TL;DR
A Pittsburgh couple’s outdated, disjointed kitchen was renovated into a functional, stylish space through an IKEA hack featuring cherrywood fronts. The project emphasizes custom details and thoughtful design choices, making the kitchen their favorite family spot.
Elise Birnbaum and her husband Harrison have transformed their 1910s Craftsman kitchen from a neglected, haphazard space into a warm, functional area using an IKEA hack with cherrywood fronts, making it their favorite family spot.
The couple’s kitchen, previously disjointed and dated, was reimagined with a focus on maximizing space and aesthetic cohesion. Designers from Studio Lithe suggested removing a secondary back door and radiator, replacing them with a larger window and a pass-through to the dining room, creating a more open flow.
The key feature of the renovation is the cabinetry: IKEA’s SEKTION boxes were customized with cherrywood doors and drawers crafted by Bones & All, enhancing warmth and natural appeal. Additional custom elements include a live-edge pantry and an overhead shelf for displaying ceramics, which elevate the IKEA bases. The design draws inspiration from Craftsman and Japanese styles, emphasizing natural materials and simplicity.
Why It Matters
This project demonstrates how affordable IKEA components can be elevated with custom craftsmanship to create personalized, high-quality kitchen spaces. It highlights the importance of thoughtful design in small, older homes, and how mixing DIY and professional work can result in a space that feels both intentional and stylish. For homeowners, it offers a blueprint for cost-effective yet sophisticated kitchen upgrades.
IKEA SEKTION cabinet doors cherrywood
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Background
The kitchen was originally part of a 1910s Craftsman home in Pittsburgh, with renovations from 40 years ago that left it feeling disconnected from the rest of the house. The current project was led by designers Morgan Stewart and Lexi Ribar of Studio Lithe, who proposed layout adjustments and aesthetic updates, including the use of natural materials and custom cabinetry, to restore its charm and functionality.
“The key is to balance the richness of cherrywood with the right pairings, like leathered granite and cork floors, to create a natural, warm feel.”
— Lexi Ribar of Studio Lithe
“We love the way the kitchen eases into the dining room and how everything just flows. The wood and moodiness really celebrate our home.”
— Elise Birnbaum
custom cherrywood kitchen cabinets
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What Remains Unclear
It is not yet clear how durable the custom cherrywood fronts will be over time or if the homeowners plan further modifications.
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What’s Next
The homeowners are likely to continue enjoying their new kitchen, with potential future updates focusing on further customizations or additional storage solutions. The success of this project may inspire similar IKEA hacks in other older homes.
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Key Questions
How cost-effective was the renovation?
The use of IKEA cabinetry significantly reduced costs, with custom wood fronts and bespoke details adding a personalized touch without high expense.
What inspired the design style?
The design draws from Craftsman and Japanese influences, emphasizing natural materials, simplicity, and warmth.
Are the cherrywood fronts durable for a kitchen environment?
While not explicitly confirmed, the choice of cherrywood and custom craftsmanship suggests an intention for durability, though long-term performance remains to be seen.
Will the homeowners make further updates?
There are no current plans announced, but future modifications may include additional custom features or storage solutions.
