Duktig hack: Upgrading the Ikea play kitchen

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We took our doer upper mentality to our daughter’s Christmas present! There are many ways to hack an Ikea play kitchen to make it stand out and functional for your child. Here are a few ideas:

Cheap Ikea play kitchen hack ideas

• Add some stickers or decals to the outside of the kitchen to give it a more personalized look.
• Use contact paper or adhesive vinyl to give the countertops and backsplashes a more genuine look away from plywood.
• Add some extra storage with additional shelves or hanging baskets.
• Customize the kitchen with paint or stencils.
• Add some realistic accessories, such as toy food or utensils.

Vinyls for Ikea play kitchen

Adhesive vinyl is a versatile material that comes in many different types. Some common types of adhesive vinyl include:

• Permanent vinyl, which is a strong and durable type of vinyl that is difficult to remove once it has been applied.
• Removable vinyl, which is a less aggressive adhesive that allows the vinyl to be removed without damaging the surface it was applied to.
• Clear vinyl, which is a transparent vinyl that can be used to protect surfaces from scratches, dirt, and other types of damage.
• Glitter vinyl, which is a type of vinyl that has a sparkly finish. Glitter vinyl is often used for crafts and decorations, and can add a touch of sparkle and shine to any project.

There are many other types of adhesive vinyl available on eBay. You don’t need 3M level of quality that people use on cars. They go through a lot more weathering than an Ikea play kitchen.

Paint for Ikea play kitchen

When choosing paint it’s important to select a type of paint that is safe for use around children. One that will be durable enough to withstand regular use. Some good options for painting a play kitchen include:

• Water-based acrylic paint, which is a safe and non-toxic option that is easy to clean up. Acrylic paint dries quickly and is available in a wide range of colors.
• Latex paint, which is another safe and non-toxic option that is easy to clean up. Latex paint is also available in a wide range of colors and finishes, so you can achieve the desired look for your kitchen.
• Chalk paint, which is a type of paint that dries to a matte finish and can be easily wiped clean with a damp cloth. Chalk paint is a good option for a play kitchen because it is easy to work with and can be used to create a variety of looks, from distressed to shabby chic.

Priming for paint application

It’s also a good idea to use a primer before painting your play kitchen. This will help the paint to adhere better to the surface and will create a more durable finish. Be sure to follow the instructions on the paint and primer labels to ensure that the paint dries properly and lasts as long as possible.

Surface preparation is an important step in any painting project, and it is especially important when using a primer. Here are a few best practices to follow when preparing the surface for primer:

Priming steps

• Clean the surface thoroughly to remove any dirt, dust, or grime. Use a mild detergent and water to clean the surface, and be sure to let it dry completely before applying the primer.
• Sand the surface to create a smooth and even surface for the primer to adhere to. Use fine-grit sandpaper and sand in the direction of the grain.
• Remove any old paint or finishes that are peeling or chipping. Use a scraper or putty knife to carefully remove any loose material, and be sure to clean up any debris before applying the primer.
• Use masking tape and newspaper to protect any areas that you do not want to be primed. This will help to create clean lines and prevent any overspray from getting onto these areas.

By following these steps, you can help ensure that the primer adheres well to the surface and creates a smooth and even base for the paint. This will result in a better-looking and more durable finish for your play kitchen.

Priming Ikea hardware is something we’ve done on a larger scale with real furniture. Whilst this isn’t necessary, we also did a light sand of the primer coat and reapplied a second layer, just to ensure the top coat can really take a bashing from kitchen role play!

Zinsser primer is our standard go to, a foam roller will give a streak free finish but we used a standard paint brush as we know our kid wouldn’t complain!

Topcoat

For your topcoat you can go with whatever suits your design. We went with gold to suit our real kitchen. However this rose gold option will be popular with a lot of parents!

Storage ideas

There are many ways to add extra storage to a play kitchen, depending on your specific needs and the space available. Here are a few ideas to consider

• Install additional shelves or racks on the walls of the kitchen. This can provide additional space for storing toy food, dishes, and other kitchen accessories.
• Use hanging baskets or hooks to add storage for utensils, pots and pans, or other items that are used frequently.
• Add a small cabinet or cupboard to the kitchen for storing larger items or items that are not used as often.
• Use drawer organizers or dividers to make better use of the space inside the kitchen’s existing drawers and cabinets.
• Install a pegboard on the wall to create a versatile and customizable storage solution. You can use hooks, baskets, and other accessories to hang and organize a variety of items.

Before adding any storage solutions to your play kitchen, be sure to measure the available space and plan out your design carefully. This will help you to make the most of the space you have and create a storage solution that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing.

Backsplash for Ikea play kitchen

Adding a backsplash to a play kitchen can be a fun and easy way to personalize the Ikea play kitchen hack. The basic steps to add a backsplash to your play kitchen are:

1. Measure the area where you want to install the backsplash and cut some thin plywood to nail to the back of the kitchen.
2. Clean the wood backing thoroughly to remove any dirt or grime that could prevent the backsplash from sticking properly.
3. Peel the backing off of the adhesive vinyl or contact paper and carefully apply it to the wall, starting at the top and working your way down. Use a scraper or credit card to smooth out any bubbles or wrinkles, and be sure to press the backsplash firmly against the wall.
4. Trim any excess material around the edges of the backsplash using a sharp knife or scissors.
5. Let the backsplash dry.
6. Line up the backsplash against the kitchen and nail around the edges

It’s a good idea to practice applying the backsplash on the wood flat first. If the wood is nailed into the kitchen first, attaching the vinyl will be more challenging.

These are the vinyl tiles we went for. Our daughter is really into Encanto at the moment and we feel these tiles are reminiscent of that time!

Summary

These are a few basic ideas which does not break the bank. I think we were more excited to upgrade this kitchen than our daughter currently is playing with it. Comment any further ideas you have!