One Year Later: Our IKEA Kitchen Renovation Review

It’s been a year since we finished our IKEA kitchen renovation, and I’m happy to report—I still love it. Truly. From our bold choice of black cabinets to the all-drawer layout and the decision to skip upper cabinets entirely, this space continues to work hard for us and look good doing it.

Cabinetry & Layout: No Regrets

We went with IKEA’s LERHYTTAN cabinets in black—traditional framed doors with a beveled edge and solid wood frames. They strike the perfect balance between classic and current, adding texture and detail to the room without feeling fussy. The black finish gives the whole kitchen a rich, grounded feel that still plays well with natural light.

The all-drawer layout has been a game-changer.

Why I Love Having No Upper Cabinets:

🏡 Open & Airy Feel — Without uppers, the kitchen feels brighter, taller, and more spacious.
🙋‍♀️ No More Stretching — I don’t have to reach or grab a step stool to access everyday items.
👀 Better Visibility — With drawers below, I can easily see and access everything I own—no forgotten dishes hiding on high shelves.
🎨 Room for Art — The blank wall space gives me the freedom to swap out artwork and seasonal décor whenever I want.

One of the best layout decisions I made was placing three deep drawers directly across from the dishwasher. It makes unloading dishes and storing plates and glasses incredibly efficient—no extra steps, no juggling. Right beside that, I have a cabinet with thinner drawers that hold all our cutlery. Everything has a place, and everything is easy to reach.

Another huge benefit of the all-drawer layout? It’s much more accessible for our kids. We’ve tried to create a Montessori-inspired environment at home—one where our children can access what they need without asking for help. Whether they’re grabbing their own cups, putting away utensils, or helping set the table, the drawer system supports that independence beautifully.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Jill Crowe (@classicallyjill)

Brass Hardware That Ages Beautifully

We chose unlacquered brass hardware, and it continues to age gracefully. I’ve given it a quick polish about three times in the past year (less than 10 minutes each time) using Bar Keepers Friend and a soft cloth. It brings such warmth to the black cabinetry and adds that lived-in, elevated charm.

ZLINE Appliances: Still Going Strong

Our ZLINE appliance package has held up beautifully. The gas range feels like something out of a professional kitchen—powerful, responsive, and a joy to cook on. The oven dial isn’t the easiest to read at a glance (especially if you’re used to digital displays), but once you get used to it, it’s no big deal.

The drawer microwave is still a huge hit. Tucked under the counter, it’s sleek and out of sight—most guests don’t even realize it’s there until I open it. Same goes for our integrated dishwasher. It cleans beautifully—even on stuck-on food—and runs quietly. My only gripe is that it occasionally wants to start on a two-hour delay, but once we figured out how to disable that, it’s been flawless.

Fridge Functionality

Our black fridge was the right call. It blends seamlessly with the cabinetry for a fully integrated look—and I’m especially glad we decided to relocate it to its current spot. Originally, that corner had a little built-in desk area (complete with a plug for a landline—very early 2000s). But the width was perfect for the fridge, so we moved it there, and I’m so glad we did.

Placing it just outside the main work zone of the kitchen was a subtle but smart choice. My kids tend to stand there with the door open, staring into the abyss for snacks, and now they’re not in my way while I’m cooking or unloading the dishwasher. It’s one of those layout tweaks that makes a big impact in everyday use.

Inside, the fridge has plenty of space, and I love the convertible drawer that can function as either extra fridge or freezer space depending on our needs. I haven’t once wished for stainless or white—this black finish keeps everything cohesive and calm.

Design Philosophy: Monochrome + Art

Even though the kitchen leans monochromatic with its black cabinetry and appliances, the lack of visual clutter gives me freedom to have fun elsewhere. I change out the artwork regularly, and it adds just the right pop of personality while the rest of the space stays grounded and clean.

A Note on the Bar Closet

We also converted a nearby closet into a small but mighty bar area—a DIY that’s turned into one of the most-used corners of the kitchen. You can read more about how we tackled that project here.