By Javier,

April 11, 2016

By Javier |

April 11, 2016

How to maximize your IKEA kitchen using custom door options

One of the questions we receive quite often is, “I want an IKEA kitchen, but I don’t like IKEA’s doors. Can you design my kitchen with custom doors?”

The answer is: yes! At least 25 percent of our customers buy custom doors for their IKEA kitchens. Take a look through our portfolio and you’ll see quite a few kitchens using doors made by other companies.

In fact, if you’re designing with custom doors, we think you need us even more!
Let’s explore.

#1 The most important thing to know about using custom doors with your IKEA kitchen

The IKEA Home Planner will not let you design kitchen cabinets without doors. You are forced to place a door – any door – in order to complete your design.

We know what you’re thinking. You’ll just put the doors into your design and then take them out at the last minute. Sadly, this will not work.

If you remove the doors, the Home Planner will also remove all of the hardware you need to complete the cabinet. None of those items will be added to your shopping list and you will leave IKEA with incomplete kitchen materials.

So how can you get around this severe limitation of the IKEA Home Planner?

What we do for our customers is add doors. Any doors. And we tell them over and over that when they go to the store, they need to tell the IKEA kitchen associate to remove the doors from their shopping list. Only IKEA staff can convert your design file into a shopping list. So, they have to be the ones to remove the doors!

#2 What using custom doors means for your home planner file

You can put the dummy doors into your design. But then you won’t be able to see what your kitchen will really look like. This is just one place that the IKD design file is so much better than the Home Planner.

Our renderings will reflect the styles and colors of the custom doors you buy. Take a look at this post to see how IKD’s rendering differs from the IKEA Home Planner file.

#3 You’ll need our design file to get an accurate quote for custom doors

We work closely with companies like Semihandmade doors. So we know exactly the design format they need to get you a quote. Let us design your kitchen, and you can submit that file to your door fabricator for a quote.

Interested in getting custom doors? here’s who our customers recommend

Our IKEA kitchen customers have ordered custom doors for their IKEA kitchen cabinets from:

  • Semihandmade (USA)
  • Kokeena (USA)
  • Allstyle (Canada)

Get a Professional IKEA Kitchen Design – All Online

Work with our certified kitchen designers to get a personalized kitchen designed around your needs and vision. If you’re interested in learning more about our service, make sure to check out our IKEA Kitchen Design Services.

Review IKEA design ideas on our Instagram

How to Make 3 IKEA Sink Cabinet Hacks 👇

#1 Custom 48" Sink Base
#2 Custom 38"x38" Diagonal Sink
#3 Custom 36" Apron Front Sink

If you thought IKEA cabinets were limited… think again.
Follow for more cabinet solutions. 🛠️✨

#IKEAhacks #KitchenRemodel #customcabinets #diykitchen #cabinethacks
Currently loving Sherwin-Williams SW 9110 Malabar — a sandy beige that wraps your space in warmth. The DIY shaker fronts, brass hardware, and black appliances create the perfect balance of cozy and modern contrast.

#homeinspiration #beigedecor #diyhomeprojects #laundryroommakeover #ikeadiy
Matte blue. Soft lines. Timeless design. 💙

Using AXSTAD kitchen doors, this media center balances modern simplicity with traditional detail. The open feel of VADHOLMA storage solutions keeps the space light and airy—while cleverly hiding cutlery, tealights, and napkins inside. Beauty meets smart storage.

#ikeamediacenter #homeinspirations #ikeahacks #designınspiration
✨A Custom IKEA Media & Bar Design

We designed built-in bar and storage furniture using IKEA's SEKTION cabinets. Our design hacks allowed us to create spaces that would not have been possible with IKEA's standard cabinets. And at one-half the cost.

#ikeahacks #IKEAHome #livingroominspiration
✅ Modern IKEA Closet Design That Works as Good as It Looks

Why Homeowners Want This Layout
✔ More Storage, Less Clutter: Hanging + folded + drawer zones for maximum function.
✔ A Place for Everything: Shoes, bags, accessories, and daily essentials stay organized.
✔ Clean + Modern Style: Open shelving and dark cabinetry for a bold, premium look.

💬 Ready to upgrade your closet?
DM us “CLOSET” and we’ll help you design yours!

#closetorganization #ikeapaxwardrobe #closetgoals
How to Make 3 IKEA Sink Cabinet Hacks 👇

#1 Custom 48" Sink Base
#2 Custom 38"x38" Diagonal Sink
#3 Custom 36" Apron Front Sink

If you thought IKEA cabinets were limited… think again.
Follow for more cabinet solutions. 🛠️✨

#IKEAhacks #KitchenRemodel #customcabinets #diykitchen #cabinethacks
Currently loving Sherwin-Williams SW 9110 Malabar — a sandy beige that wraps your space in warmth. The DIY shaker fronts, brass hardware, and black appliances create the perfect balance of cozy and modern contrast.

