Your kitchen will reflect on your lifestyle at the end of the day. Since there are no hard and fast rules on where you must splurge and what you must save on, it will eventually depend on what is most important to you.
If you are an entertainer, then you might see a warming drawer and wine coolers as necessary. If you are a gourmet cook, then you might splurge on a new professional induction cooking range. If you are a busy family, then you might want many a cabinet for storing stuff in and kitchen countertops to place things on.
Are you planning a kitchen remodeling session with an interior designer to enable you to cook inside the home that you plan on living in forever? Then, how about you consider remodeling only your kitchen? Besides, the kitchen is the space for family get-togethers every night. Consider placeholders, if you cannot afford certain things, though you want to remodel your kitchen fully. So, for instance, instead of having a granite countertop, get a cheap alternative for the same. Here is some general advice on where to splurge and where to save.
Where to splurge and where to save
Appliances
Look for appliances that are energy-efficient and that come with warranties, since you would be using the appliances more than anything else in the kitchen. Make sure that you are maintaining a balance between what you are spending on cabinets and appliances. If you are considering spending more on appliances, then you will be left with little money to spend on kitchen countertops, cabinets, and the other items for your kitchen. However, be careful what appliances you spend money on. For instance, you may need to replace a refrigerator in 10 to 15 years’ time. However, a cooktop will last longer. Spend on that. If you have kids, who leave dirty dishes behind, then consider investing in a quality dishwasher.
Cabinetry
Some costs that drive up the costs of cabinetry include tax, delivery, and installation. Roll-out trays, drawers, and the like also add to the extra costs of the cabinetry. Also invest in a waste-recycling center for your kitchen. Make sure you select cabinets that have soft-close drawers, which will work out to be extremely convenient for you when you re-sell the house. Use a veneer cabinet instead of a hardwood cabinet, if you want to save on your kitchen remodeling project. Today, you can get finishes with the good looks, but without the hefty price tags. However, those cabinets that come for a hefty price can last you longer than those that do not cost much.
Hardware
Pulls, knobs, and handles can make the kitchen look fresh. You could select anything from simple hardware that does not cost you much to bespoke hardware that could come at a heavy price. If you want to save money, consider going for the same hardware brand that you have already gone for before. And do not worry if your faucet is of one metal and your drawer pulls are of another metal. What matters is that the kitchen will look better with some variety.