Converting An Architect’s Kitchen Plan Into An IKEA Design + Price List

A behind-the-scenes look at how IKD’s design team translates architect kitchen plans

Can my architect’s custom kitchen design be converted to an IKEA kitchen and keep the same layout and functionality?

The answer is YES!

Quite often, we encounter customers who’ve already had an architect or other designer provide floor plans of a kitchen remodel.

Yet, due to hidden or unforeseen costs, they’ve decided to shelf their plans for custom in the hopes that they will be able to get durable, cost-effective options.

As certified kitchen designers, we’re accustomed to taking examples of kitchen designs our customers see on HOUZZ and other design Web sites and turning them into a workable IKEA kitchen.

In fact, IKD has even been recognized by The New York Times as a true and unique design solution for customers considering using custom doors with their IKEA kitchens.

So working with architect’s plans is just an extension of our design approach.

Let’s take a look at how we accomplish this. From our design services to understanding the finer points of IKEA cabinetry compared to other options on the market.

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Custom Kitchen Design Into IKEA Kitchen

Customers should know that IKD’s team will readily translate the architect original layout to a stylish IKEA kitchen design.

We do this in several steps.

For instance, we’ll evaluate the functionality of your kitchen design idea and work hard to capture your design goals.

We will consider your budget against IKEA’s cabinet availability. At the same time, taking into account cabinet widths, your organization needs and overall efficiency in your IKEA product selection.

So if your original design calls for using a Lazy Susan or glass doors, we’ll keep them in your design.

Options in that scenario would be to choose the IKEA UTRUSTA Corner Base Cabinet Carousel.

(Remember, we offer this for every other room in the house, not just the kitchen!)

Plywood vs Melamine

We know customers looking to translate their custom kitchen designs into an IKEA kitchen are looking to keep costs down.

We also know that your first choice in materials may have been custom cabinetry because of its durability.

Makes sense.

But once your realize that melamine is just as durable, you may want to explore the differences between the two.

Custom cabinets are often built out of plywood. IKEA cabinets however are made out of particleboard, melamine foil and plastic edge.

Because plywood is made from layered sheets of wood it can have knot holes, defects and rough surfaces.

So while plywood is easier to cut and lighter than melamine, it’s also more expensive.

Why is that?

There can be waste in building the cabinetry as the grain should always run in the same direction.

Melamine, by contrast, is a particleboard covered with a plasticized coating, which offers a smooth finish without much construction waste.

For those seeking smooth solid colors that can replicate wood tones, IKEA’s melamine cabinetry is your choice.

They are also cost effective.

In fact, you can save upwards of tens of thousands of dollars for a kitchen project by making the switch from custom cabinetry to IKEA cabinetry.

So let’s say you’re seeking an ultra sleek, modern look for your kitchen design, then IKEA cabinetry will provide that.

Plus it’s easier to clean as well.

Therefore, melamine gives you the best of all worlds.

IKEA vs Custom Cabinets

If you don’t already know, one of the main features of IKEA cabinetry is its functionality and flexibility.

If you have a kitchen design idea, odds are we can provide the solution using IKEA cabinetry.

Regardless of the space, our design team uses plenty of IKEA storage and organization solutions to design an efficient IKEA project.

For instance, with IKEA cabinetry you can customize the interior based on your needs and how the space is going to be utilized.

Also, interior fittings can be mixed, changed and adjusted to suit the project’s needs.

For instance, the IKEA MAXIMERA Pull-Out Interior Fittings are a great option for any space.

And if you want a truly custom kitchen and IKEA does not offer the door style you want (it does have its limitations), then there are plenty of custom door companies (for example, Semihandmade, Reform, Kokeena, Plykea, Scherrs and more) that offer door and drawer fronts that are compatible with IKEA’s SEKTION kitchen cabinets.

One of our favorite aspects of using custom doors is that it will allow you to “hack” IKEA cabinets and modify widths and heights to maximize the use of the space.

Most custom door providers can create custom-sized fronts without a problem.

Frankly, the only limits are your imagination.

So, no matter what design challenge you present we at IKD will help you find the perfect IKEA cabinet solution.

Learn more about how we can design your IKEA kitchen, bath, laundry room and closet at https://inspiredkitchendesign.com.