From plumbing and fixtures to furniture and finishes, designing a kitchen can be a costly affair, so you need to be smart about how you spend your money if you want to achieve great results and keep your finances in check. For that, you have to establish a clear budget – although the final costs will almost always exceed initial estimations – and allocate resources properly.
This brings us to a common dilemma that most homeowners who have taken on such a project are familiar with: deciding where to save and where to splurge. The strategic distribution of funds across the different expenses you have to consider can make your budget stretch further, allowing you to create a functional and inviting space while also ensuring you don’t end up with an empty bank account.
Although all elements that go into designing a kitchen matter, there’s no denying that certain areas and items are worth paying more attention to than others and, therefore, deserve a bigger investment. However, figuring out where you should spend more money and where you can cut costs and maintain a balance between the two can be a real hassle. Here are some suggestions that might come in handy and help you make smarter spending decisions.
Where to Splurge
Let’s start with the aspects that you might want to include on your splurge list, as this is where most of your resources will go.
Cabinets
Since cabinets represent a core element of your kitchen design, playing a key role both in the functionality and the style of the space, you should definitely consider shelling out a bit more money for them. Quality kitchen units are well-worth the investment as they provide long-term benefits, being more resilient and maintaining their flawless look for many years. They can also increase your home’s value, as most buyers appreciate the durability and visual appeal of these pieces.
You’ll find a great variety of stunning kitchen cabinets in all styles and colours from providers like kitchenwarehouseltd.com, so you can easily choose pieces that match your design vision. Look for cabinetry made of sturdy materials like solid wood and with a high-quality finish to ensure durability. Also, you should choose units that offer ample storage space to make your kitchen more efficient.
Countertops
After cabinets, countertops take up the most space in the kitchen. Apart from being a main focal point of the room and adding to the overall aesthetic, they also see a lot of action and have to endure plenty of wear and tear on a daily basis.
If you want your countertops to stay in top shape for years and stand out as an eye-catching feature, we suggest you look past the cheaper options that will require replacing sooner rather than later and focus on higher-end materials for your counters such as marble, quartz, granite or butcher block.
Appliances
Modern kitchen appliances like microwaves, food processors, blenders, toasters, and dishwashers make the cooking and meal-prepping experience so much easier and enjoyable that one can hardly imagine life without them.
That’s why it makes perfect sense to invest in premium kitchen equipment. While they might cost more, they are more robust, offer superior performance, and improve your kitchen’s functionality. You won’t have to worry about them breaking down after a couple of uses and having to repair or replace them frequently, which leads to considerable long-term savings. Besides, being built with cutting-edge technologies also makes them more energy-efficient, so they can help you lower your utility bills and your carbon footprint.
Plumbing Installations
Although extremely versatile, the kitchen is, above all, a practical space that requires reliable plumbing to ensure safety and efficiency. Most people don’t give plumbing systems much thought until a leak or a clog occurs, and then they realize just how important it is to pay attention to these components.
Whether it’s water supply lines, drainage systems, faucets, or sinks, you should never cut corners when it comes to plumbing installations, as this can lead to all sorts of risks and issues. Instead of looking for the best deals, look for items and services that ensure quality and peace of mind, even if they come with a higher price tag.
Flooring
Kitchen floors represent another important feature that takes a lot of beating every day, including frequent cleaning and scrubbing. Choosing a more expensive flooring material like natural stone or solid wood instead of a budget option, such as laminate or vinyl, means you’ll enjoy pristine floors for much longer while also benefiting from easier maintenance.
Where to Save
You’ve seen where you need to make more substantial investments, now let’s see where you can save.
Accessories
Kitchen accessories can make your life easier, but they don’t have to cost a fortune to get the job done. Items like cabinet organisers, drawer dividers, pot holders, measuring spoons, sponges, and so on can be easily added to the savings list. Besides, there are plenty of gadgets that might seem useful at first glance but that you don’t really need and will probably never use, so you should leave them out of the picture.
Hardware
Kitchen hardware options abound, and you can find plenty of great-looking pieces at affordable prices, so there’s no reason for you to go and buy the most expensive items in the range, should you want to elevate the look of your kitchen.
Lighting Fixtures
Lighting is, without a doubt, a key feature in creating a pleasant atmosphere and a welcoming kitchen design, but it’s also an area where you can save money without compromising on quality or style. With so many fixtures to choose from at any price point, you’ll certainly be able to find budget-friendly items that fit your space perfectly.
In the end, it’s up to you to decide what matters most when creating your dream kitchen. By focusing on the essentials, you can bring your vision to life without breaking the bank.
