How IKEA BODBYN Cabinets Transformed an 1870s Farmhouse Kitchen
On the article:
- Installation of Thomas’ new IKEA cabinets.
- Design adjustments are a daily occurrence, at least for renovations.
- Tips and tricks for getting the most out of your storage.
- Countertop Templates: What Could Go Wrong?
- Final touches.
Designing a kitchen remodel in an older home can present unique design challenges. Thomas decided to overhaul his small, outdated farmhouse kitchen. Real estate agent and former IKEA project manager Baltimore Betsy has saved thousands of clients by recommending IKEA kitchens designed by Inspired Kitchen Design.
In the first article of this series, we delved into the IKEA shopping experience and professional design process.
In the second article in the series, we discussed the benefits of demolition and IKEA kitchens when renovating an old house.
In the final installment of this series, we’ll see how all his plans turned into the finished product.
Design an IKEA kitchen for your current square footage
Thomas’ contractor last month sorted out sheet metal repairs, wall painting, plumbing, electrical and cabinet installation for this IKEA kitchen. The difference these modern white cabinets make to the space is obvious.
Light gray wall paint and new white BODBYN cabinets reflect modern lighting, opening up the space rather than shading it. Black quartz countertops contrast and harmonize with the new black and stainless steel appliances. The previous beige, green, and wood aesthetic made the kitchen feel dated and cavernous.
Adjustments during the IKEA kitchen renovation process
A good rule of thumb is to set aside 10 percent of your renovation budget so that your design and your wallet aren’t hurt when the unexpected happens. I say something unexpected happens because it almost certainly happens, especially when you’re renovating an older house.
For Thomas, this happened 12 years ago when his kitchen range broke. Thomas had enough money to buy a new product, but the decision affected the design. The new flat stove top requires connecting the counter and backsplash and changing the desired counter template.
Overall, this choice improved the design, but it wasn’t what was planned.
How to maximize storage in IKEA’s tiny kitchen
Maximizing storage space is important when dealing with tight spaces. These are some of the ways Betsy helped Thomas organize his cabinets with IKEA products.
- UTRUSTA Corner Base Cabinet Drawer fittings attach to base corner cabinets for easy access to your space.
- MAXIMERA drawer to create a pull-out trash bin under the kitchen sink. The drawer is 17 ¾ inches deep with room for plumbing.
- Innovative baking sheet organizer. This is not strictly an IKEA product, but you can request some dividers from IKEA to use to separate the picture frames during shipping. These are in the decor/picture area and are the perfect size for separating baking sheets.
When is it appropriate to use the IKEA countertop template?
Take the time to measure the dimensions of your countertop. You have to complete a long checklist first. Thomas’s countertop guru kindly pointed out a common mistake when asked to create a template for IKEA countertops.
Before calling an IKEA countertop installer, check the box below to save wasted time (and travel costs).
- Level the cabinet. Base cabinet run must be horizontal within 1/8 inch.
- Attach the SEKTION support rail to the sink. These are often missing, but necessary for countertop template designs.
- Move the stove away from the wall. Template authors should measure the area behind the template.
- Prepare the sink, stove and faucet while creating the template. Alternatively, identify all product details in your work order. You want to make sure that the person doing the cutting knows the size and shape of your countertop fixtures.
- Anything extra that attaches to the countertop should be present Identify its location and additional holes. (i.e. instant hot dispenser or soap dispenser)
- IKEA cabinets must be installed correctly on SEKTION rails. Otherwise, the whole kitchen can fall apart. This pitfall affects the cabinet’s ability to hold the solid quartz and prevents the countertop from being precisely leveled.
- All base cabinets use four legs. However, corner cabinets require six. Again, this ensures that the cabinet can support the weight of the quartz countertop.
When all is done, you will have a counter template that looks like this:
all trimmings
Countertops were installed in cabinets, window benches and half walls. All that was left was the plumbing, I added the missing door and drawer fronts, and installed the trim, toe kicks, and handles.
Sounds quick and easy, right? However, these details often have the most visual impact and can take time to perfect.
Kitchen cabinet doors and drawer fronts
There are a few things to keep in mind when installing BODBYN doors into IKEA cabinets. If Thomas installs his MAXIMERA drawer inside a cabinet, like he did next to the sink, he must remember to install the UTRUSTA 153° hinge so that the door swings open and can be pulled out.
When hanging the cover panel on the outside of the cabinet, do not use the holes associated with the hinges to secure the cover panel to the cabinet. Otherwise the door cannot be installed.
Choosing the right toe kick
Not all toe kicks are created equal. Ventilation is often a consideration, as Thomas’ Contractor did under the window seat. He built a frame around the heating ducts and used his MAKRILLA vent plinths with toe kicks to ensure air circulation.
cabinet door handles and drawer handles
One of the benefits of using IKEA products with independent designers and contractors is that you are not tied to using IKEA products. Thomas used a different bender (Brainerd) for door handles and drawer handles.
hole plug
Betsy also used VARIERA dots to fill the shelf holes in the glass front cabinets to ensure a finished look.
IKEA BODBYN kitchen successfully installed
In just a few months, IKD and a team of kitchen installation experts from IKEA turned this drab kitchen into a modern room that people love to live in.
The IKD included elements that IKEA’s kitchen planners couldn’t do, like a bench seat under the window, a half-wall seating area, and even a 15-inch-tall cabinet above the microwave. Betsy and Thomas received floor plans, elevations, lighting plans, detailed IKEA hacks, and a complete shopping list from his IKD to make the design easy for any experienced contractor to execute.
If you have an older home and need a kitchen remodel, choosing a professional designer can make a big difference.
Get Professional IKEA Kitchen Designs Online
Work with one of our certified kitchen designers to get a personalized kitchen designed to suit your needs and vision. If you want to know more about our services, be sure to check it out. IKEA kitchen design service.
