Before and after: huge changes in a tiny kitchen

This week, “Home idea with IKEA” has a very special surprise. And we have not created it all alone: the three sisters decided to surprise their beloved mother, grandmother and great-grandmother Vilė by starting a makeover in her kitchen, which has not been renovated for almost forever and a day. Our interior designer Ilona was more than happy to help.

Before the renovation

The kitchen takes an area of only 9 square meters. Besides the lack of space, this room misses light and comfort, too. The countertop is too low and requires bending while cooking, it is uncomfortable to reach the items stored deep inside the cabinets, the tiles are falling from the walls and have to be regularly fastened with adhesive tape, not to even mention the old furniture that has been there for almost four decades already. The only thing that made Vilė happy and had to stay in the kitchen after our makeover was her favourite chair placed by the window.

The designer's task

When planning the new kitchen, our interior designer Ilona had several goals. First and foremost, she needed to arrange the furniture in such a way that the small space was not only convenient to cook, but also pleasant to relax. Then, she had to discover a dedicated space for all the kitchen essentials. And finally, she wanted to let in more light.

So much more than sees the eye

The first thing that catches the eye after entering the renovated kitchen are bright colours and traditional LERHYTAN kitchen fronts. But far more important is what hides behind them. Ilona applied various solutions in the kitchen that make storage convenient and well organised.

The smooth-running MAXIMERA drawers close softly and allows an easy access to what's inside, as they can be pulled out all the way.
UTRUSTA pull-out fitting inside the corner cabinet is ideal for storing pots and other larger kitchenware items.
The VARIERA shelf inserts come to the rescue when you think you are running out of space inside your cabinets. Simply add one or more for that wonderful extra storage space.

To keep the kitchen well-lit both during the day and in the evening, we have also installed some MITTLED worktop lighting strips under the wall cabinets.

“If you have no opportunity to replace your old kitchen cabinets, try to make the most of their inner space with extra shelves, plate racks, and boxes. Don’t forget the space between the countertop and the wall cabinets as well. Place some HULTARP rails with hooks and other accessories here to keep your mostly used items right at hand without overloading the worktop. It will be both comfortable and stylish.”

Ilona Mozgo, IKEA interior designer

Obstacles as opportunities

The interior designer had to adjust to the existing gas and water connections, so she left the stove and sink in the same place as before the renovation but changed everything else. Ilona placed the new furniture along to walls in an L shape and planned the wall cabinets all the way up to the ceiling. This created more storage space and allowed having a larger worktop.

Looking for a tailored solution for your own kitchen? Use our 4-step guide to make the journey easier.

Rustic cosiness

The inspiration for the current kitchen design came from its former character. A decorative collection of plates and wooden decoration of walls and ceiling called for a rustic style. The old Vilė’s chair, which she used to call her own throne, was replaced with a handwoven HÖGSTEN armchair. It looks well next to the round wooden GAMLARED dining table that can seat up to four persons and stackable KYRRE stools that ready to seat extra guests without taking up too much space.