Keep Countertop Clutter Organized With A Brilliant IKEA Cabinet Hack

When your kitchen feels like a chaotic cluttered mess, it's time to look for a solution. Simple steps to declutter your kitchen might include adding more cabinets and drawers to your space. But if you don't have space for it, or if you want a budget-friendly quick fix, it's a bit too complex. Instead, you can add some storage space to your counter that looks purposeful and high-end, but without requiring any new wall cabinets. All you need is a bit of counter space and IKEA's HAGAÅN open cabinet unit. 

The idea, which comes from TikTok creator @designerlifepl, is to flip the vertical shelving unit on its side so that it's horizontal, and place it on a kitchen counter. In this case, the creator makes a coffee station by fitting their espresso machine into the storage unit and using the extra shelves to store cups, bowls, decor, coffee beans, and a cook book. They made one simple upgrade to transform this IKEA HAGAÅN shelf into a stylish coffee nook: attach some of the shelves sideways, so that they can be used horizontally. 

The benefit of using this technique instead of setting up shelves on the wall is that it doesn't require any drilling. This is a perfect high-end solution for renters who don't want to make holes in their walls, or for anyone who might want to move soon. This open shelving unit costs $120, so you'll probably want to take it with you on your next move. And finally, the best part about this DIY solution is that it looks deliciously high-end, and no one will ever guess you DIYed it.

Start by assembling the outer frame of the IKEA storage unit, but stop before adding the inner shelves. As for next steps, you have a few options. First, you may add the shelves as you typically would if you were to use the cabinet vertically. This creates vertical dividers that you can use to keep your kitchen organized. For example, stack cups in one of the section, coffee syrups in the next, and coffee beans in the other. 

@designerlifepl

Szybki IKEA Hack dla kawoszy! ☕🤎 Zobaczcie genialny patent na uporządkowany kącik kawowy. Łazienkowy regał HÅGÅN (efekt brązowego dębu) po prostu położony poziomo na blacie sprawdza się jako idealna, minimalistyczna nadstawka na filiżanki i akcesoria obok ekspresu! 🛠️ Pamiętajcie tylko, żeby do kosztów szafki dodać zapis o darmowych pracach, które wyjadą w trakcie – układanie, planowanie przegródek i dbanie o ten estetyczny porządek to już Wasza własna robocizna! 😉 Kto ma w domu swój mały, specjalny kawowy azyl? 👇 📸 Autor inspiracji: @minimalasimple #ikeahack #ikeapolska #kacikkawowy #coffeecorner #hagan

♬ Style – House Slowed – Lønely & Aløne & she brøke up w me

Another way to go about this is to hold off on adding the shelves the traditional way. Instead, place the shelving unit on the counter horizontally, and attach the shelves that way, too. Drill the shelves in place with screws inserted from the back of the cabinet. You can also mix and match the design by having some horizontal shelves and some vertical dividers. 

You can use this method with other IKEA open cabinet units, like the VADHOLMA, which is a bit smaller but much deeper than the HAGAÅN. This is a good option if you have deep counters and could use the extra storage space that the top of the unit will provide. In any case, adding an open storage unit to a counter is a great way to add a bit of space and create a "nook" aesthetic. You can use it for a coffee corner or a cocktail bar, displaying vintage decanters next to crystal cups, metal cocktail shakers, and jars of garnishes. It's also perfect to style the items you find at thrift stores, like vintage tea cups or mugs.