Design A Dream Kitchen Without Breaking Your Budget

12/4/2009

(ARA) - Looking to build your ideal kitchen, but not sure if you can afford it? It may seem like a difficult task, but it is possible to design a space that will fulfill your needs, while leaving room (and funds) for your dreams. Here's how you can combine sacrificing and spending to find the perfect new product mix.

Spend Here

Find your passion. When deciding on which areas of your kitchen to spend your dollars, first think about your personal passions. Iron Chefs may sink money into professional-grade appliances, bakers may prefer granite countertops to roll out delicate dough, while entertainers may focus on wine coolers or island seating. Making your kitchen work for you is always worth the investment.

Focus on the future. While style is an important consideration, function is essential in the kitchen. For workhorse items, like faucets or appliances, invest in a quality brand. Some manufacturers offer lifetime guarantees on their products, ensuring you won't need to replace your faucet a few years down the line. And, with stylish, "green" products, your kitchen faucet will look great and save up to 32 percent on water, while standing the test of time.

Set the stage with storage. Did you know that nearly half the world's kitchens have a junk drawer? With the insurmountable number of household items and cooking utensils accumulating in the kitchen, adding quality cabinets to store it all away is always a safe bet. To maximize your investment, choose a finish that will meet your style needs today and in the future. According to the "Real Deal" Survey, conducted by Decora Cabinets and Kitchen and Bath Design News, white/cream or natural oak, maple and cherry are the most widely accepted cabinet finishes. Additionally, the survey revealed that pull-out garbage bins, pot and pan drawers and tray organizers are the most popular ways to keep your cabinets organized.

Save There

Get the look for less. When it comes to flooring and countertops, laminates offer the look of high-end options, but without the expense and required maintenance. For countertops, a variety of options emulate the look of natural granite or quartz. Similarly, today's laminate flooring is available in patterns and textures to achieve the look of wood, ceramic tile or stone -- but all at a fraction of the price.

Do it yourself. When it comes to remodeling, labor can often be a majority of the cost. If you are handy -- or have some handy friends or family -- doing it yourself can save quite a bit of cash. Not so comfortable with a tool belt? Don't fret. Hire a professional to do the major renovation, but ask for a discount if you assist with demolition, clean-up or the finish work and painting.

Reuse or recycle. Designing your ideal kitchen doesn't always mean starting from scratch. Assess your current kitchen and determine what works. If your cabinets meet your storage needs, but not your aesthetic wants, try refinishing or painting them. Additionally, use online sites, such as craigslist.com, or organizations, such as Habitat for Humanity ReStore, to sell or donate kitchen items you don't want (like appliances, furniture, lighting and cabinets) or to purchase new ones. It'll save your wallet and help the environment by keeping them out of landfills.

With just a bit of planning upfront on where to save and where to spend, you can easily achieve the kitchen of your dreams. Courtesy of ARAcontent