IKEA Kitchen Hacks — 12 Brilliant Ways to Turn Flat-Packs into Designer Spaces
- Beril Yilmaz
- Sep 23
- 3 min read
When it comes to kitchen renovations, the biggest challenge is often balancing design dreams with budget realities. That’s where IKEA shines. With their METOD, KALLAX, and other versatile ranges, IKEA offers a solid foundation that can be hacked, upgraded, and customised to create a kitchen that feels entirely bespoke.
The real magic lies not just in the affordability of IKEA kitchens but in the creativity you can layer on top. From rethinking how you use their cabinetry to adding unique finishes that completely disguise their flat-pack beginnings, IKEA kitchen hacks allow you to achieve a tailored look without the hefty price tag.
Whether you’re after a high-end finish, a clever storage solution, or a way to add character to a plain kitchen, there are endless ways to make IKEA cabinets work harder and look better. Below, we’ve pulled together 12 inventive IKEA kitchen hacks to help you turn simple flat-packs into a space that feels custom-made.
1. IKEA Kitchen Hacks: Upgrade Handles with Statement Hardware
Switch out IKEA’s basic knobs for oversized brass pulls, ceramic handles, or even leather tabs. Hardware is often compared to jewellery for the kitchen—it’s a small change that makes a massive impact.
2. IKEA Kitchen Hacks: Add a Countertop Hutch
Stack two IKEA cabinets on your worktop, fit them with glass doors, and paint them to match your walls. You’ve created a custom hutch for displaying crockery and glassware without the price of bespoke joinery.
3. IKEA Kitchen Hacks: Turn METOD Cabinets into an Island
Line up a row of METOD base cabinets, top them with a butcher block worktop, and add panelling or fluted MDF around the base. With pendant lights overhead, your DIY island will look like it came from a designer showroom.
4. IKEA Kitchen Hacks: Paint in Two-Tone
Keep your upper cabinets light and your lower cabinets dark for a designer-approved look. A muted green paired with natural oak is especially chic, while navy and white give a coastal edge. The two-tone effect adds depth and visual interest instantly.
5. IKEA Kitchen Hacks: Disguise Appliances with Integrated Panels
IKEA appliances can be upgraded with matching fronts to blend seamlessly into cabinetry. Go one step further by adding decorative trim or shaker panels so your dishwasher or fridge disappears entirely into the design.
6. IKEA Kitchen Hacks: Turn BILLY Bookcases into Pantry Storage
Use tall BILLY bookcases fitted with doors to create a freestanding pantry. Line the back with wallpaper, add baskets, and suddenly you’ve got a chic, functional larder without custom carpentry.
7. IKEA Kitchen Hacks: Fit Open Shelving Above Worktops
Instead of wall-to-wall cabinets, try IKEA’s LACK or EKBY shelves to create airy storage. Add brass brackets, display cookbooks, and style with plants for a kitchen that feels both practical and relaxed.
8. IKEA Kitchen Hacks: Add Wall Panelling Behind Cabinets
Frame IKEA cabinets with vertical wall panelling or tongue-and-groove. It gives your kitchen a high-end architectural detail and makes the flat-pack units feel intentionally designed.
9. IKEA Kitchen Hacks: Upgrade Worktops with Stone or Quartz
Pair IKEA cabinets with marble, quartz, or solid wood worktops. The contrast of an affordable carcass with a luxe surface is one of the smartest hacks for elevating the entire space.
10. IKEA Kitchen Hacks: Hide the Extractor Fan
Build a simple box with MDF or tongue-and-groove cladding around your IKEA cooker hood. Paint it the same colour as your walls or add a rustic timber beam for character.
11. IKEA Kitchen Hacks: Install Pull-Out Pantry Drawers
Add pull-out systems inside tall IKEA cabinets to create a slim pantry. This makes accessing jars, tins, and spices so much easier than rummaging through deep shelves.
12. IKEA Kitchen Hacks: Embrace Bold Colour
The beauty of IKEA cabinetry is its affordability—so be brave with paint. A statement shade like deep teal, burnt orange, or even matte black can transform the simplest IKEA kitchen into a bold design statement.
FAQ: IKEA Kitchen Hacks
Q: Are IKEA kitchen cabinets durable enough for hacking?A: Yes! IKEA cabinets are well-built, and their modular design makes them ideal for adding custom finishes, doors, or trim.
Q: What’s the easiest IKEA kitchen hack for beginners?A: Changing out hardware and painting cabinets are the quickest ways to transform your kitchen without advanced DIY skills.
Q: Can IKEA cabinets look truly bespoke?A: Absolutely. With the right finishes—like upgraded worktops, decorative panels, or custom doors—IKEA kitchens can rival high-end designs.
Design Your Dream Kitchen with BY Design And Viz
Love the idea of IKEA kitchen hacks but don’t know where to start? At BY Design And Viz, we specialise in transforming flat-pack foundations into kitchens that look completely bespoke. From planning layouts to choosing materials and finishes, we’ll help you create a space that feels tailored to your home and lifestyle.
