Here's how to get your dream Ikea kitchen – without leaving your sofa

Been frustrated in your plans to visit the Ikea kitchen planning department? Or maybe you'd rather dodge it entirely, especially since the news hit that the store's reopening has come with miles-long queues and hours of waiting time to even get in store? Good news: you can book an appointment – Ikea is still running its kitchen planning service, but with a difference. 

What's the story? They have suspended their in-store kitchen planning, measuring and installation services for now, but you can still book an appointment through their online remote planning service. Which means you can plan your dream kitchen from the comfort of your sofa.

• Before you start, visit our kitchen ideas page for all the inspiration you need

So what does this mean? Well, Ikea's online kitchen planning appointment offers virtual planning assistance from the comfort of your home and it's free. You work one-on-one with a kitchen planner via an easy, online meeting programme. Through this screen sharing tool, your planner will plan your new kitchen in front of your eyes. This appointment can last up to two hours and a further 30 minute follow-up session can be made for minor revisions if needed. We would, however, expect there to be some delay on getting an appointment and in arranging delivery. 

Just starting out? Now's the time to get your kitchen design (click the link to browse our advice guide for all the practical know-how you need) spot on. And which Ikea kitchen to go for? These are our all-time favourites... with bags of expert advice on why...

1. Ikea's 'chef's kitchen'

Ikea's VÅRSTA kitchen is ideal if you want a cheffy-looking space with an industrial edge. We love the layout of this kitchen too: if you have the room for it, a kitchen island it can transform your whole space with added storage and prep space. The veneer worktop shown is just £150, which shows that you don't have to spend a fortune to get this expensive look. When not to buy a kitchen with this finish? When you have small kids: sticky fingers will show up everywhere and you'll spend the whole time cleaning it.

2. Ikea's small space matt black kitchen (for trendsetters)

Next up we have the dramatic, eye-catching KUNGSBACKA kitchen, which is bang on trend and perfect for a modern, urban look – although we must say we prefer it for smaller kitchens that large, which can look cold and uninviting all-black. Plus, unlike the kitchen above, it's great for hiding marks and fingerprints if your cleaning routine can't keep up with your cooking experiments... Going for this look? Soften it with plenty of texture – the black itself is actually perfect for highlighting plants and the natural materials you may have in your kitchen which can be proudly displayed on this shelf section, plus you can display jars and cookware to add colour and detail to your kitchen. 

3. Ikea's go-anywhere kitchen

Lacking confidence in your choice? Don't want to get it wrong? This KNOXHULT kitchen has a family-friendly, space-friendly feel that means it's perfect for small spaces and large. Plus, because it's all white, it's a timeless classic already AND you can accessorise it with paint colours or bright kitchen must-haves to give it tons of personality. Also, these trolleys on wheels (on the left) are perfect for storing anything from cereal to bowls for the children to access easily in the morning without your help. Also, why not add a cute bright step stool  so the kids can help you cook?

• Small kitchen ideas: 16 ways to enhance a small kitchen space
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