How to Design Your Own Kitchen Cabinets Online

Cabinets can change the look of your kitchen.

Kitchens are used for more than cooking: Many families socialize and entertain in the kitchen, gathering there whether or not there is food involved. Choosing the right cabinets for this heavily used room is important. Your cabinets can make or break the functionality and feel of your kitchen. While some people purchase stock cabinets from a local warehouse store, designing your own cabinets and configuring them to fit your specific space is the ideal way to ensure that you will truly love them for many years to come.

Instructions

1. Look online for photos of kitchen layouts and cabinets. Make note of the elements you particularly appreciate in kitchen design, along with the features of cabinets that you most dislike.

2. Choose the cabinet finish that would best accent your kitchen, keeping in mind that cabinets can be wood, metal or composite. The paint color, flooring and fixture choices in your kitchen can help to inform your choice.

3. Sign up to use an online kitchen design planner such as those offered by IKEA, Merrilat and Bob Vila. You may need to register or download software to gain full access.

4. Sign into the kitchen design program you have chosen to work with. Enter your room measurements in the spaces provided. Your software will give you cabinets and materials to choose from in designing your cabinets.

5. Choose the cabinet material and configuration you like best for your kitchen. Ensure that you have a convenient work triangle somewhere in your kitchen to make meal preparation a breeze. If you have a large space, consider an island or even a breakfast bar in your cabinet configuration.

6. Decide on the finishing elements to your cabinets, such as the handle pulls. Keep the pulls consistent with the other accent pieces in your kitchen. If your light fixtures and light switch plates are all copper, you might consider copper handles for your cabinets. On the other hand, artistic handles that differ from the other elements in your room can add a lift to an otherwise drab space.

7. Print your completed kitchen design and contact the manufacturer about ordering your cabinets. Many manufacturers will take a few weeks or even a couple of months to make your cabinets. Wait time could be influenced by whether your cabinets are made by hand or in a larger factory, along with the amount of work involved in installation.

References

• IKEA: Kitchen Planner
• Merillat: 3D Kitchen Design Planner
• Bob Vila: Home Renovation Software