Introduction to the Basics of IKEA Kitchen Design

Learn the fundamentals of IKEA design the right way

When beginning their IKEA design project, the first thing our customers typically ask is…where do we get started? And we understand that. For many customers new to the IKEA experience, even the most basic things may not seem so basic. That’s why we’re here to offer you guidance on kitchen design 101.

Our design team at IKD are experts in all-things IKEA, and we’d like to take a moment to share important product and design information for people considering IKEA cabinetry in their kitchen.

Of course, COVID-19 has altered the IKEA shopping experience a bit, but it definitely hasn’t affected the budget and design friendly options that IKEA offers.

These include:

• the IKEA SEKTION cabinet framework (the modular cabinet system that can utilize IKEA door fronts as well as doors fronts from custom third-party manufacturers)
• a variety of IKEA cabinets, including wall cabinets, base cabinets, and tall cabinets
• and IKEA organizers, such as drawer-in-drawer options, wire baskets, shelves, and pull-outs for corner base cabinets

And rest assured that your IKEA kitchen will have plenty of kitchen storage, substance, and style when it’s done. In fact, one of the calling cards of IKEA cabinets is its flexibility and adaptability. (Look no further than our IKEA kitchen storage hacks for examples!)

So, if you’ve been searching for kitchen designs on websites such as HOUZZ, and are considering an IKEA design, let us show you where to begin.

Let’s take a look at some of the options available at IKEA!

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The IKEA SEKTION Cabinet System

The cornerstone of IKEA’s kitchen cabinetry is its SEKTION cabinet framework that the company has described as “a modular system which offers new opportunities to use the interior space inside each cabinet.”

Introduced in 2015, SEKTION replaced the previous cabinet system, AKURUM, which was discontinued (the company has estimated that there were some 7.7 million units of AKURUM sold).

So, why the change?

There are some notable advantages to SEKTION versus the old system. For instance, SEKTION is more modular with more options for cabinet sizes and configurations.

Also, some of the internal fittings were upgraded from the AKURUM system; there are integrated internal lighting options, and there is a suspension rail which makes installing lower cabinets much easier.

IKEA also upgraded its line of available finishes through SEKTION. Some of the door names that you will become familiar with by perusing our past projects section include:

• IKEA VOXTORP which comes in matte white, walnut, dark gray and high gloss like beige, offers a modern and sleek look
• IKEA HAGGEBY (white) doors are the basic slab doors for a cost saving kitchen
• IKEA BODBYN doors, which come in off-white and gray, for a more traditional design

Notably, IKEA SEKTION also offers a 25-year warranty.

We should point out that SEKTION and AKURUM are not compatible. People looking to re-face their old AKURUM cabinets can definitely look for a custom door company, such as Semihandmade, which offers refacing of AKURUM cabinets.

As such, The New York Times recommends IKD as a design resource for customers considering custom doors for their cabinets.

IKEA Cabinet Sizes and Material

IKEA offers a variety of cabinetry types, including base cabinets (base corner cabinets), wall cabinets (including wall corner cabinets), tall cabinets, cabinets for built-in appliances (such as cooktops, ovens, microwaves), and sink cabinets.

** Image from IKEA

Base Cabinets

Choosing the right type of base cabinet for your kitchen means that you need to decide what objects go where and how you want to access them. IKEA’s base cabinets are available as 15” deep and 24” deep. The 24” deep size is standard, while the 15” depth is for narrow areas.

Wall Cabinets

To that end, IKEA wall cabinets are 15” deep, and as mentioned earlier, available in a wide range of cabinet door fronts. Keep in mind that IKEA cabinets are now frameless, and frameless cabinets have 10% more storage per linear foot than framed cabinets, allowing pullouts and drawers to make use of the full width of the cabinet.

Examples of IKEA Cabinet Design

Having a variety of cabinetry types also provides our designers with a variety of design options.

For instance, see how we maximize tall IKEA cabinetry for a custom appliance garage in a cost-effective way. Or, check out a recent kitchen design that revolved around making the corner sink work with the IKEA cabinetry.

IKEA Interior Cabinet Organizers

Of course, it’s important to have a place for everything and everything in its place.

That means storage organization, which is right up IKEA’s alley!

In regard to interior fittings and organizers, IKEA offers plenty of options, drawer-in-drawer designs, and pull-outs for corner base cabinets and for trash, wire baskets, corner carousel (i.e., a lazy Susan) and even under-cabinet and in-drawer lighting options – very clever!

** Image from IKEA.

We hope this information has simplified the IKEA kitchen process, and inspired you, too.

Now that you know how to get started, our team of experts are here to make sure your IKEA kitchen project gets finished in the most stylish, budget-friendly way possible!