Designing the kitchen doesn’t have to be a daunting task, it should be an enjoyable one seeing as it’s one of the most important and multi-functional rooms of the house. It’s all about turning this room into your ‘dream kitchen’, where you want to make memories with the family. Everyone’s dream kitchen can look very different but each one is still equally important.
When we think of creating our dream kitchen, many people think it’s an expensive project, but with a bit of planning, creativity, and smart choices, you can transform your kitchen into a functional and stylish space without breaking the bank.
How to create a dream kitchen on a budget
There are many ways to find inspiration for your dream kitchen, from social media platforms to glossy magazines that include interior design. The kitchens featured in both of these show the latest colours, luxurious stone worktops, fixtures, fittings and appliances, but can come with eye-watering budgets attached.
We have developed some tips and tricks below to achieve similar looks without the price tag!
Plan Ahead
The first thing in creating your dream kitchen is to start planning. The cabinets and worktops are where you will spend the most budget and are the kitchen’s largest surface areas.
List out the features and upgrades that are most important to you. Listing out these features will help you allocate your budget effectively, and setting out a budget can determine how much you can afford to spend on your kitchen renovation. Planning the budget allows you to secure your preferred installers and suppliers too.
Spend some time researching the cost of materials, appliances, and labour. Compare the prices from different suppliers and look for deals and discounts.
Smart Shopping
When designing your dream kitchen you can either budget carefully or spend a lot of money. You may want to invest in a hard-wearing worktop and those high-end appliances and then choose a more budget-friendly floor and cabinets. Mixing and matching helps budgeting and allows you to combine high-end items with more affordable options.
Research shows the following budget allocations:
- Cabinets – 30%
- Worktops – 10%
- Appliances – 15%
- Sink and taps – 5%
- Flooring – 7%
- Lighting – 5%
- Delivery, installation and unexpected costs – 25%
- Design Fees – 3%
Remember, every kitchen is different, every budget is different and every priority for homeowners is different.
Recycle, Reuse & DIY Yourself
Sometimes creating your dream kitchen on a budget may make you decide what you don’t need in your design, what can be used from your current kitchen, and if there’s anything you could recycle.
Painting the cabinets with a fresh coat of paint can work wonders in updating your kitchen and giving it a new look. You can also refinish or reface cabinets instead of replacing them and update cabinet hardware with sleek pulls and knobs for a more modern feel.
If you’re handy with DIY projects, consider installing elements like open shelving, lighting and a stunning splashback yourself. Consider using reclaimed wood or repurposing your existing worktop as shelves to save money. Open shelving can also provide a more spacious and airy feel while displaying your favourite china, which is especially beneficial in smaller kitchens.
Repurpose old furniture or accessories to give them a new life and improve the lighting to brighten the space and make a difference.
Kitchen Elements to Create Your Dream Kitchen
Kitchens are described as the most complex room as well as being referred to as the heart of the home. It’s the room in the home where it is made up of multiple elements such as cabinets, worktops, appliances, furniture, chairs, flooring, fixtures and fittings and plenty of accessories.
Good Quality Kitchen Cabinets
There are plenty of high street kitchen companies that offer good quality, simple kitchen cabinets and doors and are much cheaper than bespoke handmade cabinets.
A new handle can make all the difference to your cabinetry and your space’s overall look and feel.
Hardwearing Worktops
As important as the cabinets, the kitchen worktops are also an important element. Always consider the worktop to be durable, stylish and easy to maintain. Quartz, mineral and porcelain are sought-after options, highly durable, look beautiful and come in many different patterns and styles. We recommend investing in your worktop as it will get the hardest use and you want to choose something that will withstand the use.
At Cawdor Stone Gallery we have many samples of worktops to show you in our showroom, giving you inspiration on what could work in your kitchen with your chosen cabinetry and accessories. See the worktops up close and in larger slabs to really see the quality and design. Once your worktop is chosen we will then measure your kitchen, cut your stone to shape and install your worktop for you.
Appliances
Online shopping has significantly transformed the appliance market in recent years and many companies have made it easier to find kitchen appliances at competitive prices online. Even appliance brands have started to sell directly online, simplifying the process of browsing for your ideal fridge or oven.
There are numerous brands available at various price points. While features like double ovens, wine coolers, and coffee machines may seem appealing, they can quickly inflate your budget. Ask yourself if you’ll still be using these extras in a year. Focus on shopping for high-quality, standard items that perform their primary functions well, and you’ll likely make choices you’ll be happy with long-term.
Fixtures & Fittings
There are so many brands to choose from and some companies may look expensive but they may have suitable items that are more affordable. skipping features like filters, pull-out hoses, boiling water taps, and variable spray heads can help manage costs. While these units themselves might not be overly expensive, their installation and ongoing costs can quickly add up.
Our team suggest thoroughly pricing everything out and considering alternative options that still allow you to select a high-quality tap with a stunning look, freeing up savings for other areas of your project.
Match your fixtures and fittings together to create your final look.
Creating your dream kitchen on a budget is achievable, have a strategic approach and think outside the box. Focus on what’s most important to you and make smart choices. The kitchen you design will not only look great but also function beautifully, all while staying within your budget.
