Look into having someone (a contractor) install the cabinets for you.
My company can install kitchen cabinets from either of these two place far less, and still make a profit.

Any of the two. the only diffenece you will get more of a quality selection from home depot though.

Ikea is a very good product in terms of quality.
I am talking about the cabinets only. I have put them in kitchens all over san diego.

My investment company has done many rehab jobs. We typically use Ikea cabinets. If it is required for an upscale rehab, we will install knobs and use granite or Corian tops. This is a cost effective way to have good quality. Ikea will suggest a subcontractor if you do not want to install yourself; I suggest to consider this if you do not have handy man skills - these cabinets can be time consuming to assemble. We employ an in-house contractor to do our installs. I have no opinion about Home Depot's product. Good luck!

Besides the affordability of the cabinets have you checked the zoning in your area regarding adding a kitchenette? If you put in an extra kitchen either Alexandria City or Fairfax County may consider that you are in violation of zoning laws by creating the potential for a rental property in a home authorized as a "single" family dwelling. Over the past year there have been significant crackdowns on extra kitchens and homeowners have been surprised to discover that they need to remove them or be fined. Just something that you may want to check into before you invest in kitchen cabinets or appliances.

The quaiity of Home Depot or Lowes is good. They have contractors for installation too. Home Depot and Lowes are more traditional in taste. I wouldn't say their selections are the best in quality but they certainly are good.

IKEA has an excellent reputation for their affordability and unique european flare and style. Maybe cause they sweedish? IKEA seem to address space with affordable quality too. I like their stlyes but they have modern appeal. Not my choice for a main kitchen but a 2nd kitchen in a basement or lower level yes maybe!

It sounds like you are installing a 2nd kitchen in this home... ? If you are, then space would probably be the factor here. IKEA has this figured out for anyone. Although more modern in style a small kitchenette will likely have a nice appeal from IKEA.

You need to consider cost but also the actual look and style. 2nd kitchens do not offer a big return on investment. Unlike a main kitchen will give you back on your investment almost 100%.

Kitchens will probably get the most wear and tear in your home too and become outdated sooner than any other renovation you do. Appliances and gadets always seem to change like shoe styles. You can be traditional in your style and spend more on you conveniences and you will have a totally functional stylish kitchen that will be complimented for years to come.

Don't penny pinch on everything in the kitchen. Kitchens can cost from 5000 to 50,000 and more. Figure your budget and make your determinations from there.

If this is your main kitchen I would more consider Home Depot or Lowes for traditional look. And get the most return on investment through equity and value of your home.

If this is your 2nd kitchen then IKEA is my choice because they have the space saving more modern style taste. Unless modren is the taste you like for a mian kitchen, IKEA can certainly offer you nice european styles. they have cabinets that swing up and out of the way and stylish storage possiblities.

Hope I offered some help to you.

Good Luck!

I used Home Depot, great price, beautiful cabinets and countertops. My friend used Ikea. If you want a more utilitarian, modern look, check them out, but I think HD is better.

I prefer home depot....have never had an issue with their work. Ikea cabinets are lower in quality, in my opinion.

Many of my builder clients buy from 84 Lumber - they have a huge selection. Try them.