There’s no denying it — kitchen updates and renovations are an investment. Depending on the extent of your renovations, you may be tackling painting, cabinetry, new appliances, new fixtures, new floors, new countertops... and so on. It’s easy to see how upgrades can quickly add up!
But don’t panic! With a smart budget plan, your new kitchen won’t necessarily cost more than what you’re comfortable with. Here are some tips on where to save and where to splurge so that you can invest in a long-lasting, quality kitchen while staying on budget.
Where to Save
Backsplash Tiles
While backsplash tiles can certainly become a focal point for your kitchen, if you’re sticking to a strict budget, this is a great place to save. Backsplash isn’t exposed to nearly as much “wear and tear” as the rest of the working pieces in your kitchen - say, a countertop - so you don’t necessarily need to invest in high quality, durable options at a premium. There are plenty of cost-effective tiles that get the job done and look great while doing it! In essence, as long as they look good, fit your aesthetic and are easy to clean, the backsplash will serve its purpose. While it may be tempting to splurge on a set of expensive, hand-made tiles, if you’re trying to save a little money, this is a good place to start.
Another common request from client’s is to opt for backsplash that’s the same stone as the countertop. Believe it or not, this is a pretty pricey request and can add anywhere from 1.5 to 2x the cost of the countertops! For instance, say your countertops cost $15K, by selecting the same stone backsplash you will inevitably increase your cost to $20-25K. If you’re looking to stay on budget, a cost-effective tile solution is a good alternative to full slab backsplash.
Flooring
With advanced technologies and plenty of durable options at a relatively cost-effective price, flooring presents another opportunity to save money and stick to your budget. Whether you prefer tile or hardwood, the most important thing to consider when it comes to flooring is durability. These days, there is a vast selection of durable flooring options at any price point. As long as the flooring you select is durable, you should be able to stick to your budget.
Kitchen Decor
It’s easy to make a kitchen look sophisticated and stylish by making smart, cost-effective choices. By simply incorporating a few plants - we love potted plants as countertop decor - and framed photos or prints, you can really breathe new life into your kitchen.
Where to Splurge
Cabinets
The cabinets are essentially the backbone or skeleton of your kitchen. Without robust, well-designed cabinets, your kitchen can never really function the way it’s supposed to. With custom cabinets, you’ll be able to design a kitchen that works for you and maximises your space. You’ll also be able to rest easy knowing that your cabinets will last for years or decades! (if you buy the right ones!). Although real, solid wood cabinetry seems like an investment… it’s a sound one! In actuality, you may end up spending more money in the long run if you opt for inexpensive, MDF cabinetry due to its susceptibility to wear and tear in a shorter 5-8 year lifespan.
Countertops
Countertops are used on the daily! It’s important that you allocate more of your budget toward them to ensure that your countertops not only look good, but they can withstand the wear and tear that they’re continuously exposed to! With good quality countertops, you’ll instantly elevate the look of your kitchen. Essentially, you can make the whole room feel a little more expensive with sleek, high quality durable countertops.
Fixtures
The fixtures are the finishing touches that really bring out the other elements of design in the kitchen. Now that you’ve splurged on countertops and cabinets, it would be a shame to cheapen them with lacklustre fixtures. We always say, the hardware is the jewellry of any kitchen! Splurge on a high quality faucet and matching cabinet hardware to amplify the other high quality elements of your kitchen and really make them pop. Our friends at myoh studio recently took over our Instagram account to share their favourite hardware options. You can find it on our Instagram Highlights!
Discover the Custom Cabinetry You’ve Been Looking For at Bloomsbury
If you’re looking to stick to a certain price point, our team of designers will guide you in making the smartest decisions for your budget! Book a consultation today.
Photos: Kassandra Arbour Photography
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