3D Cloud Kitchen & Bath Project Planning Trends Study 2025

3D Cloud Kitchen & Bath Project Planning Trends 2025 background and objectives

3D Cloud, a company specializing in 3D product visualization platforms, continues to empower kitchen and bath retailers, contractors, and designers to innovate the DIY and semi-custom remodel experience with 3D. We collaborated with Provoke Insights to gather valuable new data including:

• Overall remodel/install experience
• Challenges in visualization and design
• The role of 3D technology in the remodeling process
• The demand, interest, and experience with a 3D tool for DIY and semi-custom kitchen and bath remodels/installs

3D Cloud Kitchen & Bath Project Planning Trends 2025 methodology

In this research, Provoke Insights developed and conducted a 40-question online survey. The survey was completed by 400 consumers who have experienced a kitchen or bath remodel/install in the past twelve months. The survey was fielded between November 5th and November 18th, 2024. All participants met the following criteria.

• Own a home
• Has a household income of $50K+
• Ages 25-69
• Lives in the United States
• Spent between $5,000 and $45,000 on their remodel/install
• Installed cabinets

The impact of 3D planners on remodel success

Visual resources such as photos, videos, and 3D planning tools are indispensable during the research stage of remodeling projects, often shaping decisions even before the work begins. Our research shows that remodelers who use 3D planning tools report a smoother, less stressful experience with greater confidence in their choices.

3D planners improve project efficiency, helping homeowners navigate common challenges like cost management, contractor coordination, and material selection. With more precise insights into the final outcome, these tools have become a must-have for anyone planning a kitchen or bath renovation.

3D offers retailers a competitive edge

Retailers who invest in advanced 3D solutions not only enhance the remodeling experience but also build stronger customer loyalty, especially among high-budget homeowners. Notably, two-thirds of remodelers who did not use 3D planners believe incorporating these tools would have greatly improved their project outcomes.

84% of remodelers focus on updating the look of their kitchen or bathrooms

Remodelers with larger budgets prioritized enhancing functionality, style, personalization, and boosting home value.

Researching sources

Two-thirds of remodelers browse photos online or watch online videos as popular resources for researching a remodel.

More than three-quarters of remodelers experienced delays in starting their projects

Cost and disruption to daily life were the biggest barriers. Those with larger budgets and younger home remodelers had more difficulty finding a reliable contractor.

Who handled the project?

Nearly three-quarters of remodelers relied on the help of installers/contractors for their projects. More older homeowners opted to DIY their remodel.

3D planning improves the remodeling experience

74% of remodelers reported a highly positive experience, describing their projects as exciting, enjoyable, well organized, smooth, and effortless. Those who used 3D planning tools were significantly more likely to have a positive outlook than those who did not use them.

What would have improved the experience?

Besides cost and affordability, remodelers found limited access to advanced visualization tools was another significant pain point. Here’s what they had to say.

• “More precise and easy-to-use visualization tools.”
• “I wish I could’ve familiarized myself with the many different cabinets a bit more.”
• “More inspirational ideas to choose from.”
• “3D animations or augmented reality tools.”
• “Having someone to help me pick out products. I would have had more confidence in my decisions.”

47% of homeowners used online design tools/apps for help

Those who used a 3D planner typically took advantage of both online and in-person design help.

More than half of remodelers leveraged a 3D room planner

More than half of remodelers used a 3D room planner while planning their project. Within this group, 46% utilized a 3D room planner through an online self-service platform offered by a retailer. Other popular methods included in-store collaboration with a designer or online with help from a designer.

3D helped with visualization, planning, efficiency, and confidence

By streamlining planning and reducing wasted time, 3D technology helped homeowners optimize space, test layouts, and avoid costly mistakes. Here’s what they had to say.

• “It helped me visualize the end result much easier.”
• “It allowed me to see how it would look before making a final decision.”
• “The 3D planner helped visualize spatial relationships, test layouts, and make informed decisions, ensuring a perfect fit and saving time/money by identifying potential issues before installation.”
• “Reduced time and waste.”
• “It really helped open my eyes and guide me towards a final decision.”
• “The 3D planner helped visualize space, refining choices, and increasing confidence.”

87% see the 3D planner as very helpful in making remodeling decisions

92% who received a 3D render found it helpful

Nearly all remodelers who used 3D planners were also offered a 3D render that generates photo realistic 2D images of projects. These high-quality visualizations proved invaluable in helping homeowners envision their remodel, refine their choices, and make confident decisions before construction begins.

Priority features of a room planner for remodelers

Budget and design flexibility are top priorities for remodelers using 3D room planning tools. Additional benefits like generating a bill of materials, automated layouts, and access to inspirational photos further enhance the remodeling experience, making it easier to plan and execute projects.

74% of remodelers are more likely to work with a retailer that offers 3D

3D visualization tools provide remodelers with peace of mind, making decisions easier and less stressful. The majority of users, especially those with larger budgets, agree that 3D planners improve the remodeling experience. Retailers offering 3D solutions also gain a competitive edge, as homeowners are more likely to choose businesses that provide these immersive tools.

Two-thirds of those who did not use a 3D planner say that using one would have made the project more enjoyable.

Where are customers shopping for kitchen cabinets?

Big box retailers remain the top choice for cabinet purchases, but homeowners with larger budgets explore a mix of local kitchen and bath stores, online retailers, and ready-to-assemble cabinet companies.

Reasons for retailer selection

Cost, convenience, reputation, and quality are top reasons for choosing to work with a particular store or remodeling partner. Here are more reasons why homeowners chose specific partners or stores:

• “Affordability of the products that fit with my budget.”
• “They were convenient and had many locations I can actually look and touch.”
• “The contractor had amazing reviews!”
• The products that I chose were of high quality, and they were installed with excellent craftsmanship.”

The 3D Cloud Kitchen & Bath Project Planning Trends Study 2025 confirms that 3D visualization tools benefit remodeling projects. As demand for 3D planning grows, retailers and manufacturers who embrace these tools will enhance the design experience and stay ahead in the industry.

Download the complete 3D Cloud Kitchen & Bath Project Planning Trends 2025 report