How to Book and Prepare for Your IKEA Kitchen Design Appointment

What happens at an IKEA kitchen appointment

An IKEA kitchen appointment is a one-on-one session with a kitchen specialist who helps you plan the layout, choose cabinet styles and finishes, and work out the cost of your project. The specialist uses IKEA's planning software to show you different configurations in real time, and you leave with a detailed product list and quote. Most appointments last 45 minutes to an hour, though complex kitchens can run longer.

You do not have to buy anything during or after the appointment. The point is to explore what's possible in your space and budget, see it visualized, and decide whether to move forward. Many people book an appointment to get a sense of cost before committing to a kitchen renovation at all.

Key Takeaways

• Book your appointment online through IKEA's website or by phone; in-store walk-ins are possible but waits can be several hours during busy times.
• Bring measurements of your kitchen space, photos of the current layout, and information about your budget and style preferences.
• The specialist will use planning software to show you cabinet options, countertop materials, and hardware, and will generate a quote you can take home.
• Appointments are free, and you can request changes to your design by phone or email after the appointment without booking another session.
• If you decide to purchase, the specialist can arrange delivery and installation through IKEA's partners, or you can handle installation separately.

How to book your IKEA kitchen appointment

Go to IKEA's website and navigate to the kitchen planning section, where you'll find a "Book an Appointment" button. Select your nearest IKEA location, choose a date and time from the available slots, and enter your contact information. You'll receive a confirmation email with your appointment details and a link to a pre-appointment questionnaire.

If you prefer to book by phone, call your local IKEA store and ask for the kitchen planning department. They can often fit you in within a few days. Walk-in appointments are also accepted, but during weekends and evenings you may wait 30 minutes to several hours depending on how busy the store is.

Appointments are held at a kitchen planning desk inside the store, usually near the kitchen showroom. Arrive 10 minutes early so you can check in and the specialist can pull up your file.

What to bring and prepare beforehand

Measure your kitchen space before you go. You need the width, depth, and height of the wall where cabinets will go, the location of windows and doors, and the positions of plumbing and electrical outlets. Take photos of your current kitchen from multiple angles, including close-ups of any existing appliances you plan to keep. Write down the model numbers of appliances if you have them.

Think about your budget range and write it down. IKEA kitchens vary widely in price depending on cabinet quality, finishes, and hardware; having a number in mind helps the specialist narrow down options. Also note your style preference—modern, traditional, minimalist, warm wood—and any specific features you want, like a large island, open shelving, or a specific cabinet color.

If you have a floor plan or sketch of your kitchen, bring that too. It doesn't have to be to scale; a rough drawing showing the shape of the room and where appliances sit is helpful. The specialist will refine it during the appointment, but starting with something visual saves time.

What the specialist will show you

The specialist will input your kitchen dimensions into IKEA's planning software and start building layouts on screen. You'll see different cabinet configurations, door styles, finishes (like white, oak, or walnut), and hardware options. The software shows a 3D view of the kitchen so you can see how it looks from different angles.

You can ask to see alternatives—a different cabinet arrangement, a different color, an island instead of a peninsula. The specialist can swap things in and out instantly. They'll also discuss countertop materials (laminate, solid surface, or stone), backsplash options, and lighting. If you're keeping existing appliances, they'll work those into the plan.

At the end, the specialist will print or email you a complete product list with item numbers, quantities, and a total price. This quote includes cabinets, doors, and hardware but typically does not include countertops, backsplash, appliances, or installation labor unless you specifically add those services.

Understanding the quote and next steps

The quote you receive is valid for 30 days. You can take it home, think it over, and come back to the store or call the specialist if you want to make changes. Small tweaks—swapping a door color, adding a shelf, adjusting the layout slightly—can usually be done over the phone or email without another appointment.

If you decide to purchase, you can place the order in person at your next visit, online through IKEA's website, or by phone with the specialist. IKEA offers delivery to your home, and you can choose to have their installation partners handle assembly and fitting, or you can arrange your own installation. Installation costs vary by region and complexity; ask the specialist for a quote if you want IKEA to handle it.

If you decide not to move forward, there's no obligation. Keep the quote in case you want to revisit the project later, or contact the specialist if you have questions down the road.

Common reasons appointments get rescheduled or cancelled

The most common reason people reschedule is that they didn't have accurate measurements or photos ready. If you realize mid-appointment that your measurements are wrong, ask the specialist if you can reschedule after you remeasure. It's better to get it right than to order cabinets that don't fit.

Appointments are sometimes cancelled by IKEA due to staffing or system issues. If that happens, you'll be notified by email or phone, and IKEA will offer you another time slot. If none of the new times work for you, you can rebook whenever suits you.

If you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment, do so through the confirmation email link or by calling the store at least 24 hours in advance. Cancelling last-minute means the specialist's time slot goes unused, so giving notice helps the store offer it to someone else.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to buy from IKEA if I book an appointment?

No. The appointment is free and there's no purchase obligation. Many people book to see what a kitchen renovation might cost or to explore design options before deciding whether to move forward with any project. You can take your quote and shop around if you want.

Can I bring my contractor or designer to the appointment?

Yes. If you're working with a contractor or kitchen designer, they can attend the appointment with you. Let IKEA know when you book so they can note it. Having a contractor there means they see the plan and quote firsthand, which can speed up the ordering and installation process later.

What if I want to change my design after the appointment?

Call or email the specialist who worked with you and describe the change. For small adjustments—a different door color, adding or removing a shelf, shifting the layout slightly—they can usually update the quote without another appointment. Larger changes may require a follow-up session, but it's worth asking first.

How long does it take to receive and install a kitchen after I order?

Delivery times vary depending on which cabinets and finishes you choose and current stock levels. Standard IKEA kitchen cabinets typically ship within 2 to 4 weeks, though some finishes take longer. Installation by IKEA's partners usually happens within 1 to 2 weeks of delivery. The specialist can give you a more specific timeline when you place your order.

Can I get a quote without coming to the store?

IKEA offers a remote kitchen planning service where you can work with a specialist over video call or phone. You'll need to provide measurements and photos, and the specialist will build the design and send you a quote. Ask about this option when you call to book, or check IKEA's website for remote planning availability in your area.