Introduction
Kitchen renovations can be exciting but also daunting, especially when trying to design and renovate kitchens with different budgets. The kitchen is the heart of the home and an important space for families to gather. Many homeowners want to upgrade their kitchens but are uncertain where to start with the design, how much it will cost, and how to get the most value from their specific budget.
This comprehensive guide will provide tips and insights on designing and renovating three kitchens on three different budgets—a smaller budget, a mid-range budget, and a larger luxury budget. We will cover how to set your budget, design elements to focus on for each budget level, material and appliance options, how to save money, and more. With smart planning and design, you can create your dream kitchen no matter your budget. Let’s dive in!
Set Your Budget
The very first step is determining your budget. Kitchen renovations span a wide range of costs. The national average for a mid-range major kitchen remodel is around $66,000, but obviously budgets can go much lower or higher (source). As you’re planning, set clear priorities and goals for your new kitchen within your total budget.
Here are three sample starter budgets we will use for creating these three unique kitchen designs:
- Smaller budget: $15,000
- Mid-range budget: $30,000
- Larger luxury budget: $60,000+
Pinpointing your available budget before designing allows you to allocate and maximize the funds properly. You can always make tweaks later to scale back or add items as needed.
Focus Areas for a $15,000 Smaller Budget Kitchen
With a smaller $15,000 budget, you likely won’t be able to fully renovate the entire kitchen. Prioritize and spend the available budget wisely on areas that will have the biggest impact.
Use Simple Cabinetry
With a limited budget, opt for cost-effective cabinets without a lot of detailing. Simple slab cabinet doors painted or stained a nice finish can look great. Focus the cabinet budget on the most visible and used areas like the base cabinets and lower shelves. You can even consider repainting or refacing existing cabinets if they are in good condition.
Update Countertops
Countertops are high visibility and high use areas. Allocate budget here for new quartz or laminate countertops. Quartz is an affordable stone-look material that is very durable. Or you could opt for a new laminate material like Formica that comes in many colors and patterns.
Install a Tile Backsplash
A new backsplash is a great bang-for-your-buck kitchen update. Tile is relatively inexpensive but makes a major visual impact. Use a simple and classic subway tile or affordable ceramic or porcelain tile. Coordinate the backsplash color with the new countertops.
Update Sink and Faucet
Replacing an old stainless steel sink and dated faucet with new versions can help freshen up the kitchen. Stainless steel apron-front sinks are a popular and affordable option. For the faucet, select a high-quality style with fun finishes like black or bronze rather than basic chrome.
Repaint Cabinets
As mentioned above, you can save big by repainting existing cabinets. Sand and prep properly, then apply two coats of cabinet paint in a fresh white, gray, navy or other updated color. New hardware like black pulls will finish the look.
Install Peel-and-Stick Flooring
Existing floors like tile or laminate can likely be kept if in good shape. If you want to update the flooring, consider affordable peel-and-stick vinyl. It comes in wood, tile and other looks starting around $1-$3 per square foot installed. This allows you to update the flooring without removing the existing floors.
Add Under Cabinet Lighting
Under cabinet lighting beautifully illuminates countertops and tasks spaces. LED strip lighting is very affordable, easy to install diy, and makes a big visual difference in the kitchen.
By focusing the budget on these key areas—cabinets, countertops, backsplash, sink/faucet, lighting—you can entirely transform the look of a kitchen on a $15,000 budget. Keep existing appliances, flooring, walls and fixtures if they are in good condition. Put the dollars into visible upgrades like cabinets, counters, and backsplash.
Design Ideas for a $30,000 Mid-Range Kitchen
With a mid-range budget around $30,000, you can do more significant upgrades like replacing some appliances, installing new floors, and modifying layouts. Focus on a blend of high-impact changes and practical updates.
Replace Flooring
With this budget, you have enough room to replace the flooring to really freshen up the kitchen. On trend and affordable hard surface options include vinyl plank flooring starting around $2-$5 per square foot installed or porcelain tile flooring starting at $5 per square foot.
Install New Energy Efficient Appliances
Buying one or two new energy efficient appliances will make the kitchen much more functional. Put the budget towards a new range or cooktop and refrigerator. Look for ENERGY STAR rated models and features like convection baking. Shop sales for deals on appliance packages.
Open Shelving
On trend open shelving is great for displaying pretty dishware. It has a lighter, more modern feel than closed cabinets everywhere. Mix some open shelving in with your existing or new cabinets.
Upgrade Cabinets
Since cabinets are the foundation of the kitchen, invest some of the budget into new mid-priced cabinets. Shaker style doors with wood, white, or painted finishes are versatile options. Upgrade cabinets in the main zones like the sink area and island while keeping more affordable options in secondary spots.
Quartz Countertops
Quartz countertops are durable, low maintenance, and have beautiful patterns that resemble natural stone. Allocate budget for new quartz counters to tie the whole kitchen together.
Statement Backsplash
From marble, to geometric patterns, to colorful glass mosaics, a mid-range budget allows you to choose a backsplash that really makes a statement. It will be a focal point, so opt for something bold that fits your style.
Improve Lighting
Proper kitchen lighting is essential. Include recessed ceiling lights, attractive low hanging pendants, and under cabinet lighting. Lighting helps set the mood and illuminate tasks.
With $30,000, you can do quite a bit to update the floors, cabinets, counters, backsplash, appliances and lighting for a fresh new look and functional space. Focus on big impact changes and versatile, affordable finishes.
