Kitchen Renovation Guide - How to Plan and Upgrade Your Ikea Kitchen

The kitchen isn’t just another room - it’s the heart of everyday life. It’s where mornings start, meals are shared, and memories are made.

If you’ve decided to renovate yours, this guide is for you. We’ve gathered thoughtful insights, practical tips and ideas you might not have considered - so you can make smart choices and create a kitchen that truly works for you.

Essential Steps to Plan Your Kitchen Renovation

  • Budget – what will it cost, and where can you save?
    Kitchen renovation costs vary greatly depending on scope. You can save significantly by keeping your existing cabinets and simply updating the fronts, handles and legs.

  • Style – what do you truly love over time?
    It’s easy to be drawn to what feels trendy now. But think about the colours, shapes and details you return to again and again. Choosing a style you truly enjoy ensures a kitchen that lasts—visually and practically.

  • Existing elements – what can you reuse?
    If you already have Ikea cabinets—Metod, Faktum or Bestå—you’ve got a strong base to build on. It’s more sustainable, more affordable, and yes—our fronts fit like a glove.

  • Logistics – who installs, and when?
    Will you do it yourself or hire someone? Either way, planning is key. When should the work take place? How long will it take? Who is responsible for what?

  • Electricity & plumbing – where are the key connections?
    Moving your stove, sink or dishwasher isn’t always straightforward. It affects both regulations and budget. Know what’s possible, and design accordingly.

  • Tools & materials – what will you need?
    Do you have the right screwdriver bits, spirit level, drill or even a basic workbench? Small tools make the process smoother and more precise. Don’t forget consumables like filler, glue or painter’s tape.

  • Cleanup & disposal – what happens after?
    Removing old cabinets or packaging? You’ll need protective plastic, containers - or even a trailer.

  • Design help – want to skip the guesswork?
    If you have a cabinet frame and a layout- or even just a rough sketch - our design help helps you get it right. We guide you through choosing the right fronts, colours and details, and make sure your order includes everything you need for your specific kitchen.

Go to Design help

Design through the details - it’s what makes the whole

  • Handles & legs: Small in size, big in impact. Choose from distinct styles like Bruta, Wire, Twine or Holy Wafer—each with its own feel and finish. In kitchens, use plinths for a clean base; in other spaces, legs add character and height.

  • Colours: Pick from tones like Silent Greige, Concrete or Aerugo Green—or go custom with your own NCS shade. Colour is what ties it all together.

  • Mood & materials: From Japandi calm to graphic modernism or warm rustic charm—your style choices set the tone. The materials, colours and details you select define how the kitchen feels and functions every day. Think beyond trends and build a mood that lasts.

Get inspired

Common renovation mistakes - and how to avoid them

It’s easy to overlook details that end up causing delays, extra costs or daily frustration. Here are some common pitfalls:

  • Trusting trends over your own taste

  • Choosing aesthetics over practical layout

  • Underestimating time needed for planning, delivery and installation

  • Forgetting about workflow, storage or where outlets and plumbing are

  • Skipping a clear budget or step-by-step plan

  • Not double-checking measurements—or how doors open

Pro tip: Think through how you use your kitchen today. What works? What doesn’t? A bit of foresight saves a lot of stress later.

What does a kitchen renovation cost?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer—it depends on what you’re changing. Key cost drivers:

  • Replacing or keeping existing cabinets

  • Choice of materials and appliances

  • DIY or hiring professionals

With Superfront, you can keep the structure and transform the look-at a fraction of the cost of a full renovation. It's smarter for your budget-and for the planet.

Ready to get started?

Here’s how to begin:

  • Identify your Ikea base (Metod, Faktum or Bestå) Not sure what type of kithcen you have? Read our guide here.

  • Choose your style: flat, framed, patterned or textured

  • Select your colour: from our curated palette or your own NCS code. Order colour samples here

  • Add handles, plinths and accessories

Go to design help if you'd like expert support along the way.

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Kitchen renovation cost examples
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