A $10,000 IKEA Kitchen Makeover: What We Learned the Hard Way

A couple renovated a dated 1990s kitchen for about $10,000 by DIY-installing IKEA cabinets and materials, taking two months and finishing with warm wood-toned cabinetry, a green backsplash, and beige hex tile. They highlight key lessons: pay for IKEA’s professional measuring service, start prep work earlier, and plan for a temporary kitchen to reduce disruption; also test grout color on a small patch before committing. Their experience shows thoughtful planning can be as crucial as materials to achieve a cohesive, affordable remodel.