Hello kitchen enthusiasts and design aficionados!

Today, we’re embarking on an extensive and visually rich journey into the world of IKEA kitchens, specifically focusing on their game-changing SEKTION system. If you’ve been dreaming of a kitchen remodel, or are simply curious about optimizing your culinary space, this comprehensive guide is tailored just for you. Get ready for a detailed exploration, complete with candid photos taken under standard IKEA fluorescent lighting – completely unedited, to give you the most authentic perspective possible.

Earlier this week, I took a dedicated trip to IKEA with my camera in hand, eager to explore and document their new kitchen system: SEKTION. My goal was to uncover every detail and share my firsthand impressions, particularly for those weighing their options for a new kitchen.

I have to be honest right from the start. My initial reaction to SEKTION’s release was a mix of awe and a touch of frustration. Our family had just invested in and installed an IKEA kitchen using the AKURUM system when we moved into our bungalow in August. A mere month later, in September, IKEA announced the introduction of the SEKTION line! Had we been aware of this impending launch, we absolutely would have waited those extra few months to take advantage of the myriad new options SEKTION offers over the AKURUM line. While we genuinely love our AKURUM kitchen and are happy with our decision to choose IKEA, this newer system undeniably would have allowed us to optimize significantly more space in our small cottage kitchen. But enough with my personal lament – let’s dive into what makes SEKTION so remarkable.

Discovering SEKTION: A Leap Forward in Kitchen Design

I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect from SEKTION, but I was thoroughly and pleasantly surprised by my discoveries. The most striking and immediate difference between the older AKURUM and the new SEKTION system lies in the vastly expanded cabinet and drawer customization options. IKEA has introduced a wealth of new sizes – from sleek, skinny units perfect for spices to wide, expansive drawers ideal for cookware, and various heights to fit every need imaginable. This flexibility is a game-changer for maximizing storage and tailoring your kitchen to your specific lifestyle. Furthermore, a brilliant innovation is the new “drawer-in-drawer” configuration, allowing for incredible organization within a single cabinet unit.

The customization showcased in the image above is truly impressive. The ability to integrate different types of storage, such as drawers and multiple styles of doors, within a single upper cabinet unit, opens up a world of creative storage solutions. This is particularly advantageous for kitchens where cabinets extend all the way to the ceiling, allowing you to maximize every inch of vertical space. I especially appreciate the cabinet design featuring smaller units above standard doors, offering discreet storage for less frequently used items. They even had configurations with slender drawers positioned beneath standard doors, though I regrettably missed capturing a photograph of that ingenious setup.

Enhanced Functionality: Smart Storage for Every Kitchen

SEKTION introduces even skinnier and wider drawers, which are fantastic for maximizing the organization of items like cutlery, spices, and cooking utensils. A noteworthy addition is the 36-inch wide cutlery drawer. In the previous AKURUM system, a 36-inch base cabinet would typically feature a divider, effectively creating two 18-inch drawers, as illustrated below:

The new 36-inch single drawer in the SEKTION system is, according to the sales associate, an IKEA exclusive design that you won’t find anywhere else. This expansive, undivided drawer offers unparalleled flexibility for storing larger items or designing custom drawer inserts without internal constraints.

Pantry and Unique Storage Solutions: Beyond Traditional Cabinets

Another significant improvement I observed in the SEKTION line is the innovative approach to pantry and unique storage opportunities. These solutions come in both freestanding units and integrated systems designed to sit atop countertops. This is truly a godsend for many households! How many of us don’t have the luxury of a walk-in pantry, or even any dedicated pantry space at all? SEKTION addresses this common challenge beautifully. These new options allow you to capitalize on a bit of floor space with freestanding units, or, if space allows, save your valuable floor real estate by integrating a food storage and even small appliance system directly into your cabinet design. This flexibility ensures that every kitchen, regardless of size, can benefit from smart, accessible storage.

Open Shelving: A Touch of Modern Style

One of my absolute favorite new features is the incorporation of open shelving options for lower cabinets. This design element offers a refreshing alternative to traditional closed cabinetry, allowing for the display of beautiful dinnerware, cookbooks, or decorative accents. It’s a fantastic way to break up the visual monotony of an all-cabinet kitchen and add a personal touch. This style perfectly aligns with my own aesthetic preferences; in fact, we integrated a bit of open shelving into our AKURUM kitchen design, as many of you know.

I would have absolutely loved to have these specific open shelving options available when we were designing our kitchen. The look and styling of the SEKTION offerings are incredibly refined and versatile, making them suitable for a wide range of kitchen aesthetics.

Evolution of Quality: Interiors and Finishes

Beyond the new sizes and configurations, a significant evolution lies in the completely new design of the interior fittings and the overall construction of the drawers and storage units. Even the hinges have undergone a transformation with SEKTION, indicating a comprehensive update to the system’s structural integrity and user experience.

