When I started planning this IKEA SEKTION kitchen automation project, a lot of people told me I was wasting my time.
“It’s just an IKEA kitchen.”
“You’ll never make it look custom.”
“You can’t combine IKEA cabinets with premium automation and high-end hardware.”
Well… they were wrong.
I used IKEA SEKTION cabinets as the foundation and transformed them into a one-of-a-kind DIY kitchen with custom appliance lifts, Blum automation, floating cabinets, hidden storage, LED lighting, and smart organization systems that make everyday life easier.
This isn’t just an IKEA kitchen — it’s a heavily customized DIY IKEA kitchen project built around how our family actually cooks and lives. (If you missed it, here’s how the whole DIY IKEA kitchen build got started.)
Planning your own kitchen? Before you order a single box, map out your layout and get an instant remodel cost estimate with our free 3D kitchen planner and cost calculator — drag in cabinets, appliances and an island, then compare styles and finishes.
Planning Every Cabinet Before Buying a Single Box
Before ordering anything, I spent countless hours designing every cabinet, every appliance location, and every accessory. I didn’t simply ask, “Will it fit?” I asked, “Will it be convenient five years from now?”
The entire layout was planned around workflow. Starting at the sink and moving outward, every cabinet has a dedicated purpose. Next to the sink are the dishwashers, followed by cabinets reserved for filtration systems, sparkling water equipment, hot water components, and other automation hidden neatly behind matching cabinet fronts. Every inch was planned before the first box arrived.
A Dedicated Cabinet for Water Systems
One entire cabinet houses our Grohe drinking water system. The cabinet beside it contains the Grohe Blue sparkling water system, including the CO₂ cylinder, cooling unit, water tank, pumps, and supporting hardware.
By giving these systems dedicated space, maintenance is simple and nothing feels crammed underneath the sink. Even though there’s a surprising amount of technology inside, everything stays organized and accessible.
Blum Automation Throughout the Kitchen
Almost every upper cabinet incorporates some type of Blum Aventos hardware. Depending on the cabinet, I used different Aventos models, including HK and HS, to suit different openings and sizes.
Several upper cabinets are equipped with electronic servo drives. A gentle touch is enough to make the door open automatically, while a discreet button underneath closes it again. For cabinets that are harder to reach, this feature has become one of our favorites. Once you live with automated cabinet doors, it’s difficult to imagine going back.
My Favorite IKEA Hack: Push-to-Open Drawers
One of the best DIY IKEA hacks in this kitchen involves the IKEA UTRUSTA electric opener. Originally intended for waste-bin drawers, I adapted it for many standard drawers in the island and dining area.
Now, instead of grabbing handles with messy cooking hands, I simply tap the drawer with my knee or hand and it opens automatically. No fingerprints. No dirty cabinet fronts. I’ll dedicate an entire article to this modification because it turned out even better than I expected.
The Biggest IKEA Delivery I’ve Ever Seen
Because of the size of this project, the delivery truck arrived loaded with what felt like hundreds of boxes. They filled two rooms in the house. Sorting hardware, shelves, drawers, hinges, and accessories took hours, but it was worth the effort. I’ve completed several IKEA projects over the years, but nothing remotely close to this scale.
Building Custom Cabinets From IKEA Parts
Sometimes the cabinet I needed simply didn’t exist. Instead of changing the design, I combined multiple IKEA SEKTION cabinets and modified them into custom configurations that perfectly matched my layout. That’s one of the biggest advantages of IKEA systems — they’re incredibly flexible if you’re willing to think creatively.
The Appliance Lift That Changed Everything
One cabinet is dedicated entirely to our SMEG stand mixer. Using a heavy-duty lift mechanism with gas-assisted arms, the mixer rises smoothly into working position with almost no effort. It’s permanently plugged in and always ready. When we’re finished baking, it folds neatly back into the cabinet, leaving the countertop completely clear.
