How to create your dream kitchen on a budget
Do you feel like your kitchen looks dated and needs freshened up but don’t have a lot of money to spend on a major renovation? If you’re thinking of selling, updating your kitchen could be what you need to achieve the best possible price for your home, as the kitchen is an important factor for buyers when it comes to choosing the right property.
Make the most of what you already have
Although ripping everything out and starting again can seem tempting, it can also be expensive and time-consuming. Changing the appearance of your kitchen can be made simple by re-facing your worktops. Using wood, quartz or recycled glass which fit directly over old surfaces and putting some new made to measure fittings on cupboard doors can instantly change the whole look of your kitchen, without the expensive price tag. If you have an island or bar area, why not update the chairs and replace them with something sleek?
Consider colour
A fresh lick of paint in a kitchen can work wonders for covering up any splash marks or other blemishes that your kitchen may have gathered over time. Changing white worktops to black or wood, adding high gloss acrylic cabinet doors or painting your island unit in a bright pop of colour are all ideal ways of freshening things up without breaking the bank.
Open shelving
Opting for open shelving can create a real focal point in the kitchen and the possibilities are endless. You can create an open, airy feeling in a smaller kitchen, showcasing a minimalist and rustic style, or you can go all out by filling your shelves with your favourite accessories.
Open shelving also enables easy access to your everyday essentials such as dishes, glasses and cookware. You can use them to store cookbooks, display house plants and showcase decorative vases; making them very versatile and easy to re-style when you want a switch up.
Don't forget about lighting
The impact lighting can have on a kitchen design is often overlooked, but it can have a huge effect on the overall feel and functionality of the room.
Ruth Lavender, Design Expert at Benchmarx Kitchens and Joinery, says: “Start by thinking about the main lighting source in the room and how it can be best maximised. If you’re opting for spotlights, consider the placement of each light to ensure they aren’t blocked by cabinets or walls.
“Pendant lighting is also great for adding focused illumination while incorporating a point of interest. Under-cupboard lighting is a budget-friendly alternative, to introduce an additional lighting source to your design.
“Planning your lighting in this way can also help you zone your kitchen, establishing different areas depending on functionality. This is particularly important if you plan to use your kitchen space for multiple purposes – such as cooking, working from home, entertaining friends or spending time together as a family.”
Consider a pantry
Many period properties in Edinburgh have larders or pantries built in, and it’s a misconception that they require a lot of space and are costly to incorporate if you don’t already have one.
For a sleek aesthetic, carry through the same cabinets and work surfaces from the wider kitchen, as this will blend the two spaces together. If you’re stretched for space, pull-out storage solutions offer a great compromise.
Kitchen islands
The great thing about an island is that it offers a focal point to a kitchen and allows you to introduce a mixture of worktop and cabinet textures and heights, giving your design an individual edge.
Ruth says: “There was once a perception that an island unit must be of an impressive size and carry an impressive price tag. Some people also believe that you need a kitchen of endless proportions to match. However, with clever planning, an island or peninsula can be installed in many kitchen spaces – within reason!
“If you want to create the kitchen of your dreams, but don’t know where to start, I’d always recommend speaking to a kitchen designer, such as the experts at your local Benchmarx branch. They will be able to discuss options within your budget and perhaps suggest ideas you may not have considered.”
Seating nooks
If you’re looking for a way to maximise space and provide more seating in the kitchen, look no further than a seating nook. They can be installed in awkward corners, under bay windows or built into cupboard storage, which means they don’t take up a lot of room.
They offer a great space for children to sit and play while you make dinner and can double up as an additional entertaining space when you have visitors. Storage space can also be incorporated under the seating to help keep the area tidy.
By picking fabrics and soft furnishing that complement your kitchen design, you can seamlessly tie the seating area in with the rest of the space.
Adding the finishing touches
Whether you’ve gone for something bold and bright or something a little more neutral, updating or adding little accessories around the kitchen can bring the whole room together. You can add a pop of colour to a neutral room by replacing old dishtowels, condiments containers, fruit bowls and vases with something bright and colourful. Replacing the splashback in the kitchen allows you to be decorative yet practical, without breaking the budget. Replacing old taps, drawer and cabinet handles or adding a built-in microwave are all ways to change the appearance of your kitchen and freshen things up.
Ruth concludes: “Sticking to a budget doesn’t mean you have to compromise on your perfect kitchen. By choosing clever combinations of worktops, cabinetry, appliances, and lighting, you can create a beautiful kitchen without overstepping on costs.
“The majority of popular styles and finishes featured in high-end kitchen designs are available from more accessible kitchen suppliers, making your dream kitchen completely attainable.
“In addition to picking beautiful cabinetry and accessories, there are other features you should think about incorporating into your design to take it to the next level. These budget-friendly features will have a huge impact on the functionality and enjoyment of your space.”
ESPC magazine
This article appeared in the November 2022 issue of the ESPC magazine. Find out more about the ESPC magazine and read the latest issue online.