This “Haphazard” Kitchen Got an IKEA Hack with Cherrywood Cabinets

A Pittsburgh couple’s outdated, disjointed kitchen has been transformed into a cohesive, warm space through a custom IKEA hack featuring cherrywood fronts, significantly improving both functionality and style.

Elise Birnbaum and her husband, Harrison, owned a 1910s Craftsman home with a kitchen that was described as ‘neglected and haphazard’ by Birnbaum. The space, originally an afterthought, had been poorly renovated 40 years prior, leading to a disjointed layout and outdated features. The couple hired designers Morgan Stewart and Lexi Ribar of Studio Lithe to create a more functional and visually appealing kitchen that preserved some historical elements.

The renovation included removing a secondary back door and a radiator, replacing them with a larger window and a pass-through to the dining area, connected by a new peninsula. The design aimed to unify the space, which is just 145 square feet, by integrating Craftsman and Japanese influences. The most notable change was the IKEA hack: the cabinet boxes, from IKEA’s SEKTION line, were topped with custom cherrywood door and drawer fronts fabricated by Bones & All, providing a polished, natural look. Additional custom features included a live-edge pantry and an overhead shelf displaying ceramics.

The choice of cherrywood was described as somewhat unexpected but effective, balancing richness with simplicity. The cabinetry was paired with leathered granite countertops, cork flooring, and minimal white overhead lighting, allowing the cherrywood to be the focal point. The finished kitchen now serves as the family’s favorite gathering spot, seamlessly connecting to the dining and living areas, and reflecting a warm, natural aesthetic that celebrates the home’s history while modernizing its function.

Why It Matters

This renovation demonstrates how strategic use of affordable cabinetry combined with custom details can dramatically improve a small, neglected space. It highlights the potential for DIY-inspired solutions to elevate home design, blending affordability with bespoke craftsmanship. For homeowners with similar spaces, it offers a practical example of how to create a cohesive, stylish kitchen that balances historical preservation with modern needs.

Background

The Pittsburgh home, built in the early 1900s, had undergone a previous renovation that left the kitchen disconnected from the rest of the house. The couple’s desire for a more functional, aesthetically pleasing space prompted a full gut renovation, with design input from Studio Lithe. The use of IKEA cabinetry as a base, combined with custom woodworking, reflects a trend toward accessible yet personalized home upgrades. The choice of natural materials and blending of design influences aligns with current preferences for warm, minimal, and natural interiors.

“The key is to balance that richness with the right pairings. Using pretty materials and working with skilled woodworkers elevates IKEA to a whole new level.”

— Lexi Ribar of Studio Lithe

“We love the way the kitchen eases into the dining room and how everything just flows. The wood, the moodiness, and how it celebrates the home without clashing with it.”

— Elise Birnbaum

What Remains Unclear

It is not yet clear how durable the custom cherrywood fronts will be over time or how the renovation will influence the home’s resale value. Details about the total cost and potential challenges faced during the DIY elements remain undisclosed.

What’s Next

The homeowners plan to enjoy their newly renovated kitchen as their primary family space. Future updates may include additional custom cabinetry or further integration of natural materials, but no specific milestones have been announced.

Key Questions

How much did the IKEA hack cost?

The exact cost of the renovation, including custom fabrication, has not been publicly disclosed, but the use of IKEA cabinetry was chosen partly for its affordability, supplemented by custom woodworking.

Can I replicate this kitchen renovation myself?

While the IKEA cabinetry is accessible, the custom cherrywood fronts and bespoke components require skilled woodworking. DIYers should consider hiring professionals for similar custom work.

What design influences are incorporated in the kitchen?

The design blends Craftsman style with Japanese minimalism, emphasizing natural materials, warm tones, and simple forms.

Will this renovation increase the home’s value?

It is too early to determine the impact on resale value, but the cohesive, modern update could appeal to future buyers seeking a warm, functional kitchen.