1. CUSTOM TABLE TOP
One of the biggest giveaways of an IKEA kitchen is uniformity. The standard fit looks the same in every space and is very average. The key to making it look expensive is making changes to create a more custom look.
2. SWITCH UP THE HARDWARE
For an instant upgrade, switch out your standard IKEA hardware for something that makes a statement. 'The knobs or handles really are the final touch to the kitchen,' says Freya, 'and the easiest and cheapest way to upgrade your kitchen'.
3. UTILIZE COLOR
When you envisage an IKEA kitchen, white is probably the color that springs to mind, but that shouldn't be the default choice. Often people avoid color in a kitchen, and while it can be an intimidating choice to make, there are many luxe kitchen colors that will instantly make your space look more expensive.
4. DIY YOUR CABINETS WITH FLUTED PANELLING
Textured surfaces such as reeding and fluting are some of the biggest kitchen trends for 2024, but did you know you can achieve the look with an IKEA kitchen? Michelle DIYed a fluted oak panel island with ease. 'I used 4mm sheets of fluted oak, cut to size, and then glued them to the fronts of the IKEA oak veneer doors and drawers,' she says. 'They make the island fronts look more like furniture fronts than kitchen ones and as they face the rest of the space, it is such a lovely detail to see all of the time.'
5. DECORATE WITH VINTAGE
Lastly, avoid falling into an IKEA rabbit hole and styling your whole kitchen from their stock room. Their kitchen range is great, but your kitchen mustn't turn into one of their staged rooms filled exclusively with the beige products of the Scandi brand.