For those at the initial stages of kitchen design, the following apps provide excellent starting points for visualizing layouts and experimenting with styles in a 3D format.

IKEA Kitchen Planer

In 2025, IKEA enhanced its Kitchen Planer, offering a refreshed 3D experience accessible in over 17 countries. The process begins with selecting a kitchen layout and configuration. From there, you can drag and drop IKEA cabinets, fixtures, and appliances into your space while viewing pricing changes in real-time. This feature is especially beneficial for those committed to purchasing IKEA products.

However, be aware that the scope is limited to IKEA’s offerings, meaning that custom measurements or products from other brands cannot be integrated. For customers dedicated to an IKEA kitchen, this tool is ideal for planning; those considering bespoke options may want to utilize it only for brainstorming.

Price: Free Best for: Homeowners planning an IKEA kitchen Limitation: Only IKEA products, no custom sizes

Planer 5D

Planer 5D has emerged as a popular general-purpose home design app, particularly favored for mobile use. It enables users to toggle between 2D floor plans and 3D views with just a tap. Augmented reality capabilities allow for virtual placements of furniture within actual rooms using your smartphone camera. The free version includes access to over 3,000 design items.

Despite its versatility, Planer 5D is more suited for an overall view of your home rather than specifically for kitchen layouts, which may limit options for precise measurements and configurations.

Price: Free tier; paid plans available Best for: Quick mobile visualization and AR walkthroughs Limitation: General design tool, not kitchen-specific

Sweet Home 3D

This free, open-source tool offers users the ability to plan room layouts while providing simultaneous 3D renderings alongside a 2D view. Sweet Home 3D is available in 25 languages and requires no account to use, making it particularly accessible.

Although the furniture and materials library may not be as extensive as commercial options, it serves well for DIY enthusiasts looking to visualize component placements without incurring costs.

Price: Free, open source Best for: Basic room layout and spatial planning Limitation: Limited furniture options, basic rendering quality

If you have moved past initial ideas and require precise measurements, better rendering, or the capability to explore multiple design iterations, the following tools can provide the necessary control.

SketchUp for Web

SketchUp serves as a comprehensive 3D modeling platform, going beyond simple kitchen planning. The free version available online offers core modeling tools, access to community-generated 3D models, and 10 GB of cloud storage. For those who need more advanced functionalities, paid plans range from $129 to $399 per year, providing additional tools and compatibility for professional workflows.

The learning curve for SketchUp is notably steep; mastering the modeling processes may take time and effort but rewards diligent users with extensive design precision. It is an excellent option for anyone devoted to exploring complex layouts.

Price: Free (web, personal use); Go $129/yr; Pro $399/yr Best for: Detail-oriented users preferring full modeling capabilities Limitation: Steep learning curve, not kitchen-specific

Homestyler

Homestyler excels at rendering interiors, enabling users to select from a vast catalog of furnishings and materials. Its free tier allows for project creation and saving with basic rendering capabilities. Premium versions enhance output quality and design options.

However, similar to many general tools, it is not fine-tuned specifically for kitchen design, which can lead to a somewhat cluttered interface as you navigate through options.

Price: Free basic; paid plans from $238 to $478/yr Best for: Whole-room 3D rendering across interconnected spaces Limitation: General-purpose, potentially complex to navigate

Targeted toward home builders, remodelers, and interior designers, Cedreo delivers professional-quality photorealistic renderings that assist in closing client deals. It generates 3D floor plans and high-quality renderings quickly, with access to a library of over 7,000 customizable products.

While the free version allows for one project and up to 20 renderings, the Pro subscription costs $119 per month. This investment is often justifiable for professionals regularly producing presentations, but can be less appealing for homeowners focused on a single kitchen renovation.

Price: Free (1 project, 20 renderings); Pro $119/mo Best for: Professional designers and remodelers Limitation: Costs reflect professional-level tools

While most kitchen design applications excel at providing visualizations, very few integrate actual cost data into the design process. DodiHome stands out by offering precise pricing for custom cabinets while you design.

Starting with a series of questions regarding your kitchen’s dimensions, layout, and appliances, DodiHome creates a 3D rendering showing exactly how custom cabinets will fit. As you modify materials or dimensions, pricing updates dynamically and reflects true custom pricing, not rough estimates.

This app is completely free to use and operates within any modern web browser. Notably, it connects the design process directly to manufacturing, ensuring that the cabinetry visualized is indeed what will be built, currently available for homeowners in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Price: Free Best for: Bay Area homeowners seeking custom cabinets with actual pricing What sets it apart: Real-time pricing for custom cabinetry, not stock estimates

The ideal app for you depends on your current stage in the design process. Here’s a simple framework to guide your selection:

If you’re just exploring ideas — begin with the IKEA Kitchen Planer or Planer 5D. Both options are free, easy to use, and allow for creative layout exploration.

If you’re measuring space and testing layouts — Sweet Home 3D or Homestyler offer the flexibility to work with real room dimensions. For those comfortable with 3D modeling, SketchUp provides maximum control and detail.

If you’re a professional developing client presentations — Cedreo is tailored for you with advanced rendering and collaboration features built for closing deals.

If you’re ready to design and price custom cabinets — DodiHome’s design app uniquely provides those capabilities in real-time, allowing you to see precise costs as you create. Their team assists with the transition from design to manufacturing, making the process seamless.

Ultimately, remember that these tools are not necessarily exclusive of one another. Many homeowners choose to start with basic apps like IKEA’s Planer or Planer 5D before advancing to more detailed options for materials and pricing when getting serious about their projects.

Begin designing your kitchen today. Experience real-time pricing on custom cabinets and take the first step toward bringing your vision to life.