Kitchen Renovations – Get the Luxury Look Without the Luxury Price

Walk into the kitchen of any builder’s model home and you’ll see all the bells and whistles they have to offer. From upgraded cabinetry and smart islands to stainless steel appliances and granite countertops, it all creates the ideal kitchen; an ideal kitchen with a not so ideal budget.

Homeowners can still achieve that sleek, up-to-date look if they know how, where and when to shop. If you’re contemplating a kitchen remodel or update, it’s always best to plan ahead. Not only will it help you stay on budget, but it will also keep you from regretting those impulse buys we’re all guilty of.

appliance appeal

The appliance industry is always evolving with newer, more innovative models designed to be faster, more energy efficient, and/or compact. You can save a few hundred dollars by buying last year’s models. Most stores want to offload old inventory to make room for newer stock. Opting for floor display models is another way to save big on appliances. Given display models may have minimal cosmetic damage; it’s usually on the sides that will usually be hidden by counters and cabinets. Lastly, you can consider clearance items. Please note that this may mean that the appliances were previously purchased, used and returned. You must confirm what the return policy is and what kind of guarantee it includes.

classy countertops

Nothing says luxury like granite countertops. While some may argue that granite is disappearing thanks to less expensive options on the market, it will always add value to your home. If you want the look of granite but can’t afford the high price, there are options to consider without making your kitchen look cheap. Granite tiles are a great alternative because they are smaller and easier to install. You can also consider “seconds,” which are pieces of granite with minimal flaws like natural veining or scratches.

Some other great countertop alternatives include stainless steel, soapstone, wood or butcher block, marble, concrete, engineered stone, and finally durable laminates. Before you decide, do some research on the pros and cons of various countertops to make sure they meet your family’s needs and lifestyle.

elegant cabinets

Cabinets create and frame the overall look and appeal of a luxury kitchen. You can have stainless steel appliances and a beautiful granite countertop, but if your cabinets are worn or outdated, your kitchen will look incomplete. Custom cabinets are great for bringing together all the major elements of a great kitchen, but they’re also expensive. Fortunately, there are some great options for homeowners that won’t break the bank. The cheapest option is repainting. If your current cabinets are made of oak or maple, you can easily re-stain them and purchase new contemporary hardware.

If solid wood is out of your budget, then you’re looking at laminates. They are relatively inexpensive compared to wood, and in today’s market they come in a variety of styles and colors that are easy to incorporate into your kitchen. You can also check out some of the big box stores, many of which have pre-made “cabinet-in-a-boxes” that are ready to install. You may not have the customization option, but you can see what they look like before installing.
Renovating or upgrading your kitchen to luxury status can be done on a budget with a little planning and a lot of patience. You just have to know where and when to shop and be willing to compromise when necessary.