Bunnings launches 3D Kitchen Planner for home renovations

Bunnings has launched an online 3D Kitchen Planner website, which can be used to experiment with different layouts and finishes, mix and match cabinets, benchtops and doors.

Andrew Op de Coul, Bunnings national kitchen and appliance buyer, says the 3D Kitchen Planner allows Australians to visualise each element of the room to create or update a kitchen.

“The planner can be used to design each part of the room, including the shape and size, type of products and colour and materials used. Kitchen designs can be saved for future use and even shared with other users,” he said.

“The Kitchen Planner provides customers the opportunity to pre-plan their perfect kitchen from the comfort of their own home, allowing them to visit the store with a specific design in mind.”

The Virtual Planner uses the Kaboodle Kitchen range, available at Bunnings Warehouse. The Kaboodle system is based on providing choice, with an array of options that can be tailored to suit individual needs, budgets and homes.

Using the Kitchen Planner is an eight step process beginning with determining the layout based on measurements, position of doors and windows, plumbing, gas, electrical, ventilation, heating, obstacles (e.g. bulkheads or columns) and stairs.

Users can then select cabinetry, accessories (like handles and hinges) and finishes for doors,  panels and benchtops.

When it comes to appliances, users can leave space for existing appliances or choose from Bunnings’ offerings.

There are options for decorating the room and lighting. The final step produces a shopping list for users to take in store.

The launch of this site demonstrates the growing opportunity for retailers to play a role in design and installation of appliances to add further value to their services and diversify revenue streams.

Fisher & Paykel have also recently launched the Kitchen Tools website, a source of visual inspiration with helpful drawings and product specifications. Originally designed for architects and designers, it can be used by consumers as a source of design inspiration. Ikea has a whole home planner and The Good Guys has a service to book an in-home design appointment. US-company Williams-Sonoma has fulltime interior designers on hand to dispense design advice in its West Elm and Pottery Barn homewares stores, suggesting this trend is here to stay and may soon be a standard consumer expectation.

Source : ApplianceRetailer.com
www.applianceretailer.com.au/2014/11/bunnings-launches-3d-kitchen-planner-design