Where to splurge and save in your new kitchen

They say the kitchen is the heart of the home, but it’s also a major selling point when it comes time to put your property on the market.

Deciding where to invest your money and where to cut costs is crucial for achieving a perfect balance of style, functionality, and, of course, staying within budget! 

This article will guide you through the key areas of kitchen design where it pays to splurge, where you can afford to save and innovative design ideas to inspire your kitchen build.

Splurge-worthy

When designing a new kitchen, it’s essential to make strategic decisions on where to allocate your budget. Let’s examine the areas that warrant a more significant investment to ensure longevity and functionality. 

Countertops

If there’s one design feature that elevates a kitchen to the next level, it’s a quality benchtop. Premium materials like Caesarstone, granite, quartz, or marble not only add a luxurious touch but also offer excellent durability and resistance to wear and tear.

Appliances

Energy-efficient and high-performance appliances hold their value and can make a significant difference in the functionality of your kitchen. Consider investing in a reliable refrigerator, dishwasher, blender, microwave and oven that is suitable for your lifestyle and has a good warranty. 

Storage solutions

Practical storage solutions in the kitchen are worth spending money on as they guarantee you have a home for all your kitchen accessories and big-ticket items. This will help prevent your kitchen from looking cluttered and if you’re a MasterChef in the making you’ll no doubt have a plethora of utensils and cookware to store.

Save on these areas

While investing in key kitchen elements is essential, there are several areas where you can save without compromising style or functionality. By opting for affordable choices in these components, you can effectively manage your budget and still create a beautiful, cohesive kitchen design.

Cabinetry

You can find cost-effective cabinetry options that offer good quality and style. Cost-effective laminate cabinetry combines practicality with style, offering a budget-friendly alternative to bespoke designs using high-end materials.

Lighting

While good lighting is crucial, you don't necessarily need to splurge on designer fixtures. There are plenty of stylish and affordable options available that can brighten up your kitchen without breaking the bank.

Read next: How Natural and Artificial Lighting Can Change a Room

Splashbacks

When it comes to deciding on a material for your kitchen splashback, the budget will be a huge factor – tiles and glass are great for those looking for a low-cost option that looks amazing, while natural stone will set you back considerably more but could be worth the investment down the line.

A beautiful backsplash can be achieved with cost-effective materials like subway tiles or laminate. These options provide a designer look at a fraction of the cost of more expensive materials, making this a great area for potential savings.

Tapware

Tapware is not only a stylistic element where you can have fun embracing trends but also serves a crucial function. This is an area where you can choose between splurging on luxurious designer accents or opting for budget-friendly pieces that maintain a cohesive style without exceeding your budget.

Kitchen Design Inspiration

Now we’ve explored where to splurge and save when planning your kitchen, let’s dive deeper into some innovative design tips to enhance the functionality and style of your kitchen. 

Open Shelving 

Multifunctional Islands

Bold Backsplashes 

Smart Storage Solutions 

Utilise every inch of your kitchen with smart storage solutions like pull-out pantries, corner drawers and built-in organisers. These features will help keep your kitchen sleek, clutter-free and efficient.

Mix it up 

Combine different materials like wood, metal and stone to add texture and depth to your kitchen design. This approach creates a dynamic and visually appealing space.

Read next: Looking for Contemporary Urban Styling Tips and Ideas?