Where to spend and save when revamping your kitchen…

There’s no getting away from it, a full kitchen refurbishment will be one of the more expensive projects within your home, but with a bit of planning and shrewd thinking you can ensure the best long-term value and timeless efficiency for your money.

One of the bigger outlays in your kitchen will be the appliances, but these items are often worth a sensible investment, if you choose the right product.

For the long-term good of our planet and your wallet, Interior Designer Leigh Hall, owner of Strive For Design, recommends taking time to do your research into appliance energy efficiency ratings. She advises it could be a mistake to buy based on looks and cost alone. Investing in good quality energy efficient appliances now could mean they not only last longer but they could also save you money on rapidly rising energy bills, leaving you better off in the long run.

Also, consider the impact the appliance may have on the rest of the space. For example, a noisy fridge or dishwasher could be disruptive in an open-plan environment, distracting from your social or relaxing time. Or maybe consider ditching the energy-sucking kettle for a built in hot tap. Often considered a luxury item, these taps are energy efficient, they free up counter space as the tap eradicates the need for a kettle, and they’re safer as they cannot be pulled off the counter and have safety measures to reduce the risk of burning.

Another important investment in the kitchen is the extractor fan, an especially important feature in open-plan living, where kitchen smells and grease can linger throughout the home and even damage surrounding furniture. A high-quality extractor will provide a fresher, cleaner environment and protect the kitchen cupboards from grease damage.

Consider a solid wood kitchen because although this is likely to cost more, it should last around 30 years and is easy to revamp by painting the doors or changing the handles as your tastes and needs evolve.

So that’s how to spend your money, but how do you save?

You could start by selling your old kitchen. One way to recoup some costs (and be kind to the environment) is to sell the existing kitchen furniture. This can be easily done on social media selling sites, but there are also companies who specialise in doing exactly this.

With the old kitchen out of the way, another top money saving tip is to use reclaimed or recycled materials. Not only will these save a fortune on otherwise pricey counter tops and kitchen furniture, but marrying the reclaimed with the stylish and modern, creates the WOW factor in any home.

School lab benches or off cuts of granite or quartz can all make great counter or table tops and you never know, you may find something innovative to create a unique design feature that money can’t buy.

Replacing glass splash backs with the same material as your countertops will not only give a seamless and eye-catching finish but will also save on both material and installation costs. Opting for fewer, larger cabinets will be more cost effective and more practical within the kitchen.

Consider tackling more than one room at once. Planning ahead and combining future deliveries and installation works, from a single supplier, could furnish you significant financial gains.

Kitchens are costly, so getting it right is important. Investing in a good Designer means you will benefit from their experience, expertise and supplier database, often guaranteeing you the most innovative designs and the best prices.

If you would like help designing your kitchen or other space within your home, please call us on 01223 622 688 or 01638 592 800 or complete our enquiry form.