ᐅ How do I build IKEA Metod kitchen units with plenty of storage and workspace?

Hello everyone,

I am currently planning to design my kitchen entirely with the IKEA Metod system, focusing especially on maximizing storage space and having enough countertop area. My kitchen is about 12 sqm (130 sq ft), rectangular, without any unusual corners. I want not only plenty of cabinets and drawers but also a large, continuous countertop for food preparation, ideally with surfaces that are durable and easy to maintain. Additionally, I am interested in smart organization and storage solutions, especially for small kitchen tools, spices, and larger items like pots.

My questions:
- How do you plan your IKEA Metod kitchens to get the most storage out of them?
- Do you have tips for the best combination of wall cabinets, base cabinets, and drawers?
- Which countertop combinations or designs do you recommend for creating functional and stylish large work surfaces?
- Are there any special organizers or interior fittings for Metod that you particularly recommend?

I look forward to your experiences and advice! Thank you in advance.

I designed my Metod kitchen to focus primarily on many drawers instead of regular doors. Drawers simply offer better visibility and easier access.

- For storage: Use deep drawers at the bottom, ideal for pots, pans, and large items. Wall cabinets can be better equipped with shelves for frequently used items.
- Work surface: Use as wide base cabinets as possible (60–80 cm (24–31 inches)) so the countertops are continuous and without seams, which makes cleaning and use easier.
- Interior fittings: Drawer inserts with compartments work very well for spices and cutlery. Ikea offers specific accessories for this, but other suppliers do as well.

It is important to take accurate measurements and review the plan multiple times before purchasing. Metod is modular, so a lot can be adjusted later, but careful preparation saves effort and time.

Hello deo_mu46,

I really like your approach, especially the combination of plenty of storage space and a large work surface, which is essential for a functional kitchen. A few basic tips:

- Use tall cabinets if the ceiling height allows. This makes perfect use of the vertical space.
- Internal pull-outs in tall cabinets or even pull-out pantry units are great for spices and bottles, as they provide clear organization and easy access.
- Consider corner solutions for kitchens with corners, such as carousel cabinets or corner pull-outs, to minimize wasted space.
- For the countertop: Dekton or quartz composite are more expensive than laminate but much more durable and easier to maintain.

olivernu schrieb:
Drawers simply offer better overview and easier accessibility.

I agree with that, although with large drawers you should pay attention to the load capacity and soft-closing mechanisms of the hinges.

Additionally, I would recommend double-checking the measurements on site with a tape measure before ordering, using the IKEA planner only as a guideline.

Plan tall cabinets.
Use drawers instead of doors.
Choose a large continuous countertop.
Include internal drawers for spices and food storage.
Use corner solutions with carousels or pull-outs.

A systematic plan using the IKEA Metod kitchen planner is the first step.

My focus is on:
- Optimizing room height with tall cabinets extending up to the ceiling (at least 200 cm (79 inches)) to fully utilize storage space.
- Avoiding small doors less than 40 cm (16 inches) wide, as these are often impractical.
- Maximizing the use of drawers, as they are more ergonomic than cabinet doors.
- Using a continuous laminate countertop with minimal seams for hygiene and comfort.
- Incorporating pull-out shelves and organization systems such as cutlery trays, spice racks, and narrow pull-outs for baking sheets and cutting boards.

dunitan schrieb:
Denk auch an Ecklösungen bei Küchen mit Ecke, z.B. Karussell-Schränke oder Auszüge, das spart Raumverlust.

This is very relevant, as unused corners block a lot of usable space. Corner cabinets with Magic Corner or LeMans systems are expensive but ensure optimal access.

Overall, I recommend focusing entirely on functionality and avoiding unnecessary design elements that reduce storage capacity.

deo_mu46 schrieb:
Which countertop combinations or designs do you recommend for creating a large workspace that is both functional and elegant?

Oh, this is exactly my topic! For maximum workspace, I would suggest choosing a surface that is not only durable but also pleasant to touch and inspires creativity.

My recommendation:
- Quartz composite, because it is very resilient, looks clean and dust-free, and has a sophisticated appearance.
- Make sure to install the countertop continuously, as this gives the kitchen a true sense of spaciousness.
- Color choice: wood-look or concrete-look finishes are very trendy and combine storage and workspace perfectly.

olivernu schrieb:
Countertops should be continuous and seamless

Exactly! And having some free areas to really enjoy cooking is invaluable.

Storage is obviously important, but without enough working space, even the most beautiful kitchen is nothing 😉