Kitchen Clarity Adventures in Kitchen and Bath Design

Susan Serra, at the Kitchen Designer, shared a post about kitchen design software this weekend. She didn’t say which industry approved package she has used up until now, but I think I can guess. I was happy to read that Susan really likes AutoKitchen, I’ve used it quite a lot and I’d love to see it getting wider acceptance. Not only the 3D models but also the plans and elevations you can produce in it seem far superior to that other commonly used package. Anyway, while Susan has fun playing with the software, I thought I’d share a few of my AutoKitchen experiences.

I always liked the other-worldly serenity of this photo realistic rendering. It is still incomplete – no back splash, no counter edge detail, no light fixtures, missing pulls, and the glass canopy of that hood is just too transparent – you can add stools, pots, pans, vases, etc., more and more detail – but  I drew this to help a client get a feeling for her new kitchen layout. We designers  can easily visualize a complete space from 2D plans and elevations, but it is not always so easy for the homeowner, who may do a major remodel only once in their lives.

The photo realistic renderings allow you to produce snapshots of the design from different angles – the computation can take some time, depending on your computer processor. But with what I’ll call the “regular” rendering, you can fly through and orbit around the space in real time, to your heart’s delight. It’s a wonderful tool, and quite addictive!

Here’s a shot,  from as near as I have to the same spot, of that same kitchen in progress – after a few changes. (Note to self – having a ceiling does make quite a difference).

Here’s another kitchen where AutoKitchen was invaluable in helping the clients to “see” the alternatives for changes to their ceiling, and to experiment with different materials and styles.

While my inner luddite still enjoys a quick pen and ink sketch to visualize an elevation

and my ideal rendering package would output instant watercolors in the style of artists from the past – for instance J.M. Gandy of Regency London

for day to day design work I’ve found AutoKitchen to be invaluable. And no, I’ve received no incentive from the company, not even a free trial version. I think it’s a great package, and I just wanted to share.

Related Posts:

• Wednesday Windows
• Kitchen Design – Asymmetrical Balance
• Unfortunate fenestration
• Simple Symmetry – we’re wired for it
• Kitchen design – what is minimalism, exactly?