I saw a sketch someone from one of these fora did with it and tracked it down. I usually use CorelDraw, but loved the ability to rotate in all dimensions and place the view point. I've only experimented with it a bit, but it's very easy to use with good tutorials, and while there are some tools I really miss, they're more than made up for by the application specific materials available (e.g., glass/sky fill for windows). It isn't as precise, but for designing a space to be moved through, like a kitchen, it's wonderful to be able to that easily produce variable elevations (for free!).

I agree with Norwega: Give it a try!

I used it, and it was really helpful. I posted a few "still shots" here looking for some advice, and I think it helped people to visualize my questions. I agree that it is easy to use, but the learning curve was a little steep at first. I'm NOT good with computers, and get frustrated really easily with things like photoshop......I basically quit and walk away. But I managed google SketchUp!

Wow, I work with computers and was really annoyed with it when I tried Google Sketch Up. I wish there was an IKEA type tool that had the basic sized cabinets already drawn so we can just drop them into the design.

I went back to graph paper. IKEA didn't work for me because all the sizes were off. Is there anything else that is better...cheap or free? How did you "create" your cabinets, drawers, etc in Google Sketchup?

I didnt care for it because it doesnt have A library of things like appliances etc. You have to draw them from scratch. I like smart draw. Only prob is its not free.

Cyn,

I did the Smart Draw trial and had trouble getting accurate measurements and alignments. Is there a trick to it?

JC

you have to use the measurements at the bottom of the screen. make sure you take note of the size of the template you are using and stretch it to that size.It's tricky but I find the convience of the library valuable.

I found a shovelware program in the sale bin at Best Buy a couple of years ago "Sierra Custom Home 3d". It's an older program, but the graphics are decent and it has been ideal for my needs. You get "layout" and "decor" modes, you can import custom textures, images and even (I believe) get it to scan from blueprints (never tried it so can't comment), the 3d is surprisingly accurate vis-a-vis real life and VERY helpful, and the library of cabinets, furnishings, textures etc is ample for the basics. Relatively user-friendly if you're used to things like MS Draw and (imo) easier to use than a higher-end CAD program intended for "real" designers.

Not sure if you can still get it, but if you can (maybe downloadable as freeware/shareware/cheapware somewhere?), it's cheap and pretty good. And mostly stable.

Mine came with the Deck Designer and Custom Landsape and cost $9.99 for the bundle about 2 years ago.

Thanks, Cyn. I'll try that. I have a couple days left on my trial.

Re Google Sketchup: I've just begun using it. There are some appliances and such like available. You can also pull them out of other kitchens people have uploaded. Not 100% conventient but not dire either. Also, it's really easy to make something that's pretty much box shaped.

Here's a picture of my first model, of the 30" Sharp Microwave Drawer. First I saved the image from the web and cropped it to just the drawer using PaintShopPro (any image software will work). Then I drew a box the right size in sketchup, using lines and the Entity Info tool to get the size right. I'm still learning and I accidentally cut the back open, but that doesn't really matter.

Last step, import the picture as a texture and fit it to the face of the box. It doesn't have the slight protrusion of the handle, but then even though I'm doing this to scale, it's not plan perfect, so it doesn't matter. The strengths of this program, once one really absorbs how to make boxes, make up for it.

[IMG]http://i95.photobucket.com/albums/l134/rummylands/30inchSharpMicroDrawerMODEL.jpg[/IMG]

Does anyone know if you can make operable hinges? :D

Ooops! I think I was supposed to use HTML, not BB code. Let's try that again:

I've been doing the same thing as plllog: grabbed the image of an appliance off the manufacturer's website, built a simple geometrical representation of the item and used the image as a texture:

Does anyone use Better Homes and Gardens Interior Designer 7.0? It cost $50 on amazon with free shipping. I tried the Sketchup, but was annoyed with have to "create" everything from scratch. Maybe I'll try it again using the tutorial. I tried to find that Sierra software, but can't find it at a good price.
I just wanted to do a quick kitchen layout since my custom cabinet maker just hand drew a sketch and I wanted to visualize it in 3-D.

Here is a link that might be useful: BH&G Interior Designer