IKEA kitchens in Australia are getting more and more popular by the day, all thanks to the brand’s flexibility, cost-effectiveness, and modern-style solutions. And now, the interior-design hot-topic of the day is “what are the top 10 trendiest IKEA kitchen ideas in Australia?”
If you’re also among the people wondering the same thing, you’re in luck. In this article, we’ll go over the top 10 IKEA kitchen ideas in Australia, from small and simple to elegant and kid-proof designs. Additionally, you’ll learn when IKEA furniture might not be enough and when it’s worth splurging a little bit. So, get comfortable daydreaming, because we’re building your ideal kitchen joinery today!
Why Choose IKEA Australian Kitchens?
The most important reason why people all across the globe love IKEA so much is because, well, you guessed it, it’s super affordable. With its soft-close drawers, scratch-resistant surfaces, and water-resistant benchtops, it offers decent quality that could make the products last a good few years.
Another major reason why so many people are looking for IKEA kitchens in Australia is because the brand offers modular systems, making it adaptable to a variety of layouts, including L-shaped, U-shaped, and galley kitchens. The furniture is easy enough to DIY, and its components can be replaced or upgraded without redoing the entire kitchen.
Of course, IKEA Australian kitchens aren’t for everybody, but they do suit a good majority of people, especially those who are more environmentally conscious. But that’s a decision for you to make. Right now, it’s time to spark some imagination and create inspiration.
Top IKEA Kitchen Ideas: Small-Space Solutions
Is your Sydney studio kitchen nothing but a closet with plumbing? Or perhaps you have one of those infamous Melbourne rentals with a 2m-long ‘kitchen’ and zero storage. Either way, you can still turn that space into your space, so don’t give up hope.
1- The “10m² Miracle”
Even with a minuscule kitchen, you can get a compact yet fully functional layout, which is ideal for inner-city apartments or granny flats. First, use tall cabinets up to the ceiling for added vertical storage (Related Product: METOD base cabinets). But still, you want everyday items easily accessible. For that, products like EKET open shelves can be your savior.
Additionally, make sure to use a lot of bright colours to make your space look larger. For example, the GRIMSLOV matte white fronts are an excellent option to bring some light and life to even the smallest of kitchens. Lastly, depending on your available space, you might want to consider the NORDLI island on wheels, which you can simply roll away when you’re done with it.
2- Apartment Galley Kitchen
To build your perfect galley kitchen using IKEA in Australia, you need to think of pull-out corner cabinets (UTRUSTA), strip lights, and lots of glossy finishes. Just like the 10m² Miracle, pale-coloured doors can help you make the space feel more airy (Related Product: BODBYN white).
The glossy finish we talked about can help you in 2 ways. First, by using glass cabinet doors, you can break up the cabinetry wall and showcase dishware. Second, mirrored splashbacks or high-gloss tiles help bounce light around a confined space.
You can also use the LEDBERG LED strips (plug-in lighting, no electrician needed) and the SKÅDIS pegboard above your sink to hang knives, dry racks, and herb gardens on.
Top IKEA Kitchen Ideas: Budget-Friendly Looks
Now, if your kitchen is starting to look boring, but you can’t afford a full kitchen renovation, or if you want a ‘designer’ kitchen for under $5K, IKEA kitchens in Australia might still be a good option. Here’s how.
3- Luxe-for-Less Laminate
If you’re craving a la Palace of Versailles kitchen design but rocking a la studio-apartment budget, don’t worry at all. IKEA does l’essentiel! When it comes to that luxury design, it’s all about meticulousness, sophistication, and how deliberate you work.
For example, you can instantly elevate your kitchen by simply using matte-finish cabinet doors and modern handles or black hardware (Related Products: ASKERSUND, KUNGSBACKA, ENERYDA). Pair that with strip lighting and a few plants or decor pieces to get that elevated finish. Of course, you can’t think of luxury IKEA Australian kitchens without having the KARLBY oak veneer countertop come to mind. It’s stain-resistant with pre-sealed edges, making it ideal for first-time homeowners or renters renovating on a budget.
4- Two-Tone on a Dime
For a warmer look with more depth and dimension, you can combine light upper cabinets with dark base units. For Example, the ENHET series offers a budget-friendly modular option with stylish contrast options. Additionally, you can add brushed brass or matte black handles to tie the two tones together and create greater visual interest.
Consider vinyl or peel-and-stick flooring to create further contrast affordably. Another option is to replace some upper cabinets with floating wooden shelves to save on cost while adding warmth.
Top IKEA Kitchen Ideas: Family and Functionality
Even with all the luxury in the world, you can’t truly enjoy your space if it’s not functional, or worse, if it’s constantly turned into an active war zone by your little ones. Here are some family-friendly and functional ideas for IKEA kitchens in Australia.
5- Kid-Proof Kitchen
So, if your 4-year-old treats the drawers in your kitchen like trampolines, you can replace your existing decorations with IKEA’s family-friendly items that are built to last. The keyword here is durability. So, think durable cabinet fronts (Related Products: RINGHULT, VOXTORP) that resist both fingerprints and scratches. Another must in kid-friendly IKEA kitchens in Australia is rounded edges on benchtops and cabinetry, not to mention installing soft-close drawers and doors to avoid pinched fingers.
