How to Design an Ikea Kitchen Long Distance

Launch one of the Web browsers supported by Ikea's Kitchen Planner software programs. For Windows, these are Internet Explorer 6.0 or higher and Firefox 3.5.7. The Ikea website specifies that you'll need one of these browsers specifically to run Kitchen Planner. Type "ikea.com" into your URL window and press "Enter" on your keyboard. Select "United States" from the list of countries. From the "All Departments" drop-down menu on the page, select "Kitchen," then the link halfway down the page that says "Click here for the Kitchen Planner."

Scroll down to the bottom of the page to read the system requirements to ensure you can run Ikea's "Kitchen Planner." If running a Windows-based computer, you'll need Windows XP SP2 or higher. You'll need at least 1 GB of processing speed, a 32 MB graphic card, a display resolution of 1,024 by 768 and a broadband connection. On a Mac, you'll need the MacOSX 10.5.8 or higher operating system and either Firefox 3.5.7 or Safari 5.0.3 or higher browser.

Download the required plug-in if prompted. A page for downloading the plug-in you need (if you need it) will pop up when you access the Ikea Home Planner. Follow the onscreen instructions to download the plug-in and mount the image. Restart your browser and access the link from Step 1. If your computer meets all the minimum operating requirements and you're not prompted to install a plug-in, simply scroll back up to the "Kitchen Planner" section of the page.

Click on "User Guide." A new window will open. The guide will help you get acquainted with the kitchen planning tool and how to make the best use of it. The tool allows you to use the dimensions of your own kitchen to create a virtual kitchen using Ikea products. That allows you to experiment with different cabinets and configurations. Close that window when you're done.

Select "Start Now" on the previous window. Read the Software License Agreement and check the box next to "I have read and agree to the license agreement." Click "Install Player." Follow the onscreen prompts to install the "Kitchen Planner" program on your computer, and press "Continue" when done installing it.

Input the measurements of your kitchen, then use the program to create your dream kitchen by dragging and dropping your choice of pieces into the space on your computer screen and seeing how it looks in 3D. Once you're happy with the room you've designed, print it out, along with a list of all the components and their prices. You can also save it to the Ikea server so you can pick up all the pieces at your nearest Ikea store.