Save or splurge

Renovating the kitchen can be a black hole for spending. You’ve got to know where to cut costs and when to splash out

Akitchen can cost anything from around $15,000 for a facelift to $150,000 for an all-new bespoke version, but that doesn’t mean a kitchen at the lower end of the price bracket will look cheap. There are options for all budgets if you keep these save versus splurge ideas in mind.

Kitset or custom

SAVE

Cabinetry is the classic off-the-shelf option. You measure the space, choose your units, and install it in the space you have available. If your kitchen cabinetry is to run from wall-to-wall, it’s unlikely the cabinetry will fit perfectly. You’ll either need to pack the wall out or install a packer panel to avoid any little slivers of space at either end. In a kitchen where the cabinetry runs from wall to open space, it’s not such an issue.

If you’re going to go down this path, hire a builder to install it for you. You’ll still get the cost-saving of a kitset kitchen, but with a high-quality installation.

If your budget is somewhere between save and splurge, there’s also the option of pairing kitset base units with a custom stone benchtop to elevate the look.

SPLURGE

No templates in sight. Cabinetry is completely bespoke, from design right through to fabrication and installation.

There are almost no design limitations – the finish, the profile, the hardware and the add-ons like benchtop, open shelving, pot hangers – you name it, everything can be catered to your tastes exactly.

If you’re operating at this end of the market, you’ll want to hire a kitchen specialist or interior designer to ensure the drawings are completed properly and reflect the aesthetic you desire.

Cupboards or drawers

SAVE

Cupboards, particularly under bench, are the most budget-friendly option available because they require the least amount of work from a fabrication point of view. There aren’t any special soft-close runners or custom dividers in sight. They have a door and possibly a shelf or two.

If you’re looking for a way to save money on your kitchen, consider what you can live with in a cupboard instead of a drawer, whether it’s small appliances, serveware or pots and pans.

Flush cabinetry is more affordable than profiled as well. It all comes down to the effort required to fabricate each panel.

SPLURGE

Under-bench drawers are more of an investment, but they’re also more practical. They can be any depth you need, and they make accessing items stored at the back a whole lot easier than in a cupboard.

Drawers are a more efficient use of space and ease of access is better, but if they’re a push financially consider offsetting the investment with some open-shelving above the bench.

Cabinetry with fancy profiles or rebated finger pulls are going to be a little pricier too, so factor in how complicated you want your design to be.

Tip Go high end with your kitchen, if that’s what you desire, then lower the spec for your scullery or walkin pantry to balance out the investment.

Tapware

SAVE

A basic chrome mixer is about as costeffective as it gets. Some alternative colours like black are almost the same price these days, but if your palette includes pops of brass, gunmetal or copper you may need to compromise on something else to get your chosen tapware.

SPLURGE

Aside from colour and finish, other nice-to-have features include pull-out hoses, integrated standard and filter taps, or whole systems that provide chilled, ambient, boiling and sparkling water out of one faucet. Just don’t forget to make sure you have space for the associated kit under the bench if you’re installing a multi-unit.

Islands and benchtops

SAVE

If you love the idea of a kitchen island, but not the associated price tag, consider a narrow version. Try 80-100cm wide at best, and only slightly longer. If your kitchen is large, this will look out of proportion so isn’t recommended. You’ll also be paying for a full slab of stone if that’s what your chosen material is. There’s nothing wrong with choosing a different finish such as timber laminate for your island for cost efficiency.

SPLURGE

The most luxurious kitchen islands start at about 1.2m deep with a possible overhang on the other side for stools – which you wouldn’t be able to accommodate in anything less than 90cm.

Materials such as timber, marble, stone or terrazzo are definitely on the splurge spectrum. Bear in mind the maintenance requirements for such a choice, though – you’ll need to be careful of turmeric, red wine and lemon juice as they will damage these surfaces – except good old timber.

“Your rangehood, your dishwasher, your fridge-freezer, your cooling drawer, and so on, can be integrated.”