Articles

Top 6 Affordable Kitchen Design Options

by Emma L. Business consultant

Everybody likes stylish and functional kitchens, but only a lucky few can afford to pay professionals for a full scale remodeling. With the stagnant home market, investing big money in a fabulous custom kitchen is not the wisest thing you can do. Still, there are ways to update a kitchen that needn’t break the bank.

What is your budget?

When done correctly, even miniature changes can make a big difference. For roughly $5,000, you can repaint the walls, replace hardware and plumbing fixtures, install new lightning, re-holster the chairs and update a few accessories. If you triple the money, you can afford to replace the countertops and appliances, too.

Low-cost cabinets

Even if you don’t hire a craftsman to make custom ones, new cabinets are among the most expensive kitchen upgrades. On the other hand, modular cabinets made of pre-made parts that fit together may save you some money. Their design and functionality has improved a lot in recent years. Their low price comes from their versatility – they are not custom-built for a specific kitchen. They can be purchased online and assembled on the spot according to your kitchen needs.

High-end countertop alternatives

Surely, nothing can match the elegance and beauty of granite and marble, but nothing can match the cost of their amazing alternatives:

  • Ceramic tiles are an awesome choice for a cost-effective countertop. They come in all colors and styles and can be customized to suit specific shapes and sizes. On top of that, ceramic is heat and stain resistant, while damaged tiles can be replaced.

  • Laminate countertops are affordable and can take a decorative edge. The number of finishes, colors and patterns is endless. Laminate surfaces are resistant to heat, stains and impact, and can be cleaned easily with mild soap and water.

  • Solid surface countertops mimic the look of granite, quartz, concrete or glass. This is a versatile option that can be used for sinks and backsplashes too, if you want to achieve a seamless look. The material is resistant to high heat, and while not as tough as laminate, small nicks can be buffed out.  

  • None of the materials mentioned above can supplement the warmth of solid wood. It can be cut, sanded and treated as needed, and still provide an impressive look for a fraction of the cost of natural stone. And not only that, if you find a matching charcuterie board for sale it can complete the look perfectly.

Appliances

A few appliances don’t make a kitchen, but can definitely complete one. Between energy-saving and low-cost designs, one rule applies to all – choose your kitchen layout first, and then choose the fitting appliances. And if your budget is limited, functionality should always come first.  

Inexpensive flooring

Natural stone and especially wood can never be totally sealed against staining. They also dent easily and are prone to discoloration. For a kitchen floor that suffers daily abuse, wear and tear, less expensive materials are often a better option. Materials like ceramic tiles, plastic laminate and vinyl are sturdier and fully water resistant.

Choosing a sink material

On the budget-friendly line, choose between stainless steel, composite stone and ceramic. A stainless steel sink is the cheapest option and requires minimum maintenance. Composite stone sinks are a bit pricier but they last much longer. They can withstand high temperatures and come in an abundance of finishes. If you are renovating a period kitchen, a ceramic sink is the way to go.

Currently, the market favors buyers. So, even if your budget limits you, there are plenty of options to choose from and still end up with an impressive kitchen.  



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About Emma L. Advanced Pro  Business consultant

3 connections, 0 recommendations, 158 honor points.
Joined APSense since, February 18th, 2016, From Sydney, Australia.

Created on Jun 4th 2019 01:52. Viewed 136 times.

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