Our Cecilie Manz fandom began a decade ago with her glamorous take on industrial lighting, the Caravaggio Pendant (see Remodelista: A Manual for the Considered Home, page 314). We’ve since featured the Danish designer’s Minima Carafe, Muuto Workshop Chair, and Aitio Shelves for Iittala, among others, always impressed by the cerebral charm and simplicity of her work. We’re not the only ones taking note: At Maison & Objet 2018, Manz, 46, was named Designer of the Year. And Copenhagen studio Reform recently asked her to come up with one of its high-brow Ikea kitchen hacks: cabinet fronts and counters made to be applied to Sektion components. Manz responded with a you-won’t-believe-this-is-Ikea angular design known as Degree.
Join us for a look. And take note that Reform now has a showroom in Brooklyn and stands ready to ship throughout the US and Canada (approximate delivery time: 10 to 14 weeks).
Photography courtesy of Reform, unless noted.
Version One: Veneered Oregon Pine
![attracted to oregon pine\2\17;s \2\20;warm tones and slim, 17](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/reform-degree-ikea-kitchen-hack-cabinet-design-by-cecilie-manz-1-733x489.jpg)
![to give the design a hand hewn look—and literally a fresh edge—sh 18](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/reform-degree-ikea-kitchen-hack-cabinet-design-by-cecilie-manz-5-733x977.jpg)
![notched pulls also work perfectly with the graining and add to the graphic appe 19](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/reform-degree-ikea-kitchen-hack-cabinet-design-by-cecilie-manz-2-733x977.jpg)
The panel to the left of the sink can conceal the dishwasher (Reform’s fronts are made to work with Ikea’s built-in appliances but can often accommodate other brands). A range and cooktop can also be incorporated into the setup. Reform advises its customers to first come up with an Ikea kitchen plan in consultation with Ikea’s design experts—or to start with an existing Ikea kitchen. From there, send Reform your Ikea order and work drawings along with your choice of Reform kitchen style and color. Within 24 hours, they’ll respond with a quote.
![for the counter, manz recommends applying a floating stainless steel counter, f 20](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/reform-degree-ikea-kitchen-hack-cabinet-design-by-cecilie-manz-3-733x977.jpg)
Version Two: Light Gray Painted Cabinets
![for a uniform look, reform offers the fronts in mdf that\2\17;s painted 21](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/reform-degree-ikea-kitchen-hack-cabinet-design-by-cecilie-manz-6-733x530.jpg)
Both versions of the kitchen shown here are 9.5 linear feet long, and Reform reports that their collections of fronts would cost approximately $1,900 (painted) and $2,500 (veneer).
![\2\20;i don\2\17;t design for myself, but i do ask: would t 22](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/reform-degree-ikea-kitchen-hack-cabinet-design-by-cecilie-manz-7-733x977.jpg)
The classic Vola faucet is Reform’s recommendation but not included. For sourcing and more options, take a look at 10 Easy Pieces: Architects’ Go-To Modern Kitchen Faucets.
![the triangular edge pulls neatly finish the horizontal and vertical lines of th 23](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/reform-degree-ikea-kitchen-hack-cabinet-design-by-cecilie-manz-8-733x997.jpg)
The Design Process
![manz played with wood veneer pieces to work out the design: \2\20;using 24](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/cecilie-manz-reform-degree-oregon-pine-kitchen-design-process-cecilie-manz-studio-11-1-733x977.jpg)
many decisions are made; I don’t need fancy models to visualize things.” Photograph courtesy of Cecilie Manz Studio.
![an early drawing captures the geometry of the degree kitchen. photograph courte 25](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/cecilie-manz-reform-degree-kitchen-sketch-cecilie-manz-studio-9-733x390.jpg)
![a sketch details oregon pine, the counter\2\17;s shadow gap, and flush h 26](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/cecilie-manz-reform-degree-kitchen-sketch-cecilie-manz-studio-10-733x474.jpg)
Thinking of upgrading Ikea kitchen cabinets? Take a look at:
- 8 Custom Cabinet Companies for the Ultimate Ikea Kitchen Hack
- A DIY Ikea Kitchen for Two Berlin Creatives
- A Designer’s Own Ikea Hack Kitchen in Provence, Before and After
And here are more Reform designs:
- Norm Architects Reinvent the Ikea Kitchen
- Kitchen of the Week: A Glamorous Kitchen in San Francisco, Ikea Hacks Included
- A Copenhagen Stylist Reinvents Her Kitchen in Mint Green
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