UPDATING YOUR KITCHEN can be quite expensive, so how do you keep it looking fresh, stylish and practical on a budget?
IKEA is known for smart solutions and great prices, but the store is also gaining popularity in the professional interior design industry due to their innovative designs and stylish aesthetic.
To give you some kitchen inspiration, I chatted to six of Ireland’s top interior designers to discover the IKEA buys they love to use for their kitchen projects and why they adore them. Get your trolleys at the ready!
1. KUBBIS Rack, €12 and TEODORES chair, €25: Susan McGowan of Ashen and Cloud
I love the KUBBIS rack for hanging accessories, cups and kitchen utensils. I like to keep countertops clear for cleaning throughout the day, so this type of element is very practical. It can take the clutter off the worktop whilst injecting some personality and style to your kitchen space, at a very reasonable price.
Another favourite is the TEODORES chair, €25. The big benefit is that it can be stacked, so you can easily provide extra seating while taking up minimal space when not required. These are a great item to roll out for parties, events and Christmas.
2. SKÅDIS modular boards, from €17: Tullio Orlandi of Tullio Orlandi Design
Sometimes I find with kitchen design there can be one or two small walls that normally get left unattended, so why not make a custom feature out of them? I’ve used this approach quite a bit to utilise those empty spaces.
For this reason, my top kitchen pick is the IKEA SKÅDIS range and all the accompanying accessories, such as the white hooks, storage bag and white shelf.
The clever, modular concept gives you the flexibility to customise each board to suit your type of work space. It works well to display dried herbs and potted fresh herbs, utensils and kitchen accessories.
The design is a classic for IKEA, staying true to their Scandi look. It gives that modern modular feel that you see from high end brands – but at a great price point.
3. KUNGSFORS knife rack, €15: Alannah Monks of The Abode Stylist
My favourite IKEA kitchen find has to be the KUNGSFORS system, the mix of bamboo and stainless steel shelving and accessories is the perfect homely yet modern twist. The system is perfectly customisable without looking too generic.
An absolute must buy from the range is the KUNGSFORS Magnetic Knife Rack – a sleek and stylish stainless steel alternative to a knife block. Getting your utensils off the counter is the easiest way to gain space and reduce that cluttered look in a kitchen, a magnetic knife rack will give you smart storage whilst also adding to a minimalist and modern aesthetic.
4. TEMPERERAD coffee measure and clip, €3: Denise O’Connor of Optimise Design
My pick is the TEMPERERAD coffee measure and clip in the brass finish. This is sold as a coffee measure, but is ideal for anything that needs a scoop and comes in a little bag. It’s cleverly designed and really pretty, too. An absolute steal at only €3.
5. BEKVAM kitchen trolley, €45: Anne Marie Hamilton of Hamilton Interiors
The BEKVAM kitchen trolley is my little find. It can be used for additional storage in a smaller kitchen, but has a dual function in that it can double up as additional worktop space. it also has the added advantage of being on wheels, so it can be moved anywhere and popped neatly away into any little corner. I prefer the birch option as it is solid and hygienic but a similar style is available in chrome, stainless steel and grey finish.
6. LOHALS rug, €25: Aoife Tobin of Style So Simple
As kitchens are usually slicker and more minimal in design, they often need a little more texture and warmth. Adding textiles can completely change the feel. A rug is the perfect way to achieve this. IKEA’s LOHALS rug is perfect for adding both character and texture to any kitchen.
It is flat-woven and made from natural fibres, making it is extremely durable and naturally resistant to stains from spills. I love the product’s neutral and slightly rustic tones. It would definitely add life to any space and, best of all, as this rug is made from jute it is 100% renewable. Sustainable and cute! Win-win.
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