How to Design IKEA Kitchens: Expert Tips for Designing Your Dream Kitchen
Create Efficiency, Style, and Functionality with Pro Insights and Hacks! IKEA Kitchen Design and Working With a Contractor
How to Design an IKEA Kitchen Step-by-Step
IKEA offers a user-friendly online kitchen planning tool. Define your space, then simply drag and drop cabinets and appliances in your 3D virtual kitchen. Customize your look with various door styles, and add panels, trim, and hardware. Explore design details like flooring, wall color, and furniture to visualize your dream kitchen.
If you’re considering IKEA kitchen remodeling and need a reliable installer, look no further. At PDX HomeWorks we specialize in designing and installing custom IKEA kitchens, making the process seamless for you.
How do I design an IKEA kitchen?
Define your project before you start.
- Find Your Kitchen Style
- Define Your Project Scope
- Evaluate Your Budget
Design your IKEA kitchen and get an installation estimate.
- Use IKEA’s Free Online Planning Tool
- Get Assistance Creating or Reviewing Your Design
- Schedule a Consultation with a Contractor
Before You Start: Define Your Kitchen Remodeling Project
Before you start designing your kitchen cabinets there are a few things to consider. We recommend creating a vision and analyzing the components of your remodeling project with your budget to define your project scope. If that doesn’t make much sense now, it will by the end of this article. Let’s break it down.
1. Find Your Kitchen Style
IKEA doors and door fronts compliment almost any style including Farmhouse, Modern, Contemporary, and Traditional. Below is a list of popular styles. If you don’t know where to start do a search for kitchen styles on a search engine or check out the IKEA Kitchen Gallery and our IKEA Kitchen Remodeling page for styles and ideas.
Pro Tip: We offer our clients a dashboard with product selections and mood boards. Many of our clients like using Pinterest to save styles and materials they find. It is convenient to save your remodeling ideas in one place and show them to your contractor, designer, or have them on your phone when you are shopping for materials to match.
Modern/Contemporary
Emphasizing clean lines and sleek surfaces, modern or contemporary kitchens prioritize functionality alongside aesthetics. These kitchens often feature minimalist designs with materials like stainless steel, glass, and concrete, creating a sleek and polished look. Neutral color palettes dominate, occasionally accented by bold pops of color. Open-concept layouts are common, integrating appliances seamlessly into the space.
Traditional
Traditional kitchens exude timeless elegance, drawing inspiration from classic aesthetics. Ornate details such as crown molding, raised-panel cabinets, and intricate hardware contribute to their sophisticated charm. Warm wood tones and rich color schemes create a welcoming atmosphere. These kitchens often have formal layouts, with separate areas for cooking, dining, and living.
Industrial
Inspired by urban lofts and factories, industrial kitchens showcase utilitarian design with raw, unfinished elements. Exposed brick walls, ductwork, and concrete floors create an edgy aesthetic. Neutral color palettes with industrial finishes like matte black and brushed steel dominate the space. Open layouts maximize functionality and emphasize spaciousness.
Eclectic
Embracing individuality and creativity, eclectic kitchens combine elements from various styles to create a unique and personalized space. Playful designs with unexpected combinations of colors, textures, and patterns are common. Vintage and modern furnishings are mixed and matched to reflect the homeowner’s personality and interests.
Mid-Century Modern
Inspired by the design aesthetics of the mid-20th century, mid-century modern kitchens feature clean lines, geometric shapes, and organic forms. Bold colors like avocado green, mustard yellow, and burnt orange are often paired with neutrals. Iconic furniture pieces such as Eames chairs and Danish teak sideboards add character to the space.
French Country
Reflecting rustic elegance with a touch of provincial charm, French country kitchens exude a cozy and inviting feel. Soft pastels, rich creams, and earthy tones dominate the color palette. Distressed wood finishes, ornate moldings, and antique hardware contribute to its Old-World charm. Natural stone countertops and farmhouse sinks are common features, adding to its rustic appeal.
Mediterranean
Infused with the warmth and vibrancy of Southern Europe, Mediterranean kitchens exude a welcoming ambiance. Intricate tile work, ornate patterns, and textured surfaces add visual interest to the space. Natural materials such as terra cotta, stone, and wrought iron are commonly used. Arched doorways and decorative lighting fixtures contribute to the Mediterranean charm.
Transitional
Bridging the gap between classic and contemporary styles, transitional kitchens offer a harmonious blend of traditional and modern elements. Clean lines and subtle decorative accents characterize this versatile style. Neutral color schemes with occasional pops of color or texture create a balanced aesthetic. Mix-and-match materials like wood, metal, and stone contribute to its flexibility.
Farmhouse/Rustic
Radiating warmth and charm, farmhouse or rustic kitchens evoke a cozy, countryside feel. Distressed wood elements, exposed beams, and farmhouse sinks are characteristic features. Earthy color palettes, including whites, beiges, and muted blues, complement the rustic ambiance. Open shelving and vintage accessories add to the relaxed, lived-in vibe of these spaces.
Scandinavian
Characterized by simplicity and functionality, Scandinavian kitchens prioritize light, airy spaces with minimalistic designs. Clean lines, uncluttered surfaces, and ample natural light define this style. Light wood tones and neutral color palettes create a serene atmosphere. Cozy accents like faux fur throws and sheepskin rugs add warmth to the space.
2. Define Your Project Scope
Designing a new IKEA kitchen involves more than just cabinets. Define the entire scope of your kitchen remodeling project including the functionality of your layout, appliances, countertops, storage, dining, and finishes.
