasis must be on utilizing the available area well and creating or freeing up more space to allow convenient storage, easy installation of required kitchen appliances and to facilitate movement. You must be able to perform all your kitchen tasks without any hindrance.

To start out with, decide what kind of kitchen you want, modern or traditional, L-shaped or U-shaped, Galley or Two-way Galley. Once you have formed an idea of what you want, draw a blueprint of your kitchen design and plan out the space you require and the storage area. Think where you want the cabinets and how you are going to use them. Decide where you want the sink, the work counter and the refrigerator. Consider where you want to put the service points for water, gas and electricity. Cast an eye over your present kitchen when planning the new design and think how things can be arranged differently. You can also use a kitchen design software to help with your planning and drag and drop items until you get exactly what you want.

If possible, you can take down a wall and create an open plan kitchen that extends into the living area. You can put in a kitchen island to separate the two parts. Instead of a fixed island, you can get one that can be rolled about as required. Islands come in different varieties and shapes, so, as fits your overall design, you can get a rectangular, square, rounded or oval island. If the island doubles as a storage space or a work counter, all the more, it's better.

Install cabinets and drawers that go right up to the ceiling, so you can easily store away your cooking utensils, cutlery, plates, condiments, vegetables and other things. Put the less-often used items in the upper cabinets and frequently used items in the lower ones. If everything doesn't fit in, you could add hooks to the cabinet doors to hang pots and pans from. You might also want to review all the things you own and get rid of stuff that you don't really need. Either way, try to keep the clutter to a minimum.

Instead of a large dining table, go for a small corner table or a drop table. Or you can leave out tables from your scheme and put in a built-in wall counter, or build a table-height food preparation counter and double it as an eating area. Get smaller and compact kitchen appliances. Install a larger sink, so it is easier to wash.

Apart from an optimum planning of space, you can create a spacious ambiance in your kitchen by judicious use of color and light. Using a pale-colored wood for your cabinets or painting them in a pastel hue, for example, will create a more light appearance in the kitchen. You can help this effect further by installing glass-faced cabinet doors in place of solid ones.

When painting, papering or tiling the kitchen walls, again go for light, pastel shades with, maybe, splashes of brighter colors. The general rule is to use three main colors and their various shades and tints, but this isn't an iron-clad convention. Go for small and delicate patterns over bold ones. And use small-sized tiles rather than large or extra-large ones. Diagonally installed floor tiles can also help create the illusion of space. If your kitchen has good ventilation and allows in plenty of natural light, that will be another plus. Consider installing a skylight, if this is possible and if you have rather small windows.

Before installing artificial lighting in your kitchen, go over your kitchen plan and identify the main areas that need sufficient lighting. You can have a central light for the whole kitchen and spot lighting for the cooking and washing areas. Install lights in cabinets and in under-counter storage areas, so you can search inside them easily. Make sure your kitchen lighting is both functional and aesthetic. A well-lit, well-planned kitchen will be a pleasure to live with.

Kitchen Island Designs For Small Kitchens

Kitchen islands serve a multi-functional purpose within a kitchen. They add an additional work space, serve as an informal dining area, and even allow you to monitor your kids as they complete their homework while you finish your work in the kitchen. Apart from these functions, kitchen islands are the perfect design element that a kitchen needs. In today's day and time, not many people can imagine their kitchens without an island. However, what do you do if your kitchen is small? There are many ways in which you can incorporate these beauties into small kitchens too. How? With the help of these tips and ideas for kitchen island designs for small kitchens.

Tips to Consider

When you talk about a small kitchen, you need to first understand, how small is small? A kitchen island not only requires its own space, but space around it so that you can comfortably move around the kitchen and work on the island conveniently. Plus, you don't want your kitchen to start looking too cramped. So here are the factors that you need to keep in mind when considering a kitchen island for a small kitchen.

• The Size of the Kitchen Island: The smallest kitchen island should ideally be 4'-0" x 2'-0" - 2'-6". Then, you need at least 3'-0" of space around each side of the island so that you are not interrupted and can easily move around.
• The Size of the Kitchen: With these dimensions, your kitchen should be at least 8'-0" x 12'-0" so that you can accommodate the island. If it is smaller, you can consider using a portable kitchen island, that can be kept aside when not in use. Just remember that the island should be in proportion to your kitchen.
• Function of the Kitchen Island: You now need to decide the function of the island so that you can design it accordingly. Are you going to use it for storage? Do you want to place your hob on it? Do you just want an additional work space? Or do you also want to use it as a breakfast counter? Based on these requirements you will decide what the appropriate size of the kitchen island will be. These considerations will matter greatly because if you want it just for storage, the aforementioned 4'-0" x 2'-0" dimensions will be just fine. If you want a breakfast bar, then the size counter top should at least measure 4'-0" x 2'-6" while the base can be of 4'-0" x 2'-0". The additional six inch extension is for the leg space required when sitting around the counter. These dimensions are also applicable if you want to use it to place your hob.

If you can factor for all these requirements, you can easily fit in the kitchen island in your small kitchen.

Design Ideas for Kitchen Islands

If you think that you cannot come up with some good kitchen island designs because your kitchen is small, you are mistaken. Irrespective of its size, a kitchen island is capable of being functional as well as beautiful in the kitchen. Here's a look into some interesting ideas you can apply.

• Configure the Storage: If you are using the island for storage, what do you think you want to keep there? Use it for your crockery and cutlery so that you can do your plate settings on the countertop. If you have placed your hob on the counter, then use the base for your pots and pans, plates and silverware. Use the base for storage based on the function of the island. Based on what you will keep there, you can decide on the number of drawers or cabinets you will require.
• Focus on the Exterior: Because the kitchen is small and so is the kitchen island, focus on the design so that it doesn't make the kitchen look too small. If you have cabinets below the island, try and have the cabinet doors made of glass. These provide a more open feeling to the kitchen. You can have the island flowing with the same color combination as the rest of the kitchen, or you can color it differently for the necessary pop of color! All in all, the colors shouldn't be too dark. The material of the countertop is also important. Wood or granite? What are you more comfortable with? Ideally, granite is more resilient though wood adds a more rustic texture to the kitchen. Granite is also available in lighter shades so that your kitchen doesn't look very dark.
• Shape of the Kitchen Island: Now because your kitchen is small, the ideal shape is rectangular as it easily fits into a small kitchen. If you have an open kitchen that can allow you to overlook your dining area, you are free to experiment with shapes such as a circular or square kitchen island. Some people have also tried the hexagonal island, but it is a little too elaborate for a small kitchen.
• The Portable Kitchen Island: One of the best ideas that you can use for a small kitchen is the portable kitchen island. Think of a table with just a shelf below that you can use for storage. You don't have to have cabinets or anything of the sort. It could be a wooden table or one made of stainless steel for a modern touch. If possible, add wheels to it to move it in and out of the kitchen whenever required. This could turn out to be one of the best kitchen island ideas you could implement in your small kitchen. On the other hand, simply place a beautiful table in the center of your kitchen that will function as an island as well as a dining space!
• Consider a Peninsula: Instead of an island that is a free standing element, consider a peninsula that is attached to one wall and is open from three other sides. It is as functional as an island and is in fact a great space saver in the small kitchen. You can then apply the aforementioned design ideas to this peninsula too.

These designs can be further enhanced by using interesting stools or chairs for the breakfast bar and unique hanging lamps above the countertop. You can even have your pots and pans hanging from a rack above the counter if you have your hob on the island. Get creative and make the most of your small kitchen by adding a beautiful island to serve all your needs in there.