Layout software

mto

Is there any free software or utilities that can help you design the layout of rooms such as kitchens and bathrooms.

I've had a quick go with Google Sketch up but have found it a bit complicated for my needs. I just want a 2D plan where I can put in the room dimensions, where the doors and windows are, and then add units, furniture etc to scale.

thanks
mto

Myser

Ikea have a free 3D kitchen planner:

http://www.ikea.com/ms/en_GB/rooms_ideas/kitchen_howto/EU/plan_your_kitchen_in_3d.html

malc_b

Best I've found is Sweet Home 3D. You can also use google sketch up models in this too. The instructions are on the site but basically you need to install sketch up first, then download the model from Google's warehouse, open in sketch up then save as Collada format (unless in the warehouse the model is also available as Collada format of course, some are).

In Sweet Home 3D you draw the room as plan and position furniture etc. on the plan. You then edit the furniture to set the height. It gets a bit tricky where you have a lot of things on top of one another so I now always give stuff sensible names so I can find on the list window and also group stuff (e.g. if I have made a table out basic boxes).

Biggles

http://www.roomarranger.com/

Free for 30 days, but seems fairly easy to continue occasional use after that.

drusilla

B and Q have an online planner, as do Magnet. I think that the B and Q has bedrooms as well.

I am a bit of a saddo. I like to make my dream kitchen plan.