Transforming an IKEA Play Kitchen: DIY Upgrades and Customizations
In a heartwarming Christmas gift exchange, a family received an IKEA DUKTIG play kitchen, sparking endless hours of imaginative play for the children. The author, eager to personalize the kitchen, embarked on a creative journey to transform it into a chic, upscale, and highly customized play space, all for less than $15.
The author began by organizing the pieces before assembly, ensuring a smooth build process. With a few simple materials like spray paint, contact paper, and stickers, the kitchen was given a modern makeover. Four wood pieces and four legs were spray painted white, while all metal accessories—sink, faucet, handles, hooks—were given a stylish gold coat.
For the countertop, adhesive faux marble contact paper was applied, transforming the kitchen's appearance significantly. The author advises wrapping and pressing the adhesive marble around the countertop, periodically flipping and smoothing it with a credit card.
To add a chic touch, a rounded square shaped hole was cut out in the sink area, and a similar hole was cut out in the stove area. Empty boxes of real food, such as corn bread and Near East quinoa boxes, fit perfectly on the top shelves, adding a touch of realism to the play kitchen.
Decorative accents were added to personalize the kitchen further. Tile stickers were used on the backsplash, and chalk paint was applied to surfaces for a modern touch. The play food items were a mix of purchases from Amazon and Etsy, including felt pizza, fresh farm eggs, strawberries, blueberries, bananas, donuts, bendy bacon, an assortment of cookies, and a tea set.
The IKEA DUKTIG play kitchen, with its simple, modern design, light-up stove, and built-in storage, proved to be versatile. Beyond kitchens, it was converted into a tool bench, showcasing its adaptability.
However, after frequent use, the gold spray paint on the IKEA play kitchen started to chip. Nevertheless, the makeover has been a success, providing a highly personalized and stylish play kitchen that can grow with the children's creativity.
For those seeking inspiration for their own IKEA DUKTIG makeover, Pinterest and TikTok offer galleries of modern DIY kitchen ideas with tutorials and accessory suggestions. These platforms serve as a wealth of inspiration for transforming the kitchen into a unique and imaginative play space.
The author worked on adding lifestyle elements to the IKEA DUKTIG play kitchen, covering the countertop with adhesive faux marble contact paper and decorating the backsplash with tile stickers to embody a chic home-and-garden style. The interior-design enhancements included a modern touch with chalk paint and decorative accents like felt pizza, fresh farm eggs, and a tea set, creating a highly personalized play space for the children.
