Ikea “Duktig” kitchen
HHello! It’s Cassie here for my monthly guest post. If you’ve ever searched “play kitchen” on Pinterest, you’ve likely come across the popular Ikea Duktig kitchen hack. The Duktig is simple to assemble, budget-friendly, and lends itself well to creative customization, which is why it’s a favorite for DIYers.
With my daughter Evie’s birthday approaching, I decided to build and personalize one as a gift. I reviewed several examples for inspiration but mostly designed it around what I would want in a small, practical play kitchen. I aimed for a look that coordinates with our home while being easy to clean and fun to play with. The finished kitchen exceeded my expectations and was a joy to make. The whole process took a few days because I painted parts before final assembly.
Ikea “Duktig” kitchen as it originally comes
Main updates I made to the original kitchen
- Painted all wooden pieces a glossy grey, leaving the oven and microwave doors white. I used high-gloss spray paint for a durable, easy-to-clean finish.
- Covered the countertop with marble-look contact paper for an attractive, wipeable surface.
- Spray painted the sink white and glued it in place to prevent shifting during play.
- Replaced the original hardware with new pieces for a more finished look.
- Spray painted the faucet and new hardware in matching gold for a cohesive detail.
- Added small wooden knobs above the oven to mimic real oven controls.
- Installed a battery-powered LED light under the cabinet to add subtle under-cabinet lighting.
- Used a small hook to hang a child’s apron on the side of the kitchen for convenient storage.
- Attached a paper-covered foam poster board to the back to serve as a decorative, removable backsplash.
Apron styled for photos
This is a very doable gift idea for the holidays. Compared with higher-end play kitchens, the Duktig is affordable, and most of the extras I added were basic supplies like spray paint, which keeps the project budget-friendly.
Tips if you want to try this project
- Paint pieces before final assembly: assemble top and bottom separately without doors attached, then paint for a cleaner finish.
- Paint doors prior to attaching them to avoid missed spots and drips.
- If using contact paper for the countertop, apply it first and cut holes for the oven and sink afterward for a neat fit.
- Use hot glue to secure the sink and attach the foam poster board backsplash. It’s quick, though you may want to revisit adhesive choices if you need extra durability.
- Keep the faucet upright while painting; I propped mine in play-dough until the paint dried.
- Follow paint manufacturer instructions: some spray paints need time to cure or multiple light coats for best results.
Materials and sources I used for this mini renovation
- Ikea Duktig play kitchen
- Ikea Duktig utensils
- Gloss spray paints for cabinets and sink in grey and white
- Metallic gold spray paint for hardware and faucet
- Marble-look contact paper for the countertop
- Decorative paper attached to foam poster board for the backsplash
Note: I enjoyed styling the mini kitchen for photos, but for everyday play I’ll stick to non-breakable dishes and toys. Ceramic salt and pepper shakers or fragile serving pieces look pretty, but plastic and wooden play food and dishes are safer and more practical for a toddler.
I hope this project gives you ideas for holiday gifting or inspires you to try a simple Ikea hack of your own.
Until next month,
See more of Cassie’s posts below:
Introduction and Mini Home Tour
Toddler Girl’s Room Reveal
Baby Boy Nursery Tour
Favorite Baby Gifts to Give and Receive