Splurge vs. Save: Where to Invest in your Kitchen

When it comes to remodeling your kitchen, sometimes it can be hard to know what areas of your design to splurge on and where you can save money. All of us want a beautiful, functional kitchen, but we also want to make sure that it’s durable, stylish, and DOESN’T break the bank. On today’s blog we are going to share with you some design tips on where you should invest and where you can save money in your kitchen design to avoid remodeling regrets.  

Where to Splurge in your Remodel

1. Invest in Quality Cabinetry

Cabinetry is the backbone of your kitchen design in terms of look and function, which makes it an element you absolutely want to invest in. Not to mention it’s the largest design element of your space! 

It's also important to recognize that high-quality cabinetry can give you a greater return on your investment when you sell your house. According to kitchen remodel experts, a new set of cabinets can add about 10-15% to the value of your home. This is because cabinets are one of the first things potential buyers notice when they walk into a kitchen. 

Because kitchen cabinets are subject to heavy use, poor quality will lead to broken drawers, chipped paint, and warped wood, while high quality cabinetry will keep a kitchen looking brand new for many years.

Here are some areas to look into when investing in quality cabinetry:

• Wood quality: Depending on the quality of the wood cabinets you purchase their lifespan will vary. In general, high-quality cabinets can last up to 50 years. This sounds like an incredibly long period of time, but cabinets are in fact one of the longest lasting components of your entire kitchen. But what constitutes quality wood? Well, that depends on a few different things!
• If you are planning on staining your cabinetry, seek wood types that are smooth and non-porous such as Oak and Walnut as they take a stain very well and have a beautiful natural wood pattern. If you are looking to paint, it’s important to choose a very hard wood such as Maple, Alder, and Oak so that the paint applies well and won’t dent over time. Another durable option if you want to stray away from solid wood is MDF. MDF, or medium-density fiberboard, is a man-made building material that is constructed from wood fiber, veneer, resin, and wax. These ingredients are heated and pressed together to form large sheets. MDF is very durable (especially in climates that vary dramatically in temperature like Minnesota) and has a very smooth finish when painted. A great option when considering your cabinetry material!
• Finish: A high-quality paint or finish will ensure your cabinets stay looking fresh and new and result in less chipping, fading, or scratches. For the best protection for your cabinetry, inquire about a catalyzed finish. Catalyzed cabinet finish seals your cabinetry and provides not only better coverage but a chemical barrier against moisture for increased durability.
  
  But investing in a high-quality finish also means you should invest in a high-quality application. A professional cabinet manufacturer will ensure that your cabinet paint or stain is applied properly, with precision and expertise. When deciding between a factory finish versus and on-site finish, it’s always best to opt for the factory finish. A cabinet factory is a controlled environment where manufacturers will kiln-dry and check every piece of wood to achieve optimum moisture content, which ensures that you don't have excess moisture in the wood. This intensive lumber-drying process prevents adhesion problems with your finishes, and it minimizes expansion and contraction in the finished product. 

2. Invest in Countertops

While there are dozens of countertop materials available starting around $15 per square foot, spending a bit more on a quality product is often worth it for the added durability and beauty. Similar to cabinetry, countertops see an incredible amount of wear and tear, not only that but they are also home to spills and other messes. A high-quality countertop will be resistant to chips, stains, and scratches, keeping your kitchen looking brand new!

Quality countertops also help increase your home’s resale value. Granite and quartz countertops offer a great return on investment when it comes to increasing the value of your home. Granite is known for its durability and timeless beauty, while quartz offers a more modern look with excellent scratch resistance.

3. Invest in Appliances

When it comes down to it, your kitchen is a place to store and prepare food. This makes appliances a necessary area to invest in as they are the foundation of your kitchen. 

It’s better to spend money up front on quality appliances rather than deal with a refrigerator that breaks or a dishwasher that leaks. Repairs and replacements will end up costing more in the long run than investing in quality appliances up front. Luckily, splurging on appliances doesn’t mean you have to break the bank! There are many appliance brands on the market that have solid track records and perform well over time. Our suggestion is to research available appliance features and decide which features will truly elevate your kitchen’s functionality considering how you use it. There’s no sense in paying more for features that you will never use!

4. Invest in Plumbing

The plumbing in your kitchen design is another area that will directly impact the function of your space as it’s one of the main features that supplies water to your kitchen. When it comes to selecting things like a sink, there are a lot of options to choose from: undermount, drop-in, and farmhouse to name a few! When selecting the plumbing for your project it’s important to first access your needs. For instance, if you wash a lot of dishes by hand, you might want to invest in a double basin sink. While it’s tempting to go with a cheaper brand to achieve a certain look, it’s always best to spend a little more when it comes to plumbing so that you are never sacrificing quality. 

5. Invest in Flooring

Just as with cabinetry and countertops, flooring takes a beating over the years due to the heavy amount of foot traffic in a kitchen. Kitchen floors are also prone to spills and messes which means that they have to be cleaned and sanitized on a frequent basis. 

Investing in a high-quality floor material will keep your floors not only looking great but make them easy to clean as well as scratch and scuff resistant. Wood, laminate, luxury vinyl plank, and tile are all great options to consider when designing your space. Your designer will help you select the best material for your project ensuring that it not only fits your style but will be durable.

6. Invest in Style Elements

This is an area where you can save or splurge depending on your budget and what additions you want/need. Here are some splurges we love:

• Paneled appliances
• Larder cabinets
• Cabinetry to the ceiling
• Decorative end panels
• Integrated lighting

These are all design elements that are a stylish addition to your cabinetry design but are not necessary for a functional kitchen. Want to save some money? Leave them out!

Where to Save in your Remodel

1. Save on Cabinet Accessories

When it comes to cabinetry, there are selections and decisions you can make that will save you money without taking away from your kitchen’s functionality or overall design.

• Accessories in your cabinetry such as organizational inserts are an additional cost to your cabinetry design. Leave them out entirely, or only install accessories that you deem necessary to the function of your kitchen. You can also get creative by purchasing inexpensive dividers from your favorite kitchen or organization store to use in your drawers! 

• Drawers are more expensive than shelving, so if you want to save a bit of money on your design, elect for full depth shelves rather than drawers and pull-outs. You can also make affordable choices such as opting for melamine drawer boxes vs Maple drawer boxes, butt joint vs dovetail, and unsanded dovetail vs sanded.

• Decorative style elements are also another area where you can save money. The more decorative elements included in your cabinetry design, the higher the cost. By taking a simplified approach to your design, such as choosing slab doors versus doors with applied molding, you will be able to save money and invest in other areas of your design. 

• A great tip from one of our designers when it comes to saving money on cabinetry is to pass on glass or metal inserts. Transparent cabinet doors require a finished cabinet interior, which will result in more money spent!

2. Save on Hardware

3. Save on Lighting

Save money through your kitchen’s lighting without sacrificing style! There are hundreds if not thousands of light fixtures available in all different styles, sizes, and price points. This allows you to get an expensive look without paying an expensive price tag.

Lighting is something that can easily be changed at a later date if you decide you want a change or stumble upon your dream light fixture.

4. Save on Backsplash/Tile

By following these tips and recommendations you are sure to achieve a beautiful kitchen that stays within your budget. While these tips are helpful to get you started, your kitchen and bath designer will help you evaluate your specific project and make recommendations that will guide you through your selections and design choices. Ready to get started on your dream kitchen? Contact us!