Having some experience with AutoCad, I eagerly installed Instant Kitchen Design on my computer. The install went flawlessly with no hang-ups along the way. Direct X 8.1 is required for viewing in 3D and in included on the CD. Also included is a 30day release of Design Cad. (More about that later)

I was expecting to have to learn about drawing single and double walls, making corners intersect accurately, and all those skills needed in most drafting programs. This program makes it simple. All you do is type in the length, width, and height of your kitchen and it does the rest. There are choices of painted or papered walls and ceilings, different flooring materials. Also you will find many different colors and textures. (Although it seems the absolute correct one is never there for my wife.)

Cabinets are available from drop down menus, as well as pictures at the bottom of the screen. There are single cabinets with preset sizes, or you can type in changes to the actual size of the cabinet. There are also groups of cabinets that will fit the wall of your kitchen. We found the program included all appliances we wanted to insert, except for a washing machine. Once you place appliances, wall and base cabinets on the walls, it takes only one click of the 3D button to render your kitchen in color 3D. The kitchen can then be rotated, or you can move your viewing point up or down, and right or left.

On the down side, we found that only minimal styles of cabinets, windows, and doors are available. We also were concerned when the side-by-side refrigerator we specified shows as a standard upper and lower door style on the floor plan. Well, just wait until you see the 3D view. Then you see the exact color version of the appliance.

Dimensions and text were easy, and you can view your room with the lights on or off, plus the amount of light can be changed. To sum up, it is easy to learn and use, works quickly, and you do not need any drafting experience. It is simple to make more than one design quickly allowing (my wife) more options. This program certainly has allowed us to experiment with different designs quickly and easily. Now, if it would only build the kitchen as quickly as it designs it.

Design Cad seems to function much as most CAD programs. It seems versatile, and easy to learn. I think I will recommend it to a friend who teaches Drafting in a High School.

Instant Kitchen Design by UpperSpace sells for $29.95 but is frequently discounted at local stores.