As any regular watcher of The Block will tell you, some of the things the ‘amateur renovators’ achieve are truly astonishing. The contestants on the show consistently create spaces that most homeowners can only dream of.
This year’s kitchen reveals have well and truly kept up that tradition, with massive floor plans and a wealth of expensive fittings. This has drawn some criticism on social media, with many noting that the vast majority of Barbados homeowners simply do not have that kind of space or money. But that doesn’t mean they wouldn’t love a similar result from their own renovation.
The good news is that, while there may be little you can do about the size of your kitchen space, it is possible to get a similar look for a lot less. However, we must note that, the $15k – $20k budget quoted for the kitchens is just want they spent on their trades. When you include the price of the cabinets, benchtops, appliances, tapware, and most materials (which are all paid for by sponsors), the total cost of each kitchen is much, much higher more around the $200K mark. But don’t despair you can get the look for a lot, lot less than that.
Simple ways to keep the cost down
Generally speaking, the best way to get a designer result without breaking the bank is to keep it simple and focus on functionality. Sticking to traditional layouts and choosing cost-effective materials can also have a big impact.
For those who want to emulate the looks from The Block, here are a few tips:
- Running cabinetry to the ceiling can be expensive – put in a bulkhead instead.
- Drawers cost more than doors – make sure you maximise their functionality (e.g. consider additional pot drawers to improve ease of use).
- Louvres add significant expense – choose simple overhead cabinets.
- Instead of going handleless, choose slimline handles – they look just as sleek and cost less.
- Both natural stone (e.g. Dolomite) and timber are expensive and difficult to maintain – a high quality laminate (like Carrara Marble or Lancelot Oak by Duropal) will be cheaper and more hardwearing.
- Reduce the size of benchtops and number of appliances – most people don’t need four ovens!
- A walk-in pantry takes up a lot of space and can be quite expensive – increase the size and storage in the main kitchen area instead.
- Curves require custom construction and installation and may date quickly – straight lines are cheaper and easier to manufacture and install.
The Block kitchens, Smart Kitchen style
House 1: Harry & Tash (1920s)
Their colour scheme and style:
Scandi colour scheme combining handle free white cabinetry, timber cabinetry, white stone, and soft grey splashback.
Get the Smart Kitchen look for less using:
White matte handle free-range
Excel Natural Chalet Oak or Excel Lancelot Oak (for richer look)
Caesarstone Airy Concrete
House 2: Sarah & George (1940s)
Their colour scheme and style:
White Hampton style kitchen with black and glass overhead cabinets and a dark wood laminate wall of cabinets. Black handles. Natural stone (Dolomite) benchtop that is curved with mitred edges.
Get the Smart Kitchen look for less using:
White Shaker and Excel Burnished Wood cabinetry
Black slimline handles
YDL Acqua Mare stone benchtops
House 3: Daniel & Jade (1930s)
Their colour scheme and style:
Kinsman Oyster Grey cabinets with champagne coloured handles. Custom curved Island bench in walnut. Hidden whisky cabinet. Black sink and tap.
Get the Smart Kitchen look for less using:
Platinum matte in oyster grey cabinetry
Excel Sublime Teak in island bench
YDL Winter White benchtops
House 4: Luke & Jasmin (1910s)
Their colour scheme and style:
Brass, oak, and honey colours. White handle free cabinetry. Cloudburst Concrete Caesarstone benchtop. Curved natural timber wall.
Get the Smart Kitchen look for less using:
White matte handle free-range
Excel Raw Birchply
Duropal Cento or YDL Sabia benchtops
House 5: Jimmy & Tam (1950s)
Their colour scheme and style:
Mint green, charcoal, brass colours. Caesarstone benchtops.
Get the Smart Kitchen look for less using:
Matte cabinetry in oyster grey and complementing Spinifex cabinetry
Slimline handles
Warm timber laminex (substitute for the mint green – we believe that this dates the kitchen)
If you are thinking about renovating your kitchen and want to save on your budget, contact the Smart Kitchen team today. We can help you achieve the same look for less with our DIY fully assembled kitchens. We can also make sure your kitchen functionality suits your lifestyle and most importantly your budget.