Ikea “Duktig” kitchen
HHello! I’m Cassie, back for my monthly guest post. If you’ve searched “play kitchen” online or on Pinterest, you’ve likely come across the popular Ikea Duktig kitchen hack. The Duktig is an affordable, simple-to-assemble play kitchen that’s perfect for customizing.
With my daughter Evie’s birthday approaching, I decided to transform an Ikea Duktig as a gift. I took inspiration from other projects but focused on what I would want in a small, practical play kitchen that coordinates with our home. I wanted it to be durable and easy to clean while still being playful. The result exceeded my expectations. It took a few days—mainly because I painted parts before assembly—but the process was straightforward and fun.
Ikea “Duktig” kitchen as it originally comes
Main changes I made to the original kitchen
- Painted all wooden parts grey, leaving the oven and microwave doors white, using high-gloss spray paint.
- Applied marble-look contact paper to the countertop for a clean, durable surface.
- Painted and glued the sink in place with high-gloss white spray paint.
- Replaced the original hardware with new knobs and pulls.
- Spray painted the faucet and hardware in a matching gold tone.
- Added wooden knobs above the oven to mimic real oven controls.
- Installed a small battery-powered LED for under-cabinet lighting.
- Used a removable hook on the side to hang a child’s apron.
- Attached paper-covered foam board to the back to act as a backsplash.
Apron shown in photos (styling only)
This makeover is a very doable holiday or birthday gift. Compared with many high-end play kitchens, the Ikea Duktig is budget-friendly, and most of my expenses were spray paint and a few small supplies.
Tips if you want to try this project
- Assemble the top and bottom pieces separately and paint them before attaching doors and hardware.
- Paint the doors while they are detached so you can reach all edges cleanly.
- Apply contact paper to the countertop and trim holes for the sink and oven afterward for the best fit.
- Use hot glue to secure the sink and to attach lightweight backsplash materials; monitor durability over time.
- Keep the faucet upright while painting by propping it in play-dough or a similar stable base.
- Follow paint can instructions—some paints require multiple light coats or drying time between layers for a durable finish.
Materials and sources I used
- Ikea Duktig play kitchen and utensils.
- High-gloss spray paint in dark grey and gloss white for cabinets and sink.
- 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.
- Battery-powered LED puck light for under-cabinet illumination.
Note: I enjoyed styling the mini kitchen with pretty, fragile items for photos, but for everyday play I’ll provide plastic and wooden dishes and food. Practical toys hold up better to toddler play.
I hope this project inspires you during your gift shopping or encourages you to try a simple Ikea hack of your own.
Until next month,
See more of Cassie’s posts:
Introduction and Mini Home Tour
Toddler Girl’s Room Reveal
Baby Boy Nursery Tour
Favorite Baby Gifts to Give and Receive