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For Elsie’s first birthday I knew I wanted to create the perfect play kitchen for her playroom, and I had seen a few Tiktoks and posts about Moms making over the ikea play kitchen! I knew I definitely wanted to go the custom route, I love a good DIY! The play kitchen is $89, but I looked on FB Marketplace and got a gently used one already put together for $40! Definitely check FB Marketplace before buying full price!
This makeover, while drastic was actually very simple.
First I took off the faucet, sink, gray leg covers, and set them aside to spray paint. Then I removed the handles, which would be replaced.
Next, I needed to remove the plastic that was in the oven and the microwave. I just used a hammer to make a crack and then pushed again to make a hole. They then pulled out pretty easily.
After all this preliminary work was done it was time to start making it *cute*! YAY the best part.
You need rattan webbing, I got mine precut from the Etsy Shop RattanRevivalCo, you can purchase it here! I love how easy it is, you just purchase it and it fits perfectly in the microwave and oven “windows” no cutting, no measuring! I used a staple gun to secure it to the backside!
Next I added the wooden handles, which I also purchased from an etsy shop! You can purchase them here! You just use a screw driver or a drill and they screw right in now problem. They sell knobs you can put above the oven, but I chose not to.
Next you’re going to want to spray paint the gray plastic pieces. I used spray paint that was also primer and then did a clear sealant. It took a good 3-4 coats for everything. I spray painted everything (even the hooks for the utensils) either white or a brass. This takes a little time since you have to do multiple coats, so I suggest starting this in the morning. Make sure to let this sit at least 24-48 hrs after to really set.
I chose to leave the stovetop as is because it was realistic and the burners light up when you push the buttons! Some people have added a wooden stovetop though.
Now for what I think makes the biggest statement, the backsplash! I chose to do this retro floral wallpaper from Allen Rose! Unfortunately the exact one I purchased is no longer on their site, so I will link some similar ones.
Wallpaper Choices-
We used a piece of plywood from Lowes, and they cut it for us.
These are the dimensions you will need-
19.5 Inches Height x 26.8 Inches Width
This will cover the back of the opening and you can put your wallpaper on this piece of plywood! Just make sure to get peel and stick wallpaper.
You will then drill holes through the plywood into the kitchen and use wood screws to secure it! My husband helped with the drilling part because it’s hard to hold the wood and drill the holes!
While you are at the Lowes bring the metal dowel that comes with the kitchen and have them cute a similar diameter dowel to the same length for you! I love the look of the wooden dowel! Another option for the metal dowel is you can spray paint it brass to match the faucet!
Once the backsplash is screwed on and the pieces that you spray painted are dry you can reattach the faucet and the leg pieces!
Here is the adorable kitchen in our playroom! Now all you need are the accessories for the kitchen. You can check my First Birthday Gift Idea post for some links to play food and pots and pans! I found the hanging wooden utensils at TJMaxx as well as the wicker basket tower, which I keep all of her play food in.
I even found the most adorable play chef hat and apron, and it was PERSONALIZED! Shop Laura Michelle on Etsy is amazing to work with and helped me create the perfect set for Elsie’s first birthday! You can get yours HERE.
How do you think her kitchen came out? Would you ever try to DIY a kitchen for your kiddos? I personally love how it turned out, and it was fairly easy!
Let me know if you have any questions! I’d love to help! Also tag me if you end up using