#homeinspiration #beigedecor #diyhomeprojects #laundryroommakeover #ikeadiy
Matte blue. Soft lines. Timeless design. 💙

Using AXSTAD kitchen doors, this media center balances modern simplicity with traditional detail. The open feel of VADHOLMA storage solutions keeps the space light and airy—while cleverly hiding cutlery, tealights, and napkins inside. Beauty meets smart storage.

#ikeamediacenter #homeinspirations #ikeahacks #designınspiration
✨A Custom IKEA Media & Bar Design

We designed built-in bar and storage furniture using IKEA's SEKTION cabinets. Our design hacks allowed us to create spaces that would not have been possible with IKEA's standard cabinets. And at one-half the cost.

#ikeahacks #IKEAHome #livingroominspiration
How to Make 3 IKEA Sink Cabinet Hacks 👇

#1 Custom 48" Sink Base
#2 Custom 38"x38" Diagonal Sink
#3 Custom 36" Apron Front Sink

If you thought IKEA cabinets were limited… think again.
Follow for more cabinet solutions. 🛠️✨

#IKEAhacks #KitchenRemodel #customcabinets #diykitchen #cabinethacks
Currently loving Sherwin-Williams SW 9110 Malabar — a sandy beige that wraps your space in warmth. The DIY shaker fronts, brass hardware, and black appliances create the perfect balance of cozy and modern contrast.

#homeinspiration #beigedecor #diyhomeprojects #laundryroommakeover #ikeadiy

See our Pinterest for IKEA design ideas

  • ✅Maximizing Storage in an IKEA Galley Bathroom Getting more Storage from a Limited Space bathroom area. IKD's designers stacked a 24
  • The base cabinet storage makes for easy access to pots, pans, cutlery and other cooking equipment.
  • Work with our certified kitchen designers to get a personalized kitchen designed around your needs and vision. If you’re interested in learning more about our service, make sure to check out our IKEA Kitchen Design Services.
  • 🍂✨ Embrace the beauty of autumn with inspired decorations capturing the essence of the season🍁
  • Transforming a Mid Century Modern Kitchen: IKEA Cabinets and Custom Semihandmade Designs

See our Pinterest for IKEA design ideas

  • ✅Maximizing Storage in an IKEA Galley Bathroom Getting more Storage from a Limited Space bathroom area. IKD's designers stacked a 24
  • The base cabinet storage makes for easy access to pots, pans, cutlery and other cooking equipment.
  • Work with our certified kitchen designers to get a personalized kitchen designed around your needs and vision. If you’re interested in learning more about our service, make sure to check out our IKEA Kitchen Design Services.
  • 🍂✨ Embrace the beauty of autumn with inspired decorations capturing the essence of the season🍁

See our Pinterest for IKEA design ideas

  • ✅Maximizing Storage in an IKEA Galley Bathroom Getting more Storage from a Limited Space bathroom area. IKD's designers stacked a 24
  • The base cabinet storage makes for easy access to pots, pans, cutlery and other cooking equipment.
  • Work with our certified kitchen designers to get a personalized kitchen designed around your needs and vision. If you’re interested in learning more about our service, make sure to check out our IKEA Kitchen Design Services.

IKD Past Projects

  • Transforming a Cluttered Storage Space Into a Modern Office Library

  • IKEA everywhere! cabinetry, countertops, upholstered furniture and some decor

    IKEA Laundry Room & Garage Remodel in Burbank, California

  • IKEA Laundry room with grey custom cabinets

    IKEA Laundry Room Uses Customized IKEA Cabinets to Overcome Design Challenges

  • IKEA wardrobe-mudroom

    IKEA Wardrobe & Mudroom Design in Australia | IKD Case Study

  • Transforming a Cluttered Storage Space Into a Modern Office Library

  • IKEA everywhere! cabinetry, countertops, upholstered furniture and some decor

    IKEA Laundry Room & Garage Remodel in Burbank, California

  • IKEA Laundry room with grey custom cabinets

    IKEA Laundry Room Uses Customized IKEA Cabinets to Overcome Design Challenges

  • Transforming a Cluttered Storage Space Into a Modern Office Library

  • IKEA everywhere! cabinetry, countertops, upholstered furniture and some decor

    IKEA Laundry Room & Garage Remodel in Burbank, California

  • IKEA Laundry room with grey custom cabinets

    IKEA Laundry Room Uses Customized IKEA Cabinets to Overcome Design Challenges

  • IKEA wardrobe-mudroom

    IKEA Wardrobe & Mudroom Design in Australia | IKD Case Study

  • IKEA kitchen by IKD

    This family of five modernized their IKEA kitchen area

  • IKD Media Center & Bar

    Concealed Comfort: A Custom IKD Media & Bar Design