Layout
You may love your current layout, but if your kitchen is inefficient or does not include the appliances or amenities you want consider upgrading your floor plan. The Kitchen Work Triangle is still the best way to determine the efficiency of your work area.
Appliances
Decide if you are going to keep your appliances in their current location or if they will be moved. If you are moving appliances consider the location of power and gas lines which will require the services of a plumber or electrician. Also keep your space in mind when choosing appliances. If you have a small kitchen, compact appliances and creative cabinetry design can help you reclaim storage space.
Countertops
The material and color of your countertops has a huge impact on the look and style of your kitchen. There are tons of options including quartz, butcher block, concrete, granite, stainless steel, and more. You can mix your countertop materials or colors to create dramatic islands and built in dining. This is a big budget item so do some research and visit local showrooms to see what is available in your area.
Storage
Make a list of your specific storage needs. Your list might include more pantry space, wine storage, open shelving, or island storage. Think about storage of frequently used items such as utensils or pots and pans for easy access. Note where you want trash or recycling pull-outs, a lazy susan, spice racks, vertical storage, or larger storage areas for countertop appliances and serving.
Peninsula or Island Dining
The kitchen is the heart of your home so add some countertop or island dining to your space. Create a working and dining area that functions for cooking prep, casual dining, cocktail parties, homework, and home office.
Finishes and Fixtures
Start researching flooring options, lighting, fixtures, and backsplash tile if you plan to include those items in your kitchen remodeling project.
3. Evaluate and Set Your Budget
You probably had a rough amount you wanted to spend on your project already. Through researching the items above you will now have a good idea what some of your materials will cost. Keep track of things you love with links or model numbers and cost. Provide these to your contractor to get an accurate estimate on labor. Prioritize you list of wants and needs so you can refine your project if you discover something is out of your budget. Always have a contingency budget to cover unforeseen circumstances that may come up during your project. We recommend 10-15% but it greatly varies based on the age and condition of your home and you should discuss this with the contractor you choose to remodel your kitchen.
Designing an IKEA Kitchen Is Simple!
Use IKEA’s Free Online Planning Tool
IKEA’s online kitchen planning tool is super easy to use. First, you define the space with measurements from your kitchen in the tool. Then, you can simply drag and drop different cabinets and appliances into a 3D model of your kitchen. Get creative by customizing your design with various door styles, and add details like panels, trim, and hardware. Explore different options for flooring, wall colors, and furniture to see exactly how your dream kitchen will look. It’s like a virtual playground to help you plan and visualize every detail of your ideal kitchen. Utilize the planning tool to create 3D images, plans, and a detailed item list for ordering. Experiment with different layouts and features until you’re satisfied with your design.
IKEA offers a standard 25-year warranty on SEKTION kitchen cabinets.
Explore IKEA’s Door Styles
IKEA has a variety of door styles in different colors and materials. The cost of cabinets will vary greatly based on the door you choose and the IKEA doors are a high quality and affordable choice. They are made of different materials, depending on the style, but are typically 1/2″ thick and fiberboard with melamine foil or paint or wood.
Pro Tip: If you are in a hurry this is the way to go. In addition to being more affordable, your kitchen can usually be delivered within 1-2 weeks. If something is damaged, it is quick and easy to get replacements.
Explore Custom Door Styles
If you are not finding a style you like or want a specific color, consider ordering custom doors for your IKEA cabinets. There are several reputable companies, such as Semi Handmade and Swedish Door Company, that craft custom doors compatible with IKEA cabinets. There are more door styles to choose from and you can select an in-stock finish or choose a custom color. Typically these doors are thicker than IKEA doors and heavier weight. These doors are also made of different materials, depending on the style, but are typically 3/4″ thick and fiberboard with melamine foil or paint, wood, or veneer.
Pro Tip: Plan in advance! Custom work takes time. Select your door style and finish or paint color. Confirm your design with the vendor and your contractor. Order 3-4 months in advance of your project start date depending on your vendor. It can take 4-9 weeks for custom doors to ship. If items arrive damaged through shipping, there will be time to request replacements without delaying the completion of your project.
Pro Tip: This is not a DIY project for most people. Most vendors offer design or quote services but they cannot see your kitchen. It is important to have your contractor review your design and get a quote for installation BEFORE YOU ORDER.
Get Help Creating or Reviewing Your Design
PDX HomeWorks offers complimentary assistance in creating a design and estimate for your kitchen with IKEA or custom doors. Just request a quote for your project, and we’ll be happy to help. If you have not hired a contractor yet and live near an IKEA store the kitchen department is happy to help answer questions or you can submit your design for an IKEA designer to review before you order.Â
Schedule a Consultation with A Contractor Experienced with IKEA Kitchen Remodeling
Once you have your initial design, contact us schedule a free in-home consultation and estimate. During this meeting, we’ll review your design, measure your space, assess appliance and fixture placement, and check for the level of walls, ceiling, and floors. We’ll also discuss other vital project components such as flooring, countertops, and backsplashes to ensure your kitchen is complete. Our team will provide you with a detailed design and estimate at no charge, helping you understand the scope and costs associated with your IKEA kitchen remodeling project.
Customized Options with PDX HomeWorks IKEA Kitchen Remodeling
Enjoy a high level of customization with IKEA cabinets. Our designs include a variety of fittings for custom storage tailored to your needs. We incorporate elements such as islands, peninsulas, dining areas, desk spaces, and open shelving. Every design is finished with cover panels, toe kicks, trim, or additional moldings. Your dream kitchen is our commitment—if you can imagine it, we can build it!
*Please note that we are not affiliated with or sponsored by IKEA, and we install all types of cabinets. Reach out today to start the journey toward your dream IKEA kitchen!*
