These companies make it easy to customize cupboards.
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Renovations are pricey—those involving the heart of the home, even more so: According to the Real Remodeling Costs calculator on Houzz, the average cost of a kitchen remodel rings in anywhere from $13,700 to a whopping $44,100. So when you find little shortcuts that can save a few bucks, it’s best to go ahead and take them. Maybe it’s peel-and-stick tile for the backsplash you’ve always wanted or heading to a certain Swedish retailer for your new cupboards. The problem is, IKEA cabinet doors aren’t always the most stylish…and that’s where these companies come in.
The brand’s cult following has spawned an entire generation of companies aimed at dressing up pared-back basics. You can get slipcovers for your Söderhamn sectional and legs for your Besta—though we’re most interested in the zhuzhed-up fronts that will transform the most basic of cabinetry. If you’re planning an upgrade involving IKEA cabinet doors—even if it’s not for a few months—these makers will convince you to ditch the sledgehammer.
Pairs best with: Sektion, Besta, Pax, and Billy cabinets.
The price point: Fronts-wise, you can score a simple solid-color drawer front for a Sektion cabinet starting at $46, or invest more than $450 on a cane door replacement for a Pax closet. The “shop the look” section of the website is the quickest way to get an idea of how much a full hack (doors, sides, and top included) will run you.
What it’s known for: IKEA is famous for its very flat, very boring cabinet fronts, so we’re guessing part of the reason you’re interested in hacking yours is because you want to add some fresh dimension and texture to your piece. Fronteriors, which is constantly releasing stylish drops, is the place to go if you are craving a hint of linen, a row of slats, closed-cane weave, or trendy oak veneer.
Pairs best with: Sektion cabinets.
The price point: The cupboards alone vary but begin at an estimated $2,750 for a small kitchen to $6,450 for a large kitchen.
What it’s known for: If a colorful dinnerware collection is as bold as you’re willing to go, these are the fronts for you. Plykea offers three different materials—each customizable in a number of hues—but is best known for its classic Scandi style: simple, timeless, and categorically minimalist. They’re best served as is, sans decorative pulls or knobs .
Pairs best with: The Sektion, Pax, and Godmorgon systems.
The price point: Since everything is tailor-made to your space, you’ll have to reach out for a custom quote.
What it’s known for: Traditional but make it eco-friendly: The Portland, Oregon–based brand is so committed to sustainability that it’s one of the core values of the company. (It uses low- to zero-VOC paints and varnishes and relies on recycled plant fibers to round out its materials.) This means you can’t go wrong with any of the polished wood doors, but don’t sleep on the Townsend Home collection if you’re craving a deeper dose of color.
Pairs best with: All IKEA kitchen systems.
The price point: An average kitchen design is between $20,000 and $30,000.
What it’s known for: The eccentric rich aunt of the kitchen cabinet family: There are luxe finishes, yes, but they’re paired with funkier features like color-blocked fronts and little round handles. This is because of the numerous architects and designers Reform routinely collaborates with, from Norm Architects to Cecilie Manz ; it’s high-end on a budget.
Pairs best with: The Metod and Besta systems.
The price point: Expect to shell out between $39 for a tiny drawer and $293 for a larger cupboard.
What it’s known for: This collection is all about prints. Pick between fish scales, geometric shapes, and stripes to add a bit of texture in place of cookie-cutter IKEA cabinet doors—or mix and match your lowers and uppers for some real pattern play .
Pairs best with: The Sektion, Besta, Godmorgon, and now-discontinued Akurum systems.
The price point: It largely depends on the size and style of your cabinetry, but to give you a good idea, pieces for a four-drawer Godmorgon vanity go for around $735, while the DIY Quarterline Sektion doors (you paint them yourself!) are $104 each.
What it’s known for: The Instagram-famous kitchens you see in all your favorite design stars’ homes. Semihandmade has teamed up with Sarah Sherman Samuel , Chris Loves Julia , and most recently Leanne Ford for various lines, culminating in an offering that has those classic vibes—e.g., natural-colored wood and Shaker silhouettes—but also includes a few more playful options.
Pairs best with: The Metod system.
The price point: An example of a medium kitchen project is £12,775 (or $16,270) for the IKEA cabinetry, Holte fronts, handles, and countertop.
Birch Plywood Wardrobe What it’s known for: For anyone looking for something punchier, don’t sleep on Holte’s vivid orange fronts and half-moon–shaped steel pulls (the cobalt shade is also a favorite). There are 120 total colors and six different handles, so if you’re on the hunt for something truly bespoke, you’ll find it in the mix.