It could also be helpful if you chose wipeable splashbacks like acrylic or IKEA’s LYSEKIL panels for easy cleaning, and added a fold-out step stool tucked under the island for helping hands at meal prep.
6- Pull-Out Pantry
If the 30cm gap beside your fridge is dead space, you can still use it for storage. Especially if your kitchen falls on the smaller side of the scale, you can find a variety of IKEA items to make use of that space. For instance, you can use IKEA’s UTRUSTA pull-out pantry units for narrow or tall storage. They are great for storing dry goods, snacks, and bulk items. Don’t forget to add internal drawer inserts for easy access to items without rummaging.
An alternative option is to go with transparent containers and labelled bins, as they enhance organisation and visibility. Additionally, you can take this as a general rule of thumb, but using tall pantry towers is a miracle when you’re trying to free up space in base cabinetry.
Top IKEA Kitchen Ideas: Modern and Minimalist
If you’re one of those people who absolutely despise clutter (cause let’s face it, even handles could feel too loud on the wrong day), or if you love industrial lofts but lack the necessary finances for them, a modern and minimalist space is exactly what you need. But can IKEA deliver such Australian kitchens?
7- Handle-Free Design
An all-time favourite among those who crave the clean lines and clever storage of minimalism is push-to-open cabinet doors (Related Product: JUTIS) or integrated handles (e.g., VOXTORP). And of course, we can’t forget about the staple matte or high-gloss cabinet fronts that maintain that desired sleek look.
For your ideal minimal IKEA kitchen in Australia, you can also forego overhead cabinets or use open shelving to get a cleaner silhouette. Using hidden lighting strips under shelves can give your space the warmth of a home without cluttering anything. Remember, minimalism doesn’t mean cold, and you can add textured accessories like timber stools or ceramic planters for warmth and dimension.
8- Concrete-Look Splashback
For all the urban, industrial decor lovers who are stuck in spaces that don’t represent them well enough, there’s a solution. IKEA’s concrete-effect panels mimic the look of raw concrete for industrial flair. Combine these panels with matte black or anthracite cabinetry (e.g., KUNGSBACKA), and boom! Your kitchen feels brand new.
Still, you might want some contrast to avoid a flat grey design (which we happily left back in 2014). So, the secret here is to use floating shelves in natural wood to bring warmth back to your space. For the perfect finish, make sure you have black or brushed metal tapware to bring it all together and create the ultimate urban finish.
Top IKEA Kitchen Ideas: Bold and Creative
Even though there’s a functional minimalist living inside every one of our phones nowadays, not everybody vibes with that style. So, if a white kitchen feels too clinical for your moody cottage, or if your 60s home needs a kitchen that matches its soul, this section is for you.
9- Retro Vibes
You can channel your inner 70s or 80s lover through the colourful ENHET cabinet fronts. There are all sorts of colours to choose from: reds, greens, yellows, and more. Pair those cabinet materials with checkerboard floors or geometric patterned tiles, and there you have it, the ultimate retro kitchen.
Still, if you’re a detail-oriented perfectionist, which is a creative chaos of its own, you can install chrome or rounded handles and add bold wall art or statement pendant lights (Related Product: RANARP pendant lights) over the island to maintain the retro look.
10- Dark and Moody
Last but not least, if your soul aches for that grunge, dark beauty, you’re not alone, and IKEA knows that. Their deep cabinet tones like KALLARP (high-gloss dark green) or BODARP (matte grey-green) have the means to turn any kitchen into an ethereal space filled with witchcraft beauty.
Pair your dark cabinets with black or gold hardware for sophistication, and use moody kitchen lighting (like pendant lights with amber bulbs or spotlights with dimmers) for that perfect “stormy-night-cottage” vibe. You can also add a wood-grain island or open shelves for contrast and richness.
When IKEA Kitchens Aren’t Enough
Despite its versatility, IKEA home decor can, and often does, feel repetitive or cliche. If your vision doesn’t fit inside IKEA’s limitations, don’t beat yourself up over it. After all, IKEA falls short when it comes to specific situations like:
- Homes with irregular wall dimensions or heritage features.
- Homeowners who want bespoke finishes, exotic materials, or high-end craftsmanship.
- Projects needing integrated specialty appliances or non-standard hardware.
In such scenarios, the solution is usually custom joinery. But many people worry about the costs that accompany such services. So, what should you do?
Silk Touch Joinery: Custom Affordable Luxury
At Silk Touch Joinery, we offer made-to-measure solutions to ensure a perfect fit, regardless of your layout. You can choose custom finishes to match the rest of your home’s aesthetic. With our increased flexibility, you’ll get more drawer configurations, pull-outs, inserts, and lighting options.
Most importantly, we pride ourselves on offering affordable rates that rival IKEA kitchens’ Australian prices. That way, you get custom kitchen cabinets with the quality of a lifetime at the rate of DIY furniture. Of course, we also offer solutions that can work alongside IKEA, as mix and match options are increasingly popular.
All you have to do to get your custom, affordable quote is contact us today and ask us for your ideal kitchen!