This IKEA cabinet transformation has elevated a dated kitchen into a chic interior paradise

There are IKEA hacks, and then there are completely unrecognizable transformations – and the innovative handiwork of Aberdeen-based designer Malcolm Begg certainly falls into the latter category. 

Armed with the natural hues of his IKEA TORHAMN kitchen units and a head full of inspiration from some of the most prestigious manufacturers in the industry, Malcolm remodeled the kitchen in this mid-nineteenth century home into a charming English-style sanctuary. 

In discussion with Livingetc, Malcolm, who shares his design projects at @designsixtynine (opens in new tab), revealed that the project came after a small but costly extension on his period property. Malcolm and his partner Brian were influenced by the look of other kitchens that were beyond their price range, and so, the TORHAMN transformation began.  

The kitchen before

'I decided to create the look using IKEA units and adding moldings,' Malcolm shares.

'We opted for the TORHAMN (opens in new tab) kitchen as it offered simple but deep framing that we could adapt. I added simple angled wood trim to the doors and a wooden cornice at the top. The cabinets were separated with 200mm wide timber to create framing and a simplified kickboard for that bespoke look.'

Malcolm also used the upper cabinets to strategically hide the less aesthetic features, including the boiler. He customized the units with wooden strips applied the glass, which kept his kitchen looking uniform, distinctive, and oh so stylish.

The kitchen after

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'The hood is IKEA with a custom chimney made from Plywood and painted to tie in. The kitchen sink unit was made using an IKEA wall unit which I framed out to create more width, adding legs from leftover timber. The kitchen units were painted in Valspar Clay Figurine (opens in new tab),' Malcolm shares. 

However, the designer couple didn't stop there. After the success of their TORHAMN transformation, they decided to introduce another IKEA makeover into their space – in the shape of a MALSJO (opens in new tab) cabinet. Malcolm explains how the dresser came from two units from the MALSJO range, which were screwed together and painted.

'This was my partner Brian's idea, which has really worked. We screwed it to the wall for safety,' Malcolm says. 

Meanwhile, the solid core laminate kitchen worktops were equally budget-friendly after Malcolm revealed that he picked them up from eBay. 'They are Magma Zenith. The kitchen sink was also an eBay purchase,' he adds. 

See: The ultimate IKEA Pax wardrobe hack: How a couple created a beautiful walk-in closet from a flatpack

You will always find us in the IKEA kitchen at parties, especially when they look this good.