Kitchen Design: Luxe for Less
Floors, counters, cabinetry and appliances - there's a seemingly endless number of components that go into creating the kitchen of your dreams. As a result, it's no secret that kitchen renovations tend to be high on the list of most expensive home improvement projects. As with any project, there are always ways to save without sacrificing the quality of your space.
By Barbara Nyke · Barbara Nyke Interiors & Design
Cabinets
Most homeowners find that after appliances, cabinets are the most expensive feature of their kitchen reno - high-quality custom cabinets will typically cost around 10 to 20 thousand dollars. That being said, if you've decided to preserve the layout of your pre-existing kitchen and more storage isn't a priority, you could save hundreds on cabinetry.
One option is to paint your existing cabinets. This is a cost-effective way to refresh the look of your kitchen without the expense of replacing the cabinets entirely.
Flooring
Consult a professional to determine the best quality and style for your kitchen - luckily, there is no shortage of colours and styles to choose from.
Alternatively, you could go with less conventional Luxury Vinyl Flooring. Like laminate, this material uses high-quality images to imitate more expensive natural materials. Typically costing between $3 to $5 per square foot, LVF is a fantastic option for homeowners looking to redo large areas on a budget. Contact a flooring expert to determine which option is best for your new kitchen.
Countertops
Though purchasing a natural stone countertop is tempting, today, there are endless options of man-made alternatives that won't break the bank. One particularly popular option is Quartz. It's not only less expensive than natural stone, but it's also non-porous, durable, and easy to clean. With hundreds of styles on the market, a professional will be able to find a match for your favourite natural stones.
Beyond quartz, there are dozens of other cost-effective countertop options. High-end laminate can mimic a huge variety of marble, granite and of course, wood patterns. On the other end of the colour spectrum, natural soapstone is a fantastic option for homeowners looking to take their countertops to the dark side.
Appliances
Unless you plan on keeping your old appliances, appliances will typically account for 20% of the total cost of a kitchen renovation. That being said, there are a number of little-known ways to save on this part of your project.
First and foremost, make sure you look into utility rebates. If you're purchasing an Energy Star appliance, use their website's rebate finder to determine if you qualify. You can also save money by buying more than one appliance from the same retailer. If you buy three or more appliances together, you could reduce the total cost of your appliances by up to 20%.
Finally, consider hiring your own pro to install your new appliances. Retailers charge high rates to send out their own servicemen for installation. Shop around for quotes to ensure you're getting a fair installation price.
These tips will help you keep your project on track and on budget. By mixing and matching top-of-the-line and cost-effective materials, your kitchen will look great and your wallet will feel good, too.
Reposted with permission from HomeStars, written by Karen Rhamey, January 30, 2019.
