Customer Gives IKEA Kitchen a Bright Fresh Look

Taking a look at how IKEA kitchen cabinets brightened up a previously dark kitchen

Designing a successful kitchen often requires a few bright ideas.

This was the case for IKD customer Amber from Tampa, FL who knew the kitchen in her new home had to be upgraded. “The kitchen was too dark and the space really needed some re-vamping,” she says. “I really wanted a kitchen that was functional and a space that the whole family could enjoy,” she says.

After searching for examples of kitchen designs that appealed to her on design Web sites like HOUZZ, Amber hired IKD to complete her design vision.

“I needed more space for my family, as we have a rather large family and enjoy having meals together. So, a few decisions had to be made, including having a wall torn out, buying new stainless steel appliances retaining a bit of a country, traditional flair that the kitchen had (after all it was built in 1895!). It would have been a shame to build a kitchen too modern for the room,” she says.

To that end, she selected IKEA’s AKURUM kitchen system along with IKEA’s white LINDINGO cabinets for the upper and base cabinetry as well as along the large center island. The IKEA LINDINGO cabinets are complemented by teak countertops on the island and quartz countertops on the perimeter countertops as well as the previously mentioned stainless steel appliances. (Note: Both IKEA AKURUM and IKEA LINDINGO have since been discontinued. However, customers with an older AKURUM kitchen system can still upgrade their kitchen with custom door fronts from third-party cabinet front manufacturer Semihandmade).

The result is a bright IKEA kitchen with plenty of storage space and countertop space which create an efficient workflow and a subtle, yet warm design theme. And, she adds, it was all accomplished within a tight budget of $6,000! “The IKEA cabinets provide just the right amount of modern conveniences here along with the original airy, country feel that we wanted. This is especially enjoyable when we have family dinners and Sunday morning breakfast together!”

Glad to hear it Amber.

Let’s take a look and see how Amber’s kitchen came together!

A Bright Idea for an IKEA Kitchen

What once was a previously dark and cramped kitchen soon evolved into an IKEA kitchen with plenty of storage, workflow and natural light.

“We were originally concerned because there was little storage space and the counter space was interrupted and scattered. There wasn’t enough room to bake cookies or have our children help around the kitchen. Plus the original cabinets were too dark and made the space look much smaller. We needed help!”

Specifically, Amber made a checklist of must-have items in her kitchen remodel, including Cabinets from floor to ceiling with IKEA LIDINGO doors in a painted white finish; storage for small appliances, like her mixer, slow cooker, toaster, etc.; storage option for cookbooks; a few glass cabinets; a shelf for the microwave and custom crown molding.

To accommodate these requests, IKD’s design team incorporated white IKEA LINDINGO cabinets along the perimeter of the base and upper cabinets from the stainless steel refrigerator to the stainless steel range. This provides ample storage options for dishes, glasses, baking items, blenders and other items needed for entertaining and baking throughout the year (Amber bragged about her holiday cookies!) and are complemented by quartz countertops. An interesting element added to the space is a storage hutch, ideal for storing larger items and things like phones, without cluttering up the countertops as well. The space is complemented by natural light coming in from the window over the sink area as well.

“We love our fresh IKEA kitchen with its custom accents. The crown molding, fitted wall cabinets, the handles and the counters give this kitchen a personal touch that makes it feel so much like home. We love it!” Amber concludes.

Center of Attention

The centerpiece of Amber’s kitchen is the large center island.

“I love the teak countertops and the sense of warmth it creates in our kitchen. Plus the kids love to help when I’m baking by handing me a cookbook or rolling out dough on the island,” she describes.

Featuring LINDINGO cabinet fronts complemented by the previously mentioned teak countertops, the island solved Amber’s cookbook storage issues as it features open shelving with additional pullout drawers on one side. Additional drawers are featured on the opposite side for additional storage options and to maximize space. There are even outlets on the island to plug in her blender, toaster or to charge a computer when the kids are doing homework, she adds.

“I initially was not sure about the island idea, but I am so glad I listened to the IKD designer. That was a great storage solution and makes the kitchen look fresh without being too modern,” she concludes.

Customer Advice

According to Amber, making a remodel work requires some important steps for IKEA customers to remember.

“The main things I would recommend is to have a clear vision, a clear budget and to make a checklist of the things you definitely want,” she offers. “Those things saved us a lot of time and stress.”

She concludes: “I would also say to be open minded about making revisions to your original wish list. Especially if you are working with design professionals like IKD. I hadn’t considered a center island in our IKEA kitchen but I am so glad we did — it’s our favorite part!”