Budget Kitchen Renovation with Personality
The main reason most people renovate is to make the area better suit their individual needs and personal tastes.
Whether it’s updating the floorplan or upgrading the finishes, the end goal is always a tailored space. However, creating something truly special can take a lot of time and cost a lot of money.
Good news is… it doesn’t have to! No matter how tight your budget, there are a few simple things you can do to set your renovation apart. Here are our top tips for building a bespoke space, without breaking the budget.
Get creative with your colour scheme
Colour is one of the quickest and easiest ways to inject vibrancy and personality into a room. It can also be one of the best ways to refresh a space and bring ageing fittings back to life. Whether it’s a fresh coat of paint, feature tile, or statement wallpaper, colour is one of a DIYer’s biggest weapons.
Paint is particularly great for those renovating on a budget. Not only is it cost-effective, but it can also be applied to almost any surface (though some will require special paint). And, given the extremely wide range of colours available, the only limit is your imagination.
If your budget is tight, you may wish to choose a specific area to make a feature of – like your splashback. This allows you to focus your spending on one space and potentially choose a higher-end finish or application. For example, geometric tiles in a vibrant colour, a specialised laying pattern (e.g., herringbone or chevron), or even coloured grout.
When used correctly, colour can also make a room look larger. This is great if you’re renovating a smaller kitchen, where lighter tones will make the space look bigger and brighter. Additionally, painting your trim (cornices, skirting, etc.) a lighter shade than your walls will help soften the edges even further.
Mixing your materials and textures
As any professional designer will tell you, contrast is critical to creating visual interest. It could be the contrast of materials, the contrast of colours, or even contrast of finish. Whatever it is, using multiple materials or textures will give a space depth and character.
Good news is, creating contrast has never been easier. There is now a wide range of cost-effective alternatives – e.g., high-quality laminate – to popular materials (like timber and stone). Using a combination of these materials will give you a high-end, designer feel, for a fraction of the cost.
Dressing the space
When money is tight, open shelving can be a cost-effective and highly flexible storage solution. It can even help make the space look bigger and is a great way to show off your tools and trinkets. It also allows you to update the look of the room quickly and easily by changing what you have on display.
Further to this, by keeping your design neutral, you can inject personality through your choice of appliances and other adornments. This helps futureproof the space, enabling it to easily adapt to any changes in style and personal taste.
Also, consider your soft furnishings – like your window dressings (curtains, blinds, etc.), seating, and even your towels. These are usually fairly cheap to change but can make a big difference in how a room looks and feels. Similarly, statement light fixtures can be low cost (though you will also need to pay for installation) but high impact.
Looking for a little reno inspo?
At Smart Kitchen , we’re experts in helping create designer finishes on the tightest of budgets. We supply a wide range of budget-friendly materials and fittings and can help you plan every element of your reno. Contact us today to discuss your design ideas and how we can help.