New kitchen? Where to save & where to spend money
A successful kitchen design needs to balance aesthetics with functionality, considering layout, colour scheme, cabinets, worktops, flooring, appliances and more – all of which comes at a cost. Whether you're starting with a blank canvas or working with what you've got, give careful thought on where to cut back, so you can splurge elsewhere. Not sure where to start with the practicalities of a new kitchen? We speak to four experts about budgeting for a kitchen renovation.
Where to save on your kitchen renovation
• Cabinets
'If you’re working to a tight budget, head to Ikea or DIY Kitchens for low-cost units,' says interior designer Andrew Griffiths of A New Day interior design studio. 'Then use the money you’ve saved to buy some fabulous doors.'
Gemma Samuels, lead designer and founder of boutique interior design studio, Happi Habitat, agrees: 'With a multitude of affordable flatpack and ready-made cabinet options available, it's possible to achieve a custom look without the high price tag. You can personalise these cabinets by mixing materials, choosing unique colours, and adding distinctive hardware, creating a bespoke feel without the bespoke cost.'
Paint
'Offering a big saving on tiles, using paint instead can provide a very cost-effective way of creating a practical and, just as importantly, impactful splashback. A panel of satinwood paint is an easy update, and looks clean and contemporary,' advises Andrew.
• Lighting
'While lighting is essential, it doesn’t need to be costly,' says Gemma. 'Instead of splurging on designer fixtures, focus on layering different light sources. Combine under-cabinet lighting, pendant lights over the island, and wall sconces to create a warm, inviting atmosphere.'
'I'd also suggest choosing dimmer switches where possible,' adds Cara Yates, kitchen expert at Toolstation. This layered approach to lighting will help to create a multifunctional space that will work for all occasions.
• A sink
'Sinks are one of those things that can get immensely expensive, but it’s somewhere you can save your pennies,' says Cara. 'Whether you go for ceramic, stainless steel or composite, high quality kitchen basins can be picked up relatively affordably.'
Looeeze Grossman, founder and CEO of The Used Kitchen Company, adds: 'Whilst stainless steel sinks are definitely a cheaper option, higher-quality materials such as fireclay could offer more long-term value. For those seeking cost-effective alternatives without compromising quality, exploring secondhand or ex-display kitchen options can be a game-changer.'
Where to spend on your kitchen renovation
• Planning
Before you start any renovation, you need to plan well, and it's something that shouldn't be overlooked. 'The foundation of a successful kitchen renovation is in the planning,' says Gemma. 'Investing in professional help, especially an interior designer, can ensure that the layout, flow, and storage solutions are optimised from the start. This is particularly crucial if the kitchen renovation is part of a larger home redesign. A well-planned kitchen not only enhances daily functionality but also ensures a cohesive design throughout the home.'
• Worktops
'When it comes to deciding where to use your budget, as a general rule you should spend on the things you touch most,' says Andrew. 'A budget worktop tends to feel and look cheap. So invest in a good quality option that feels luxe and will last.'
• Storage
'Spend the money you’ve saved on cabinets on clever internal kitchen storage solutions,' suggests Cara. 'Pull-out shelving units, carousel half circles and pull-out baskets can help maximise your cupboard space and give your kitchen that high-end, bespoke feel.'
• Taps
'It's easy to be tempted by bargains for kitchen taps you may spot on the internet, but with anything involving water, it's always best to ensure you're buying excellent quality,' advises Andrew. 'Keep some budget aside for a decent tap (and kitchen gadgets or appliances) and you stand a better chance of them lasting as long as your kitchen.'
Kitchen renovation costs
A kitchen renovation can significantly impact the value of your home by five to six per cent, making it a worthwhile investment.
'The rule of thumb is to spend roughly between five to 15 per cent of your house value on your kitchen renovation to keep the home value,' explains Rob Hands, kitchen expert at More Kitchens. 'For instance, the average house price in the UK is around £280,000. So at five per cent, that is a refurbishment of £14,000, 10 per cent is £28,000 and a 15 per cent refurbishment is £42,000.'
How much does a budget kitchen renovation cost?
First of all, it depends on the kind of kitchen renovation you're undertaking. If you're focusing on small updates or a simple refresh, like painting cabinets, replacing some tiles, and changing knobs or handles, it might cost you a little over £100.
A bigger renovation will, of course, go into the thousands – even on a very tight budget you could be looking at as little as £3,000, say Rated People.
On average, 'if you’re looking into getting a budget kitchen renovation, expect costs to be between £5,000 - £10,000,' says Rob. 'You can do this by focusing on cost-effective materials like laminate for worktops and flatpack cabinets, ensuring affordability while still enhancing the kitchen's appeal.'
How much does a standard kitchen renovation cost?
'For a standard kitchen renovation, your budget should be around £10,000 - £20,000. This would balance cost and quality with mid-range materials such as engineered wood cabinets and composite worktops,' explains Rob.
How much does a luxury kitchen cost?
'A luxury kitchen renovation starts at around £30,000, featuring bespoke designs, high-end materials like solid hardwood and marble, and top-of-the-line appliances. While highly personalised, the return on investment might not match the expenditure but significantly enhances the homeowner's quality of life,' Rob explains.
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