Welcome to our Scandinavian Modern cabin kitchen reveal. In this article I’ll walk through the renovation process, the choices we made, and our experience installing an IKEA kitchen on a budget.
Meet our Scandinavian Modern cabin kitchen in Wisconsin, a space my husband and I renovated while keeping costs reasonable. We’re thrilled with how the IKEA kitchen turned out and I’ll share the important details, lessons learned, and what I’d do differently next time.
The Scandi/Mod Design
The home’s overall aesthetic is Scandinavian modern with a rustic edge. The previous owners preserved much of the original wood paneling, which we chose to keep as a defining feature. The house had a lot of carpet — including on the kitchen island — and an outdated kitchen that needed a full refresh.
Our goal was to introduce clean Scandinavian lines while honoring the cabin’s original charm. We kept the wood paneling on the walls and ceiling, added a white backsplash and fresh white paint, and selected green-gray cabinets to complement the warm wood tones instead of going with stark white or natural cabinets.
The Materials
Most of the materials came from IKEA, with a few items sourced elsewhere. Below I outline the products we used, why we chose them, and how the process went.
Cabinets & Hardware
During the pandemic, lead times affected many suppliers. We compared options at Menards, BOXI, and IKEA and ultimately chose IKEA for cost and availability. IKEA cabinets are shipped unassembled, which keeps the price down but requires more DIY or paid labor to assemble and install. Menards and BOXI quoted higher prices for assembled cabinetry.
We selected IKEA’s BODARP matte gray/green cabinets for their flat-panel Scandinavian look and the green tone we wanted without the need to paint. The color pairs well with the white oak luxury vinyl plank flooring and the original woodwork; white cabinets would have read too modern for this space.
Hardware
We used IKEA Hackas matte black pulls for a clean, modern finish. They were an economical option that fit the overall aesthetic.
Appliances
IKEA was convenient for appliances because their kitchens are designed around standard appliance dimensions. We bought appliances from IKEA mainly for three reasons:
- Timing: initial shipping estimates were about four weeks.
- Cost: IKEA offered competitive pricing.
- Convenience: the ability to order cabinets and appliances together simplified logistics.
These are not high-end appliances, but they fit our cabin needs and budget. One notable downside was the protective plastic film on appliances: the adhesive proved difficult to remove, especially in tight crevices, and we still have areas that need careful trimming.
Our Appliances
Our appliance set included a refrigerator, over-the-range microwave, built-in dishwasher, wall oven, and glass-ceramic cooktop, all selected to match the kitchen layout.
- Refrigerator
- Microwave
- Dishwasher
- Wall Oven
- Cooktop
Sink & Faucet
For the sink we chose an IKEA Havsen farmhouse-style sink with an apron front and double bowls—practical and in keeping with the cabin feel. After initial installation we upgraded the faucet to a higher-quality matte black Delta Essa for improved performance and aesthetics.
Lighting
We installed two black pendant lights purchased at an excellent price and added four recessed lights for balanced task lighting. The pendants are economical and visually fit the space; the recessed lighting made a tangible difference in brightness and usability.
Floating Shelves
Finding the right floating shelves in white oak and the exact dimensions we needed proved challenging. We ultimately invested in solid 2-inch white oak shelves that became one of the more expensive but very worthwhile features in the kitchen. The shelves measure 2 inches thick, 24 inches wide, and 10 inches deep, and we installed them about 15 inches apart, sitting just below the upper cabinets and above the tile.
Countertops
Countertops were the single largest material expense. IKEA was not offering countertop fabrication at the time, so we worked with a local fabricator to install quartz countertops. We selected a bright white quartz with warm brown and gold veining that complements the wood tones. The installation experience had setbacks: the initial measurements were inaccurate, which delayed completion and required re-cutting and reinstalling pieces, adding extra labor for plumbing and appliance reconnections.
Tile
We wanted a simple white backsplash and chose a lattice weave pattern in white tile. The tile was affordable and visually interesting; we used a light gray grout for subtle contrast, though white grout would also have looked clean and bright. We ended up tiling just the backsplash area.
Other Details
- Decor: We added a faux European mule deer mount for a cabin touch.
- Stools: Counter stools were sourced seasonally from a retailer and are not currently available.
- Dining Light: The dining area features a coordinating light fixture in matte black.
- Dining Table: A large oak dining table seats ten comfortably.
- Dining Chairs: Durable and affordable dining chairs were selected to suit a cabin setting.
IKEA Kitchen Budget – The Breakdown
Below is the budget breakdown for materials and labor. This does not include flooring or ceiling drywall, which we handled separately.
Materials
- Cabinets: $5,500
- Appliances: $4,500
- Hardware: $150
- Sink & Faucet: $350
- Pendant Lights: $42
- Countertops (non-IKEA): $6,000
- Tile (non-IKEA): $270
Total materials: $16,820
Labor
- Demo & cabinet install: $3,500
- Appliance install: $560
- Plumbing: $400
- Electrical: $1,500
- Tile install: $1,500
Total labor: $7,460
Total project cost: $24,280
We were pleased to complete the kitchen for under $25,000. If we had done all the labor ourselves, the project could have been roughly $7,500 cheaper, but we hired professionals to keep the timeline and quality consistent.
Pros & Cons of an IKEA Kitchen
Pro – Design services: IKEA’s free in-store design help was very valuable. Meeting with a designer saved time and helped finalize layout decisions.
Pro – Price: IKEA offers very competitive pricing, making a full kitchen renovation achievable for under $20,000 in many cases.
Con – Supply chain delays: We experienced delays and partial shipments that required persistent follow-up to resolve. Missing components can stall progress, especially when countertops depend on completed cabinet installs.
Con – Protective plastic on appliances: The adhesive film on appliances can be difficult to remove and requires careful work to avoid residue.
Con – Assembly required: IKEA cabinetry arrives unassembled. This reduces cost but increases time and labor unless hired out.
Before Photos
For comparison, here are a few before photos showing the original condition and the extent of the transformation. The carpeted kitchen is a reminder of what we replaced during the renovation.
