When planning for a completely new kitchen refit, there are so many ways of researching different designs, materials and styles. From picking up a handful of the latest interior magazines from WHSmith to calling into your local independent kitchen showroom for a brochure; not to mention the reams of advice and inspiration online, which puts the global world of kitchen design at your fingertips.
Taking your time to explore different looks and themes is all part of the fun and it’s a great way of honing in on any elements that you really love. But did you know that you can now play a more interactive role, thanks to the latest in kitchen design software. To use these high-tech tools, you don’t need any training or former experience. Simply log on or download the app and click away – it couldn’t be simpler and is the perfect way to get into the details of what does and doesn’t work for you.
Use Caesarstone’s handy online Visualiser Tool to try out different surface looks
The Visualise
Design studios often use comprehensive kitchen design software such as ArtiCAD and this is a great way of seeing your proposed kitchen design in 3D colour prior to making any final decision. Now you can be your own creative designer thanks to a variety of user-friendly kitchen design software that makes it easy for you to use at home or on the go.
Caesarstone for instance has the visualiser. A simple simulator tool, it allows you to have fun playing around with Caesarstone surfaces for kitchen worktops, islands, splashbacks, wall cladding and flooring as well as bathroom vanity units and surfaces. Whether you crave the contemporary look or you’d like to tackle something more traditional, there are so many colours and finishes to try out. Choose from four room schemes – Classic Kitchen, Modern Kitchen, Bathroom and Industrial Space – and click on the various surfaces to try out different looks. Once you’ve finished, simply save your project for future reference or share it online with others. It’s a fantastic way of dipping your toe into the design world and allows you to select your favourite surfaces prior to visiting a design showroom.
Play with classic and contemporary looks with Caesarstone's Visualizer tool
Interactive inspiration
Caesarstone surfaces can also be used for flooring but if you’re interested to see how a tile would look underfoot, head to Tile Giant’s iDesign Tile Visualiser or the Room Visualiser from Topps Tiles. Sheraton Kitchens has a great Kitchen Visualiser, which can be downloaded as an iPad app. Experiment with different cabinetry designs and create your perfect colour combination using the wide range of painted kitchens available. Crown Imperial also has an online Colour Explorer and Colour Fusions Explorer. Other options include Houzz with more than five million interiors images that you can browse according to room, style and location. Save your favourites and show them to your kitchen designer for real-life inspiration; it’s a great way to engage with your designer and clearly demonstrate the sort of look you’re after.
Wonder walls
For wall colours in every shade and tone you can imagine, check out the Dulux Visualizer App, which is available as a free download for iPhones and Android devices. See how next year’s Colour of the Year 2018, Heart Wood, would look in your own home. It’s a shade that works wonderfully with inky blues and charcoals and would look stunning in an open-plan kitchen-dining scheme. Just point your camera phone at the wall in question and you’ll instantly be able to see how it looks in different colours.
Final flourish
To fill your kitchen with lots of lovely accessories and finishing touches, download to the Homestyler app for iOS devices. This handy app allows you to view all manner of furniture and décor products in your own home before you buy.
