It's often said the kitchen is the heart of the home. It’s where friends and family gather to share good food, celebrate special occasions and make new memories. But with so many options available, it can be a head-scratcher to settle on the right design.

That's where IKEA comes in. For nearly 50 years, Australian families have chosen IKEA kitchens for their durability, design and affordability. And - with the help of an experienced kitchen designer - you can get even more bang for your buck by customising any IKEA model to create your dream kitchen.  

What to consider when designing a kitchen

Whether you’re renovating an existing kitchen or building a new one, it’s important to nail the design so that your kitchen meets your needs and looks great while also fitting your budget. During the design phase, work with your kitchen designer to consider:

• How you’ll use the space: Do you just want a space for cooking, or will the kitchen double as a breakfast bar or entertaining space?
• Storage space: Are you an avid home cook with a million appliances, or do you just need a basic space to cook simple family meals?
• The perfect layout: What cupboard and cabinet layout will make the most of the space? Do you want a walk-in pantry or need custom-height benches?
• Plumbing and electrics: Where are the dishwasher, refrigerator and sink going? How many power points do you need?
• Interior design: What colour scheme will complement the rest of your home and create an inviting space? What are the most durable yet attractive materials and finishes for your floor, benchtops and cupboard doors?

Pros and cons of choosing an IKEA kitchen

Pros of IKEA kitchens

People around the world love IKEA kitchens for their:

• Affordability: With prices starting as low as a few thousand dollars, there’s an IKEA kitchen to suit every budget
• Durability: IKEA kitchens are made from durable materials designed to last. IKEA guarantees its ENHET kitchens for ten years and its METOD kitchens for 25 years
• Stylish design: IKEA is renowned for its timeless, minimalist aesthetic, and its kitchens are no different. You can choose from a range of designs and finishes to suit your home

Cons of IKEA kitchens

Before investing in an IKEA kitchen, it’s worth considering that they’re: 

• Tricky to install by yourself: If you thought putting together a flatpack bed was hard, wait until you assemble a flatpack kitchen! To save you time and make your life easier, we always recommend hiring a professional IKEA kitchen installation service 
• Less unique and durable than a high-end kitchen: IKEA kitchens balance affordability with elegant design, but they’re not the highest-spec available. If solid wood or high-end marble is more your thing, we recommend talking to a professional kitchen designer about custom options

Services offered by IKEA kitchen design planners

IKEA kitchen designers and planners offer a whole range of services (including the kitchen sink!) Common services include:

• Measurements: Designers/planners can measure your existing kitchen to determine exactly how much room you have to play with. Some even make 2D/3D renders so you can visualise how the IKEA kitchen would fit in your home
• Design: From the best tap fittings to the ideal range-hood, a good designer will step through all the choices you need to make. They'll plan the layout and choose the exact IKEA kitchen system to suit your budget and the vibe you’re after
• Planning: Most designers provide project management services, taking the stress out of everything from getting quotes and scheduling deliveries to installing the kitchen
• InstallationsL Kitchen design planners can either do the installation for you or connect you with a builder and electrician who can

How to choose an IKEA kitchen installation service

When selecting a kitchen designer, look for a company or tradesperson who’s experienced, appropriately qualified and licensed. Ask to see examples of previous kitchens they've worked on, and always check out their online reviews. Having confidence in your designer is essential because you need to be able to communicate your ideas and any concerns throughout the whole project.

How much will a kitchen interior designer cost?

A kitchen interior designer will typically charge between $3,000 and $6,000 to design a kitchen. Breaking this down a bit, you can expect to pay:

• $250 for an initial consultation, for 1 - 3 hours of a designer’s time
• $800 to $3,000 to produce plans and a 2D/3D render of your kitchen
• $2,200 to design your new kitchen from scratch including choosing appliances, cabinetry and a colour scheme

Some interior designers charge for their services by the hour, while others charge a fixed fee for the entire project, so make sure this is specified up front in your quote. To get the best value for money, seek out quotes from at least three different designers. You can easily do this for free by hitting our get quotes button below! 

Why use hipages to find your supplier?

Many builders offer IKEA kitchen design and installation services, but they often don’t advertise this on their websites, which makes them hard to find with a quick Google search.

That’s why we’ve got a dedicated Directory of top-rated IKEA kitchen installers. To find a professional IKEA kitchen installation service near you, simply browse for your location on the Directory or use our handy Get Quotes page to post your job and let the tradies come to you.

FAQs about IKEA kitchen design and planning

What is the average cost of an IKEA kitchen?

Depending on its size and features, an IKEA kitchen will typically cost between $3,000 and $5,500.

Does IKEA still have a kitchen planner?

Yes, but we recommend using a supplier local to your area instead. Not only can they help you navigate the design process, but they’re also independent—so if you decide at any point that IKEA isn’t the right option for you, they can help you find alternative options.

How do I choose an IKEA kitchen?

Simply head in-store to get a feel for your options in person (and grab some meatballs on the way out!), or browse their buying guide or online kitchen planner. Alternatively, ask your kitchen designer to select a handful of options that suit your criteria for you to choose from.