Play Kitchen Wallpaper Hacks: How to Transform an IKEA Duktig or Kmart Kitchen with Floral Magic
If you’re looking for a simple way to elevate your child’s play kitchen, removable wallpaper might just be your secret weapon.
A plain wooden play kitchen can feel a little…beige. But with a dreamy floral splashback, soft coloured cupboards and a few styling upgrades, you can transform it into a whimsical, boutique-inspired statement piece.
In this guide, I’ll show you exactly how to create a floral fairy play kitchen using Little Abodes Interiors removable wallpaper and peel-and-stick upgrades — no major DIY skills required. If you didn’t already know, I have a series of beautiful floral wallpapers available through Little Abodes Interiors, so you can turn your little one’s play kitchen into a floral wonderland and let their imagination soar.
Image & Styling by Through the Lens
Step 1: Choose Your Splashback (The Showstopper)
The splashback is the focal point of your play kitchen — this is where the magic happens.
Instead of leaving the plain backing exposed, add a panel of removable floral wallpaper to create a dreamy backdrop. Hint: for some play kitchens you may need to add your own MDF board for the backing.
Best Wallpaper Styles for Play Kitchens
For a whimsical fairy aesthetic, choose:
Soft blush florals
Cottage garden wildflowers
Watercolour botanical patterns
Neutral beige and peach blooms
Delicate scattered floral prints
My floral wallpapers work beautifully as play kitchen splash backs because they add soft texture, visual interest and warmth without overwhelming the space. Inspired by cottage gardens and fields of wildflowers, these designs echo vintage floral wallpaper and slow, sun filled days playing outside amongst nature.
Step 2: Upgrade the Cupboards with Colour
Once your splashback is installed, it’s time to elevate the cabinetry.
Little Abodes Interiors offers pre-cut peel and stick cupboard decals designed to fit:
These decal sets make the makeover incredibly simple — no trimming required. See below how easy the decals are to install!
If you’re working with a different wooden play kitchen model, fear not, as you can use the:
Includes:
2 x A2 Block Colour Peel & Stick Sheets
(42cm x 59.4cm each)
These sheets are perfect for cupboard doors, drawer fronts and oven panels for different model play kitchens.
Choosing Your Colour Palette
To complement a floral splashback, consider:
Warm beige
Dusty blush
Soft terracotta
Muted sage
Pale peach
Keeping the cupboard colour cohesive with your wallpaper tones creates that high-end, curated look.
Step 3: Add Luxe Finishing Touches
This is where your play kitchen goes from “cute” to “Pinterest-worthy.”
Add Faux Rattan Panels
Faux rattan inserts instantly create texture and warmth. They’re available from Little Abodes Interiors here.
They work beautifully on:
Lower cupboard panels
Oven doors
Microwave doors
Rattan + florals = cottagecore perfection.
Swap the Handles
Replace standard plastic handles with:
Brushed brass
Matte white
Timber pulls
Soft blush knobs
You can find beautiful options at your local hardware store — it’s a tiny change that makes a huge impact.
Spray Paint the Tap & Sink
Want an elevated look?
Lightly sand and spray paint the tap and sink in:
Brushed brass or soft copper
Matte white or black
This gives the entire kitchen a designer feel.
Styling Tips for a Fairy-Inspired Play Kitchen
To finish the look:
Add neutral wooden accessories
Include pretty tea towels
Style with wicker baskets
Keep colours muted and cohesive
Add matching floral wall art above
The key is restraint — let the wallpaper shine.
Why Floral Wallpaper Works So Well in Kids’ Spaces
Floral patterns:
Encourage imaginative play
Feel timeless (not trend-dependent)
Grow with your child
Complement nursery and bedroom décor
If you already have floral nursery prints or wallpaper elsewhere in your home, carrying the theme through to a play kitchen creates beautiful cohesion.
Final Thoughts: The Easiest DIY That Looks Custom Built
A play kitchen makeover doesn’t require tools, carpentry or repainting. It doesn’t need to be difficult or time consuming,
With removable wallpaper and peel-and-stick cupboard decals, you can create a boutique-inspired miniature kitchen in just a few hours.
And the best part? It’s completely reversible.
If you’ve been wanting to try a play kitchen hack, start with the splashback — it makes the biggest difference!