Affordable kitchen ideas

Last Updated Jul 1, 2016 · Written by Rob Schneider

Kitchens

A kitchen renovation can be an expensive project. Our article, What is the Cost of a Kitchen Renovation? goes into the costs in detail, but two kitchens of the same size can have a cost difference of $10,000 or more. We all want to have a beautiful kitchen, but our budgets don't always stretch that far. However, we don't need to settle for second-best. These affordable kitchen ideas will help you design a kitchen that will cost less, but look as modern and stylish as a more expensive kitchen.

What Kitchen Inclusions Save the Most Money?

Some of the major expenses in any new kitchen or full kitchen renovation include:

• Flooring
• Benchtops
• Doors, drawer fronts and panels
• Splashbacks or tiling
• Appliances
• Installation

You can save thousands of dollars by choosing less expensive materials and installation costs:

• Do you really need floor tiles? Look at the new ranges of vinyl tiles and you'll find stunning designs that may work better in your kitchen than expensive tiles. Vinyl tiles are durable, beautiful and soft underfoot, making them ideal for a family kitchen.
• A laminate benchtop costs a fraction of the cost of granite or engineered stone. Spend a little more on a designer laminate benchtop and you will still save money.
• A high-end kitchen may have gloss 2-pack polyurethane doors. What you don't see in a new kitchen is how scratches show up in these expensive doors. Less expensive doors, drawer fronts and panels are more appropriate for family kitchens.
• New splashback designs look as good as wall tiling, but cost less to buy and install.
• A high-end kitchen will have expensive European appliances. Australian appliances cost less, look just as good and work just as well.
• You can save on installation costs in a kitchen renovation if you don't move the plumbing.

The average cost of a budget kitchen is between $10,000 and $22,000 while a high-end kitchen costs $35,000 or more. By saving on materials, appliances and some installation costs, you can have a beautiful new kitchen on a budget. You can save even more if you buy a flatpack kitchen and do some of the installation work yourself.

You don't need to spend more to have a stylish kitchen. Take the time to choose stylish colours for your doors, benchtop and splashback and you can have a designer kitchen at a low price.

What Shouldn't You Skimp On?

While you want to save money, there are some things you don't want to skimp on:

• Your kitchen cabinets should be well constructed.
• Hinges, drawer runners and other hardware should be of high quality.
• Your kitchen should have adequate lighting. Look for both task lighting and decorative lighting.
• Buy mid-range appliances rather than the cheapest you can find. Look for efficient cooktops, ovens and dishwashers.
• Extras like drawer and pantry inserts will make working in your kitchen much easier.

Quality inclusions will add to the cost of your kitchen, but your kitchen will last longer and be a pleasure to work in if you don't skimp on quality.

Don't be afraid to ask your kitchen designer to help you find money-saving ideas for your kitchen. A good designer will know what you can save on and what you should spend a little more on.