A complete kitchen makeover can be a costly investment, and it is often difficult to get all the items on your kitchen wish list to fit into your budget. However, there are certain things you can do that can shave a substantial amount off the end bill – by investing some time and effort into the project, and using your creativity, you can ensure that you maintain the kitchen of your dreams. Here are a few tips on how you can save money when renovating your kitchen:
Wonderful walls
Sometimes, just changing the wall finishes can give your kitchen an entirely new look. There is a virtually limitless amount of options that will give your kitchen walls a great new look – from paint, to tiles, mosaics, glass cladding, wallpaper and so on. Be sure to choose a finish that is easy to clean, non-porous and for wet areas, such as behind the kitchen sink and stove, it is advisable to use water-resistant materials, such as tiles, for the splashbacks.
Upcycle existing cabinetry
If you are working on a really tight budget, and your kitchen cabinetry is still in good working order, but it just has an out-dated aesthetic, why not consider refinishing the cabinets yourself with a coat of paint and some new handles for a fresh new look? If you opt to do this, be sure to use a high-quality base for the undercoat and a top-end enamel for the top coat in either gloss or matt finish. Speak to your paint supplier to get instructions on how to apply the paint to your kitchen cabinets for the best results.
Fabulous flooring
Changing the flooring can really lift a room’s appearance, and it need not be an expensive project. There are a multitude of various flooring options that are ideally suited to kitchen applications that won’t cost you an arm and a leg. Vinyl and linoleum flooring is now available in a multitude of gorgeous modern designs, laminate flooring is also comparatively affordable, and there are a number of tiles that one can buy at a very reasonable rate.
Counting on countertops
Your choice of countertops can make or break a kitchen’s aesthetics. However, if you are working on a budget, it is advisable to reserve expensive countertops, such as granite or marble for example, for a small island for maximum impact, and use less expensive materials, such as laminate or ceramic tile for example, for the rest of the surfaces throughout the kitchen.
Furniture for fixtures
To cut back on the amount of custom-fitted cabinetry you need, why not consider using furniture creatively to achieve an unfitted kitchen aesthetic on a budget. You can use an old armoire for a kitchen pantry for example, or perhaps an old wooden table instead of a kitchen island. Old wooden furniture is especially ideal, as it can be bought for a good price, sanded down and refinished for a gorgeously rich look.
Where to spend
If you are going to spend, it is advisable that you splurge on the various kitchen focal points, such as the faucets, sink, a tile mural, lighting or appliances for example. Also, with regards to choosing between expensive materials and expensive labour – always choose the labour. A good craftsman can make even the most mundane materials look great. Also, choosing a professional to do the job could save you from making costly mistakes by trying to do the job yourself, which will save you money in the long run.
Doing it yourself
There are certain simple jobs that you can do yourself and in the process, save money. However, be sure that whatever you choose to do is well within your skill set – do not take on jobs that you are not confident about as the cost of fixing blunders can be more costly than hiring a professional in the first place. Typical DIY jobs include screwing on door handles, painting walls or cabinets, sanding down wood, changing the light fitting, and so on.– Antonella Desi