Is the cost of remodeling getting in the way of you obtaining the kitchen of your dreams? Whether you’re looking to update your current kitchen, completely renovating, or even building from scratch, elegance is costly.
You can get the high-end look you crave from your dream kitchens without breaking the bank.
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Refurbish What You’ve Got
Your dream kitchen is just a remodel away!
Almost. Kitchen remodels are expensive; we’re talking about a national average of $25,000 expensive. But your remodel doesn’t have to have a hefty price tag attached to it. It doesn’t have to be costly to look elegant.
If you’re handy or partnered with someone who is, consider doing it yourself! DIY is inherently cheaper because you aren’t hiring help, but it also will encourage you to get creative and cut corners. Professional designers and labor can be a quarter of your budget!
One of our favorite remodel techniques to get to your dream kitchen is refurbishing cabinets and floors.
There are a lot of different looks that you can go for with your remodel, but we recommend something bright and open. You can’t go wrong with painting cabinets white; if you’re a fan of darker colors, there are beautiful wooden stains that can be applied instead.
If your cabinets are beyond repair or painting, check out some new affordable white shaker cabinets to not only create a bright and open look and feel, but to also end the days of your cabinets falling apart!
If you tend to be on the organized side, consider removing a few cabinet doors for a modern look.
As far as floors go, if you’ve got wooden floors, you’re in luck. These are the easiest to bring from drab to fabulous.
There are simple ways that you can update your kitchen like replacing or refurbishing hardware, sink, and appliances.
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Utilize Energy-Saving Appliances and Lights
Does saving money over time sound good to you? Of course, it does!
When you’re purchasing new appliances and light fixtures, ask for energy saving or eco-friendly options. It may or may not be a bit pricier at first, but you’ll get sleek and energy-efficient options that will last.
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Find Your Dream Kitchens Look-a-Likes
We all have our dream kitchen in mind. Those extravagant tiles that pave the way to glass cupboards and granite countertops. A turquoise backsplash that wraps around the counters, calling attention from the gorgeous stainless steel appliances.
Whatever your style, your dream kitchen may cost a million dollars, but your cost-effective one doesn’t have to. There are of course benefits of using expensive materials to build your kitchen, but a lot of it is just for show.
One of our favorite ways to save money while not sacrificing taste is by replacing expensive countertops and flooring with less expensive alternatives. Instead of marble, try quartz or Corian. You’ll get that solid countertop for less per square foot.
If you’re on a tight budget, repeat after me. Laminate is NOT lame! There are some stylish looks that you can go for that won’t break your bank.
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Create a Clear and Concise Budget
Creativity is a wonderful thing to have when trying to design your dream kitchen
From the start of your project, develop a game plan – and stick to it! Unless there are structural or necessary fixes, there’s no need to stray from the plan.
Take some time to study all of the options, learn about different types of appliances, countertops, and flooring, then learn more. The more prepared you are before you start building the kitchen of your dreams, the better.
We strongly recommend sticking to the budget, especially if you’re someone who tends to get new ideas as they go. Those extras will add on fast!
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Use Lots of Light
Lighting is one of the most important aspects of creating and displaying your dream kitchen.
Layered lighting is the concept of having different types of lighting in the same room. Think chandelier and recessed lighting, maybe even an accent lamp!
So we want to buy more lighting to make our dream kitchen cheaper, how does that make sense?
Center the room around the elaborate lighting fixture and a unique feature like a stone kitchen island or a tiled backsplash behind the sink. You won’t need as much “stuff.”
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Create Elaborate Focal Points
When you’re designing your dream kitchen you may want to create a focal point.
Have something in the kitchen that will draw attention to showcase your space.
Try some different types of architecture like a stone or brick island. Instead of a backsplash behind the entire counter, do one behind the oven or the sink. If you’re on a tight budget, there are even tile decals you can use to spice up the area.
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Slightly Damaged Goods
Your dream kitchen is going to get dents in it after just a little bit of use, so why not start with slightly loved furniture? Look for stores that have scratch and dent appliance options.
You can get a MAJOR discount for stuff with minor scuffs.
Want that dreamy double oven that you can never afford? This is the way to go.
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Open is the Only Option
The kitchens of our grandparents and parents may have been notoriously cluttered with countertop appliances, dishware, and bundt cakes, but the key to a modern kitchen is a clean and open layout.
So what we’re saying is in a sense- less is more. Don’t clutter cabinets or countertops and don’t have too much furniture.
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A Wall of Windows
You’d be surprised what natural light and the right window can do for your kitchen.
Stunning bay windows with a bench seat will add a whole new dimension to your kitchen.
For best results, have a view to match your beautiful new kitchen; a garden or hanging plants right outside will open you up to nature.
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Repurpose for a Purpose
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