A premium touch is the addition of elegant glass sides and dividers that now support the interiors of the drawers. This not only enhances the visual appeal but also contributes to the overall stability and organization. For reference, the previous AKURUM drawer system featured a different, less refined construction:

It’s crucial to understand that these two systems, AKURUM and SEKTION, are *not* designed to be interchangeable. If you currently have an AKURUM system and foresee needing replacement parts or additional pieces, now is the time to stock up. I was advised that AKURUM components will only be available while supplies last, with an expected discontinuation around October.

Aesthetic Game-Changer: Black-Brown Interiors

Speaking of interiors, a really welcome and impactful new feature is the option for black-brown cabinet interiors. This choice is, in my opinion, a complete game-changer for kitchen aesthetics and design flexibility.

Previously, the only interior options were white and birch. This posed a common design dilemma for those who chose dark cabinet fronts, as the bright white interior would often create an undesirable “peekaboo” effect when the doors were closed, visible through slight gaps or when briefly opened. While this didn’t bother everyone, it was a significant aesthetic concern for me. I actually went to the extent of painting my AKURUM cabinet interiors black, along with my doors and open shelving, specifically to eliminate that distracting contrast. With SEKTION’s new darker interiors, designers and homeowners no longer have to worry about this small but impactful detail, allowing for a more cohesive and sophisticated dark-front kitchen design.

Butcherblock Countertops: The Return of a Classic

Another absolute game-changer is the triumphant return of the oak butcherblock countertops! This is fantastic news for anyone seeking the warmth, natural beauty, and timeless appeal of solid wood in their kitchen.

This is indeed a very positive development. When we were planning our kitchen, we were informed that the oak butcherblock had been discontinued due to manufacturing issues. Our choices were limited to birch or beech, and we ultimately chose birch, despite my preference for oak. It’s also worth noting that the names have changed; these new oak butcherblocks are called HAMMARP, whereas the previous ones were NUMERAR. I could be mistaken, but they also appear to be slightly thinner than our existing countertops. In addition to the solid wood options, there’s also a new walnut wood veneer laminate option that presents a beautiful, sophisticated look.

While the walnut veneer laminate is visually appealing, I would personally reserve it for lower-traffic areas such as a sideboard or a bar area, rather than a primary kitchen countertop. My concern would be its long-term durability and resistance to the daily wear and tear inherent in a busy kitchen environment.

Design Inspiration and Integrated Features

From an aesthetics and display perspective, it was delightful to see several kitchen islands featuring waterfall details – where the countertop material seamlessly flows down the sides – creating a sleek, contemporary look. I also loved seeing a kitchen design that masterfully incorporated contrasting elements, demonstrating SEKTION’s versatility in achieving diverse design styles.

As a side note, I would be absolutely captivated by this contrasting kitchen design if it featured a beautiful marble top. I’m currently on the lookout for a similar aesthetic for a future project!

A few other notable additions to the SEKTION system include the availability of a new counter-depth refrigerator, which offers a built-in look without custom cabinetry, and a plethora of options for integrated under-cabinet and in-drawer lighting. These lighting solutions not only enhance functionality but also add a sophisticated ambiance to the kitchen. My only minor wish is for IKEA to offer a white shaker-style cabinet front; currently, the shaker style is primarily available in birch.

Personalizing Your IKEA Kitchen: Third-Party Doors and Hardware

As many of you know from my previous posts, we opted to splurge on Semi Handmade doors for our AKURUM cabinets. This decision was driven by my desire for a seamless, shaker-style cabinet front that I could paint in any color I wished. We ultimately chose their DIY Shaker paintable doors, allowing us complete creative control over our kitchen’s aesthetic.

*Update: I’ve been in touch with the wonderful team at Semi Handmade, and they confirmed that their doors are fully compatible and ready for the new SEKTION system. So, if you’re considering this route for a more custom, high-end look, they can certainly accommodate your needs. They’ve also expanded their offerings to include new door styles and colors, providing even more personalization possibilities.*

For those paying attention to the finer details, it’s also worth mentioning that IKEA now offers a few brass hardware options. I previously highlighted one on Instagram, and here’s another example. Aside from these, I didn’t notice any significant new hardware or countertop options beyond what we’ve already discussed.

More Visual Inspiration

Here are a few more inspiring images I captured during my visit, showcasing the breadth of options available with SEKTION.

The sheer number of drawer options and internal configurations available with SEKTION is truly impressive, offering tailored solutions for every storage need imaginable.

Final Thoughts on Your IKEA Kitchen Remodel

I sincerely hope this extensive post has provided valuable insights and inspiration for your potential IKEA kitchen remodel. The SEKTION system represents a significant step forward in offering unparalleled customization, innovative storage, and enhanced aesthetic options, truly empowering homeowners to create their dream kitchen on a budget. Dana, another insightful blogger, also visited her local IKEA store around the same time and shares her detailed thoughts as well, offering another perspective on this exciting new system.

Have you had the chance to visit your local IKEA and explore the new SEKTION system yet? What are your favorite features, or what questions do you still have? Share your thoughts in the comments below! Until next time, happy designing and happy living!

Xo-Shavonda