If you’ve spent a little bit too much time during the pandemic binging HGTV and reruns of Fixer Upper, you’ve probably thought to yourself, “I’d LOVE to remodel my kitchen!”. And you’re definitely not alone in these dreams.

Kitchen remodels are the most common renovation project in America. But if you’re also concerned about how you’ll ever afford to do such an incredible remodel, you’re also not alone.

Thankfully, remodeling your kitchen doesn’t have to break the bank! There are plenty of places you’ll want to splurge to make the most of this important space in your home, but there are also plenty of other places you can save your cash to keep your budget in check.

As an interior designer, here are my recommendations on when to spend and when to reign it in for your kitchen renovation:

Cabinets: Splurge!

Your cabinets will get tons of use (and probably some abuse if you have kids or pets around the house). However, they can last you over 15 years, so this is not a place you want to cut corners.

Appliances: Save.

You may not know this, but here’s a bit of designer insight for you: Many appliances “guts” are all made by only a few manufacturers and then dressed up and labeled by different companies.

So while you don’t want to go the cheapest route possible for appliances you use daily, there also may not be as much difference in dishwashers and ovens as their sticker price conveys.

Do your research and check customer reviews, but the bottom line is you don’t have to blow your whole budget on appliances.

Specialty Items: It Depends.

If there are specialty items that will make your life way easier when it comes to your kitchen, it is probably worth the splurge.

Examples of these splurge-worthy items could include:

  • A mixer lift
  • Touchless faucets
  • Pullouts (if you have to do cabinets instead of drawers)
  • Spice drawers
  • Blind corner pullouts

All of these elements add a great amount of functionality to your space and can really enhance your kitchen remodel.

However, if specialty items are more about vanity than simplicity, and you need to trim the budget, some items could be put on the chopping block.

Examples of these items to save on could include:

  • A spice pullout next to the range (It’s too low and you won’t be able to see many of your spices. Plus, you will always be bending over to get them).

  • Appliance panels. (These are expensive and you limit your appliance choices when you use them).

If you’re ready to remodel your kitchen or to get moving on another home renovation project, book a free 30 minute 1:1 call with me now.

Also, be sure to snag our Interactive Kitchen Remodel Budget Planner Trello Board here.