How to Plan Your Perfect Kitchen Using a Kitchen Planner

A well-designed kitchen needs more than a few good cabinets. It needs space that works. Whether you’re starting from scratch or replacing a tired layout, using a kitchen planner helps you build something practical and personal.

This guide breaks down the steps to plan your new kitchen using digital tools, with tips on layout, storage, design choices, and more.

Outline

1. What is a kitchen planner and what does it do?

2. How do you use a free online kitchen planner?

3. Do you need an appointment or can you plan your kitchen yourself?

4. What kind of kitchen layout works best?

5. How do you find a kitchen style that fits your home?

6. What’s the best way to plan kitchen storage?

7. When should you book a design appointment?

8. What are the benefits of 3D kitchen design tools?

9. How do you take accurate measurements for your kitchen?

10. How important are handles, lighting and finish choices?

11. What help can a kitchen designer offer?

12. What happens after your kitchen plan is finished?

13. Why plan your kitchen online?

14. Can you edit your kitchen design after it’s saved?

15. Final thoughts and checklist

1. What is a kitchen planner and what does it do?

A kitchen planner is a tool that helps you design your kitchen layout before ordering anything. It lets you place cabinets, set dimensions, and preview your space. Some are simple drawing tools. Others offer 3D views, design software, and built-in pricing.

With a planner, you can:

• Try different layouts

• Test cabinet positions

• See how the kitchen fits your space

• Plan storage around your needs

It gives you time to make decisions without any pressure or guesswork.

2. How do you use a free online kitchen planner?

A free online kitchen planner lets you create a kitchen layout from home using a browser-based design tool. It’s simple to use and doesn’t require software.

At Better Kitchens, our free online kitchen planner offers:

• 2D and 3D layout views

• Drag-and-drop cabinet and appliance placement

• Real-time visual updates

• Save and return functionality

You can start a plan without booking anything. It makes it easy to test ideas, get a feel for your space, and visualise your dream kitchen step by step.

3. Do you need an appointment or can you plan your kitchen yourself?

You can plan a full kitchen yourself using the online tools provided. Many customers design their kitchen online and only book a design appointment if they need a second opinion.

Here’s when a design appointment helps:

• Unusual room shapes

• Limited space

• Help with cabinet selections

• Matching colours or finishes

Our team is available for virtual or in-store consultations. Appointments are free, and you can book an appointment with one of our kitchen designers at any time during the process.

4. What kind of kitchen layout works best?

The best layout depends on your room shape and how you use the kitchen.

Common kitchen layouts include:

• L-shaped

• U-shaped

• Galley kitchens

• Island and peninsula setups

A good layout allows you to move easily between preparation, cooking, and cleaning areas. Use the planner to map out your floor and experiment with positioning.

If you're unsure, stick to the basics: keep the sink, hob, and fridge within reach of each other and avoid blocking paths with appliances or doors.

5. How do you find a kitchen style that fits your home?

Your kitchen style will shape the look and feel of the entire space. But it also influences layout, lighting, and how you use it day to day.

Popular choices:

• Handleless kitchens for a modern look

• Shaker-style for something more traditional

• Matt or painted finishes to soften light

• Gloss for smaller spaces that need brightness

Use the kitchen style finder on our website to browse options, compare prices, and find what matches your taste and floor plan.

6. What’s the best way to plan kitchen storage?

Good storage stops your kitchen from feeling cramped. It's also key to making it work in practice.

Use your kitchen planner to:

• Add tall cabinets for food or cleaning supplies

• Test pull-out drawers for easy access

• Maximise corners and wall space

• Plan for integrated bins and recycling

Storage solutions can be built into your layout. Make sure to balance open areas with storage so your kitchen feels open but still functional.

7. When should you book a design appointment?

You don’t need to book one straight away, but here are some signs it’s worth it:

• Your room measurements are tricky

• You’re not sure what works with your current layout

• You’ve created a plan but want expert input

• You’re thinking of combining fitted and freestanding units

Our team can check your kitchen plan, offer adjustments, and suggest alternative units. Design appointments are free and can be done virtually or in person.

8. What are the benefits of 3D kitchen design tools?

A 3D design helps you see the finished kitchen before anything is ordered. It’s useful for judging spacing, visualising lighting, and getting a realistic idea of how it will look.

With our 3D kitchen design tool, you can:

• Rotate and zoom around the layout

• Preview cabinet colours and finishes

• See the flow between areas of the kitchen

• Test out different lighting placements

You can also switch between 2D and 3D views while editing, helping you fine-tune details at every step.

9. How do you take accurate measurements for your kitchen?

Measurements are critical to avoid mistakes during installation.

Here’s what to do:

1. Measure each wall corner to corner

2. Record ceiling height

3. Mark windows, doors, and radiators

4. Note any fixed items like boilers or soil pipes

5. Sketch the floor plan with dimensions

If you're unsure, we can arrange a home survey or provide templates to help you measure yourself.

10. How important are handles, lighting and finish choices?

Once your layout is set, these are the final pieces that make the space yours.

Think about:

• Lighting: Combine task and ambient lighting. Under-cabinet lighting adds functionality.

• Handles: Bar, knob, or push-to-open – or go handleless for a clean look.

• Finish: Painted, gloss, woodgrain or matt. Each finish will affect colour tone and light.

Use the kitchen visualiser to preview combinations and see how colours and materials interact with your cabinet selections.

11. What help can a kitchen designer offer?

A kitchen designer can help you:

• Spot layout issues

• Improve storage planning

• Suggest finishes or appliances

• Check installation fit and spacing

They’ll take your existing kitchen plan and work with you to fine-tune it. The process is collaborative and includes expert guidance without any pressure to buy.

You can choose a virtual appointment, in-store visit, or phone consultation depending on what works for you.

12. What happens after your kitchen plan is finished?

Once your plan is finalised, you’ll receive:

• A full itemised quote including VAT

• A list of all cabinets, worktops, and appliances

• A delivery schedule from your nearest depot

You’ll have the option to make changes before confirming. Nothing goes into production until you’re happy.

13. Why plan your kitchen online?

Planning online offers flexibility. You can take your time, try ideas, and work around your own schedule.

Benefits include:

• No need to travel to a showroom

• Quick and easy updates to your plan

• Save progress and edit any time

• Visualise your kitchen as you go

• Access to all styles and prices in one place

It’s also ideal if you want to avoid showroom sales tactics and plan your kitchen at your own pace.

14. Can you edit your kitchen design after it’s saved?

Yes. You can return to your saved kitchen plan at any time and:

• Change the layout

• Update floor measurements

• Try different cabinet finishes

• Add or remove accessories

• Re-position appliances

The planner is designed to be flexible. Whether you want to experiment with different units or completely rework your design, it's all editable.

15. Summary & checklist

Designing a kitchen is easier when you break it into steps. With the right tools, you can build something that’s both practical and personal – without setting foot in a showroom.

Here’s a quick recap:

• Use our free online kitchen planner to start your design

• Measure accurately or request a home survey

• Try different layouts until one fits

• Explore kitchen styles using the kitchen style finder

• Add realistic storage solutions

• Preview in 3D using our kitchen design tool

• Book a design appointment for a second opinion

• Refine details like finish, lighting and handles

• Edit your plan as needed before placing an order

• Build a kitchen that suits your space and your life

Start now with our free kitchen planner, or book a consultation if you’d like help bringing your vision to life.

Your Questions Answered: Online Kitchen Planning Tools

We know that the world of online kitchen planning can be a bit daunting, especially if you're new to it. That's why we've compiled a list of the most frequently asked questions to help you get started.