Use An IKEA DIY To Get Affordable High-End Potato And Onion Drawers

While delicious when cooked together, potatoes and onions are notorious foes. Why? Onions naturally emit ethylene gas, which forces potatoes to ripen faster than expected. Potatoes, on the other hand, release moisture, which can make onions moldy. This means that it's crucial to keep these two veggies apart when you're storing them. Sure, you could keep them in bins in the pantry, but let's be honest: That can look cluttered fast. Instead, one way to keep your potatoes and onions fresh and out of sight, is to use a clever IKEA DIY to fashion high-end potato and onion drawers.

Typically, potato and onion storage drawers have been reserved for glamorous complete kitchen renovations only seen in magazines. But one innovative Instagram user @ashbrockinton DIYed her own storage drawers with an IKEA SEKTION base cabinet with three wire baskets, drawer fronts to replace the door, and a sheet of decorative wire mesh. By attaching the individual drawer fronts to the baskets, then inserting wire mesh to the drawer front cutouts, she created a high-end look that allows plenty of space for the vegetables to breathe.

While not a quick DIY, the amount of time is worth the savings. With custom kitchen cabinets ranging anywhere from $500 to $1200 per foot, the SEKTION is priced at $165. You'll also need drawer fronts with cutouts. The wire mesh can be pricey, costing between $196 to $940 per sheet. (The good news is you'll only need one sheet and will have some left over.)

It's recommended to keep potatoes and onions at least two feet apart, so you'll likely need an entire kitchen cabinet for this DIY (which may mean switching up how you organize your kitchen cabinets.) Start with the SEKTION cabinet and replace the door with the custom drawer fronts. Check to make sure the bottom of the wire baskets line up with the bottom of the drawer front, especially if it's visible through the cut out. It's a minor detail, but it makes all the difference in achieving a high-end look. 

If you can't find drawer fronts you love in your budget, consider picking up a few of the UTRUSTA drawer fronts to cut down (many DIYers recommend a hand saw or scoring with a knife, then using a circular saw to create the cut-out) or build your own with MDF. This may add onto your total project time, but it may be easier — and cheaper — than hunting down the perfect drawer fronts. Plus, this gives you a little more flexibility and opportunity to customize your potato and onion drawers to perfectly fit your kitchen cabinets.

Then install the decorative wire mesh. The old adage of "measure twice, cut once," has never been more true than it is with the wire mesh sheet. Measure the drawer front's opening and cut some cardboard into a template. Then put the sheet on a level surface and cut carefully. Sand down any sharp edges before installing.

Looking for ways to make this DIY even more affordable? You can choose to swap out the IKEA base cabinet or even modify one of your existing cabinets. Simpler SEKTION base cabinets start at just $42, but keep in mind you'll need to install the wire baskets yourself. IKEA UTRUTA wire baskets are designed to fit within the SEKTION cabinet and are priced from $25.  

If you like your current cabinetry, but still want to add in potato drawers, simply add a support wall before installing the wire baskets. Cut an extra piece of MDF to fit alongside one wall of the cabinet and attach with pocket screws. Then hold the support bracket of the UTRUSTA drawer in place against the wall to mark and drill screw holes. Install the wire basket drawers and drawer fronts. Make sure to check that the drawer fronts sit flush with your existing cabinets before screwing into place.

This DIY may take a little more time than other IKEA hacks, but it's well worth it. Not only does it free up space in your pantry, but it keeps your potatoes and onions fresh longer. Not to mention, it adds a touch of interest and style to your kitchen.