My Ferrari-Red Berkel Slicer
Another cabinet is dedicated to one of my favorite appliances: our Ferrari-red Berkel slicer. Rather than leaving it on the countertop, I designed a reinforced lift mechanism that raises it from inside the cabinet and locks securely into place while in use. When we’re finished slicing meats or cheeses, it lowers smoothly back into storage. No lifting. No unplugging. No sacrificing valuable counter space.
Dedicated Storage for Everything
I wanted every appliance to have a permanent home. The toaster has its own cabinet. Small appliances have designated storage. Knives and specialty tools have dedicated compartments. Nothing is shoved into random drawers. The goal was simple: when you need something, you know exactly where it is.
No Dead Space Anywhere
I hate wasted storage. Throughout the kitchen I incorporated solutions from companies such as Blum, Kesseböhmer, Häfele, and Rev-A-Shelf to eliminate hard-to-reach areas. Pull-down systems, appliance lifts, assisted shelves, and custom organizers ensure that items come to you instead of forcing you to crawl inside deep cabinets or climb onto chairs. That philosophy shaped the entire design.
Hidden Appliances for a Seamless Look
Our two dishwashers, refrigerator, and column freezer all use matching IKEA VOXTORP white matte fronts. At first glance, visitors often can’t tell where the appliances are because they blend seamlessly with the surrounding cabinetry. The uninterrupted lines create a clean, modern appearance that makes the entire kitchen feel larger and more custom-built.
Why I Chose VOXTORP White Matte
After comparing many door styles, I settled on the IKEA VOXTORP white matte finish. It complements the modern design, hides fingerprints better than glossy surfaces, photographs beautifully, and pairs perfectly with the flooring and countertops. Combined with hidden appliances and integrated automation, it creates a timeless look that doesn’t immediately scream “IKEA.”
LED Lighting Everywhere
Lighting was another priority. Nearly every drawer and cabinet contains integrated LED lighting with door or drawer sensors. Open a cabinet and the lights automatically illuminate the contents. At night, the subtle glow makes the kitchen feel warm, inviting, and incredibly functional.
The Kick-Space Vacuum
One of the most practical additions is the kick-space vacuum installed beneath the trash cabinet. If crumbs or debris fall onto the floor, I simply sweep them toward the opening with my foot and activate the vacuum. I’ll admit it — it also appeals to my lazy side. But after using it for a while, I wouldn’t build another kitchen without one.
A Custom Floating Island
The island also began with IKEA SEKTION cabinets but evolved into something completely custom. I created a floating extension using my own reinforcement methods and hardware. Underneath, I installed decorative lighting and synthetic grass accents that give the island a unique appearance, especially in the evenings.
Floating Dining Room Cabinets
The dining room continues the same design language. Instead of traditional base cabinets resting on the floor, I built floating SEKTION cabinets supported by custom structural reinforcement hidden inside the wall. The suspended appearance creates a lighter, more modern feel while allowing LED lighting beneath the cabinets.
Because of the weight involved, I fabricated additional steel reinforcement and custom brackets to safely support everything. The extra work was absolutely worth it.
This Is Only the Beginning
This kitchen contains so many custom ideas that it’s impossible to cover them all in one article. In future posts, I’ll explain individual projects in detail, including:
- IKEA UTRUSTA push-to-open drawer hacks
- Blum Aventos automation
- Floating cabinet installation
- Appliance lift mechanisms
- Berkel slicer storage
- SMEG mixer lift
- LED cabinet lighting
- Hidden kick-space vacuum
- Pull-down storage systems — the Kesseböhmer iMove pull-down shelf, now written up in full
- Reinforced floating cabinet supports
If you’re planning a DIY IKEA kitchen remodel, experimenting with IKEA hacks, or looking for ideas to make SEKTION cabinets feel truly custom, I hope this project inspires you to think beyond the instruction manual.
Sometimes the best part of an IKEA project isn’t following the plan — it’s rewriting it.
Related on Homeject: Start with the DIY IKEA kitchen series introduction, browse the full Kitchen section, and explore more IKEA Hacks.
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