According to the HIA Kitchens and Bathroom Report 2024/2025, ‘the average Australian updates their kitchen every 16-20 years’. With rising cost of living and new homes in short supply, more homeowners are choosing to renovate their existing kitchen. It’s good to know that a stunning, functional kitchen can be achieved on a tight budget using planning and the right products.
Furthermore, Tim Reardon, (HIA Chief Economist), states “home renovation activity nears record high, boosted by rising home prices and low unemployment”. So if you’re considering a kitchen renovation like many others, here are four budget kitchen design tips.
1. Planning is key
Every kitchen idea starts with a plan on how a new kitchen can solve your current issues for daily living. It is in the planning phase you should set a realistic price and break it down into cabinetry, benchtops, trades etc. If you need help with your budget read ‘How much does a Kitchen Renovation cost in Melbourne?’ where we break down the costs with a real life kitchen and laundry renovation.
Visit kitchen showrooms to see layouts, quality, cabinetry, benchtops and prices. Always get quotes to compare quality and pricing across companies.
2. Select Cabinetry wisely
Cabinetry makes up the largest part of your kitchen spend, so choose wisely. Whilst you will find a wide range of stunning cabinetry and benchtops to suit all budgets, choose high quality but affordable cabinetry that will suit your budget.
The Kitchen Shack Shaker Range for example offers contemporary style laminate that provides a quality feel and comes in a range of popular colours. Whilst it comes at a budget price it may be easily paired with any benchtop finish.
Another budget option is the Metro range – clean, minimalist vinyl wrap style kitchen which is excellent value for money. This style is often used by customers in rentals but suits any type of home.
Stick to white. Whilst a range of colours may appeal, the most affordable colour and a timeless choice is white.
Choose standard sized cabinetry compared to custom cabinetry to save additional costs.
3. Benchtops to suit your budget
Benchtops ranges are varied and can add to your budget, but they don’t have to with smart choices.
- Laminate options: Laminates like Duropal are high quality, durable and suits any budget kitchen design. Offered in a range of finishes including wood-grained looks, smooth marble looks, and modern textured patterns – they are fantastic for the modern kitchen.
- Stone alternatives: Whilst stone benchtops can add to your overall kitchen price, there are many alternative silica-free stone benchtops targeted to the budget-sensitive customer. AC Stone or YDL Stone brands come in a variety of ranges including the budget range for more affordable options. If you love Caesarstone you can choose their Classico Range which is also budget-friendly.
- Simple: Keep your benchtop layout simple like l-shape that requires less joins and more cost effective to install.
4. Work with an experienced Designer
Find a Kitchen Designer that will offer a free design and quote or a small amount to pay so you get a realistic price for your kitchen design.
At Kitchen Shack, our designers are:
– experienced in working with limited budgets
– brilliant when it comes to designing aesthetically pleasing, functional spaces.
Just because you are on a budget doesn’t mean you have to compromise on a beautifully designed kitchen with quality cabinetry and finishes.
Take advantage of Kitchen Shack’s budget kitchen design tips by booking in with a professional designer today. Book your free in-store design and quote today!