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3D Kitchen 
by Wil Foster

[3d Kitchen box] 3D Kitchen by Books That Work is a complex, yet easy to use software package designed to help you not only design a dream kitchen, but also walk thru it. Although built to run under Windows 95, it also has options on the installation so you can run it using Windows 3.1 by using Microsoft's Video for Windows, WinG, and Win32 files (furnished with the software) to allow 32 bit operations under Windows 3.1. WinG permits fast 3D graphics under Windows 3.1.

Installation

The software requires 486 or higher processor, Windows 3.1 or Windows 95, 4mb RAM (8+ recommended), 5mb of free hard disk space, VGA graphics (256 colors or higher), and a CD-ROM drive.

 The installation readme file is straight forward and easy to follow, as is the actual installation (which is accompanied with guitar music to entertain you during the process). As it says in the readme file: "We strongly recommend you use 256 (8 bit) color" ( ... to make the program run faster/ look better / use less memory) and "in general the more physical memory (RAM) you have, the better 3DK will perform." One interesting part of the installation is how the program takes a moment (about 1-2 minutes) to analyze your system in order to get the most optimum performance from your video card and monitor.

 The 3DK also includes sample elaborate kitchen designs, as well as samples (demo's) of their other products (which can be installed separately).

How Does It Work?

3D Kitchen starts with suggested layouts for your kitchen or allows you to pick just a blank square with doors or windows to use as a starting point. Upon opening the first view, you see a flat layout (like a blue print) with Designer tool bars above and on the left side of the layout. You get everything from different items to put into the kitchen (more than 500 cabinetry, countertops, appliances, fixtures) , to numerous color and material choices for the floor, wallpaper, paint, trim, and even doors and windows.

 You can not only pick the type of window you want, and drag and drop it into location, but you can also change the type of wood it is made of, or the color, and / or even change the scenery outside your kitchen window. Everything is an object, so if you want to choose a color of tiles for the back splash between the stove and vent hood, you can pick from drop-down menu options or just click on the wall and tell the program what you want. Also, the program has hypertexted entries throughout, where you can click on highlighted words like demo and quickly kick off a multimedia presentation, go to that subject area, or get help.

 Unlike some CAD programs I had seen, this one quickly incorporated color and design changes and was ready for you to walk around to inspect the changes. It also adds sound to your design efforts, so you hear a popping sound when you remove a window or door from a wall, - - or another sound when you install a window. As you move your mouse and use arrow keys to walk around, you also hear yourself walking.

 To see your kitchen and changes made in 3D, just click on the 3D button on the Design Tool Bar or click inside the 3D View window. You can now see everything in 3D and move around the room, or you just grab the camera and move it to change the picture's angle.

 Besides being easy to install and use, 3D Kitchen is rich in features. It allows you to easily move objects, change their texture, spin them, change viewing angles, change lighting, and also links your choices of materials and colors with prices to help you estimate total costs for your kitchen. At the end of your designing, you can automatically generate a shopping list complete with prices.

 The help features include multimedia demonstrations, animations, sound, and photos to assist you. While reviewing guides (such as the Appliances showroom), you can select a topic like "stoves", then just click on the model you want and tell the program to add it to your kitchen design. (Then drag & drop it into the desired location). It also has advice, tips, answers, and secrets from National Kitchen and Bath Association's - certified designers.

Minor Negatives

Occasionally while walking around the room you might loose the `texture or look' for part of the floor or one area of the picture, (but when you realize all the changes the program is making so you can smoothly walk around the room, it's minor). I would, however, like it to incorporate a way to screen capture / allow you to save designs in other than 3D's proprietary file format or print on your color printer `the picture' of your kitchen (and not just a blueprint - - which is all a contractor will need). But for only $54.95 (list price), this is an easy to recommend program.

More Information

Books That Work also offers a web site: http://www.btw.com where you can find not only their products, but also links to other related sites like Popular Mechanics (with new car and truck surveys and manufacturer `incentive' programs), Home Automation Systems, and a Garden Encyclopedia (where you will find an easy to use search engine to answer your gardening and landscape questions).

 Books That Work products include: 3D Kitchen, Popular Mechanics Car Guide, Garden Encyclopedia, 3D Landscape, 3D deck, Home Repair Encyclopedia, Get Wired!, and the Home Buyers Guide. The 3D programs list for $54.95 and the others for $34.95, and are available directly from Books That Work or from numerous resellers.