Designing a Luxury $60,000+ Kitchen
If budget is no concern, the possibilities are endless for creating a truly spectacular high-end kitchen. With $60,000+, you can customize every element for your dream kitchen oasis.
Install High-End Appliances
Luxury kitchens have top-of-the-line appliances with specialized features and finishes. Include appliances like a pro-style range, built-in refrigerator, steam oven, beverage center, and more. Brands like Thermador, Viking, Wolf, and Miele offer prestige appliances.
Exotic Countertops
For luxurious countertops in a high budget kitchen, think outside the box. Go for rare and exotic stones like Quartzite, Cambria, or granite. Concrete, soapstone, and butcher block are also unique options. Mix different counters like an expansive marble slab island.
Premium Custom Cabinetry
Spend the budget on fully customized cabinets with premium details. Opt for modern two-tone designs, glass front cabinets, or traditional framed cabinets with intricate moldings. Wood species like walnut and cherry provide warmth. Consider cabinetry extended to the ceiling for a built-in look.
Statement Lighting
Make a dramatic statement with pendant lights suspended at different heights over a kitchen island. Opt for oversized dramatic fixtures or multiple delicate pendants. Recessed and under cabinet lighting in addition to the statement pendants provide both ambiance and illumination.
High-End Backsplash Materials
Natural stone slabs like marble, travertine or limestone make a stunning backsplash. Metal backsplashes in copper or brass also scream luxury. Brick, glass tile, and mosaics are some other ways to customize the backsplash.
Smart Home Technology
Luxury kitchens integrate smart home tech seamlessly. Include options like touchscreen panels to control appliances, lighting and music. Cabinetry can have charging docks, built-in TVs and more tech features. Voice controls through systems like Alexa allow hands-free convenience.
If budget is no limit, the design possibilities for a luxury dream kitchen are truly endless. Use only the highest quality materials, the latest technology, exact customization and dramatic statement pieces.
How to Save Money on Your Kitchen Remodel
No matter your budget, there are ways to work smarter to maximize it. Follow these tips to stretch your kitchen remodeling dollars:
- Be open to mixing high-end and more affordable options – Not everything needs to be luxury. Put high budget finishes only in the most visible spots. Use more budget buys for secondary cabinets or appliances.
- Shop sales and clearance – Be patient and watch for promotions on appliances, lighting, flooring and building materials to save significantly.
- Do demo yourself – Knocking out old cabinets, countertops and flooring on your own saves on labor costs. Just be safe!
- Buy stock rather than fully custom cabinets – Opt for in-stock cabinets in standard sizes rather than fully custom for everything. Customize key areas like an island.
- Install DIY backsplash – Achieve a high-end look by installing an affordable backsplash like subway tile yourself.
- Paint vs. replace cabinets – As mentioned above, repainting cabinets can transform a kitchen for much less cost than new cabinetry.
- Hire professionals just for key parts of the remodel – You can likely paint, install flooring and do backsplash yourself. Hire pros for the intensive structural work like installing cabinets and wiring.
By mixing high-end finishes with budget components and doing certain parts DIY, you can design the kitchen of your dreams on nearly any budget.
FAQs: Designing and Renovating Kitchens on a Budget
Still have questions about how to design and renovate kitchens on different budgets? Here are answers to some frequently asked questions:
What is the average total cost of a kitchen remodel?
According to HomeAdvisor, the average cost for a major kitchen remodel is around $66,000. But obviously budgets can vary greatly based on the size, scope, and location of the project and materials used. High-end luxury kitchens can run well over $100k while smaller remodels and makeovers can be $15-$30k. Set your personal budget and goals upfront.
How much budget should I allocate to different parts of a kitchen remodel?
As a general rule of thumb, plan to spend 40-50% of your total budget on cabinetry as it is the foundation of the kitchen. About 15% should go to countertops, 10% to appliances, 10% for installation labor, 5% for lighting fixtures, 5% for sink/faucet, and the remaining 15% on other finishes like backsplash and flooring.
What design elements make the biggest visual impact?
The counters, backsplash, cabinetry style and colors, and island design have the biggest effect on the aesthetics. Also focus attention on lighting fixtures since they dramatically set the mood. Things like flooring and appliances are important but won’t necessarily make or break the design.
Should I renovate my kitchen all at once or in phases?
That depends on your budget and needs. If possible, doing the full renovation at once allows you to best unify the design. But if budget constrained, it often makes sense to break up the project into separate phases – like phase 1 new cabinets, counters, backsplash and phase 2 new appliances and flooring.
How do I choose the right materials that fit my budget?
Natural stones like granite and quartz are iconic but pricey. Solid surface materials and laminates like Corian offer stone looks for less cost. For cabinetry, custom wood will be premium while stock and refacing are budget friendly. Take time to research your material options at different price points.
What are the hottest kitchen design trends right now?
Some top trends include two-tone kitchens mixing dark and light finishes, open shelving instead of all closed cabinets, statement backsplashes or accent walls, smart home features, matte black fixtures and hardware, gold and brass accents, waterfall edges on islands and quartzite countertops. Design your new kitchen to feel fresh and current.
Conclusion
Whether you have a smaller budget or a unlimited luxury budget, creating your dream kitchen is possible with careful planning and design. Focus on maximizing high impact finishes, mixing splurges with budget buys smartly, and doing research to fit top looks into your available dollars. A kitchen renovation takes work, but the rewards of a beautiful and functional new space will be priceless for you and your family to enjoy for years to come.