I got several designs and quotes from other kitchen companys. It was then really easy to rplicate their designs and get a like for like quote with Ikea Home Planner. That said, I haven't yet ordered my kitchen and I'm not totally convinced I haven't missed some kind of finishing end piece etc off my order. If I do go ahead with Ikea then there is a design fee of £80 (refundable if I then purchase) but at least they will make sure I have bought every thing I need.

I have used the IKEA Home Planner a few times now to put down some Interior Design ideas I had. I like the fact that there is a wide variety of items ready to just be dropped down and put on within a space. I also like the fact that you can adjust and change things at the click of a mouse. The 3D engine is what is really cool. You can get a real feel for how your kitchen (or other room) will start to look. The addition of dining furniture etc. is very handy too. Although I didn't use this facility there is the option of pricing everything and sending it through to IKEA for ordering, sounds very handy. Lastly just remember that you can use this tool to design something and get the feel for something without using IKEA merchandise. As said before, the tool enables you to get the feel for a space using the 3D engine, so details of cabinets and furniture are not the main part of it all.