The kitchen is the heart of the home in many houses. Of course, the design and overall feel of your kitchen will be a reflection of your life and the lives of those you live with. Still, there are areas in which you will benefit from being thrifty, and other aspects of your kitchen where a little splurging may be worth it in the long run.
Choose Budget-Friendly Appliances
Appliances are used daily in most kitchens, so you do not want to be too frugal, but you can take the pragmatic route and opt for energy-efficient refrigerators, ranges, and key appliances. Also, think about the different types of devices you are buying. For example, a refrigerator often gives out before a stove, so be sure to calculate where to bulk up the spending and where to ease off. A side note is that stainless steel is a top quality that homebuyers look for in a kitchen, so you may want to spring for this look in your kitchen.
Countertops May Be Splurge-Worthy
Countertops are usually the first detail we notice when we step into a kitchen. If appearance is important to you, then it may be wise to put some extra money toward a stone, marble, or granite countertop. Of course, there are budget-friendly versions of these materials, so be sure to shop around to find a look that suits you. Your countertops often set the tone for the rest of your kitchen, so spend some time weighing your options.
Cabinets Are the Bulk of Your Budget
Cabinets will most likely take up a good chunk of your spending budget. There are the added costs of delivery, installation, and any extras, such as extenders, shelves, and fancy knobs. You definitely want to splurge on the usability of your cabinets. Drawers and doors that shut easily are a top priority. When choosing a cabinet material, you can save. You may be happy with veneers or plywood, rather than expensive solid wood.
Do Not Sweat the Hardware
Hardware does not have to be a big deal when remodeling your kitchen. It is not imperative to have matching knobs, dials, and handles. In fact, a mixture of bronze, chrome, satin, and stainless steel can look quite interesting. If uniformity is important to you, then by all means, spend the money, but hardware is really an area that should not be too concerning.
Low-Cost Tile is Your Friend
While ceramic is gorgeous, you can get away with porcelain, as it is durable and lasts for a long time. Keep in mind the size of your kitchen floor, if you have a lot of space to cover, go with larger tiles. It will save you the headache of making cuts and grout lines.
Your kitchen renovation is in the end up to you. Think about your lifestyle and how long you plan on being in your home. Following these guidelines for help and if you listen to your instincts and the needs of your particular situation your wallet and your home will be happy.
