Dream Kitchen: Where to spend and where to save when renovating your kitchen 

Estimates vary, but it’s said a new kitchen can add somewhere between 5 and 15% to the value of your home. Plus, many of us spend a substantial amount of time in our kitchens, so it’s a space you’ll want to invest in – even if you’re not planning to sell your home.  

Now is a popular time to start thinking about a new kitchen too. In 2021, searches for ‘new kitchen’ spiked in the week following Boxing Day.

If you’re planning a new kitchen, the good news is the end of the year tends to be the best time to pick up a discounted kitchen. However, with concerns about the cost of living, anyone in need of a new kitchen is likely to be even more cost conscious than ever.

At a time when the pennies really do add up, kitchen expert at Toolstation, Cara Yates, has some expert advice on where to save and where to spend when purchasing a new kitchen. 

SAVE: Planning

“If you’re trying to save money, it goes without saying that, although it’s a lot more work to source and order different components of your kitchen yourself, it’s far cheaper.”

SPEND: Plumbing and electrical work 

“Although it can be tempting to watch a couple of YouTube videos and cut costs by attempting to do everything yourself, some work should be left to the professionals. In fact, plumbing is one of the most commonly botched DIY jobs. Ensuring wiring and plumbing is done properly will save you stress and expense further down the line.”

SAVE: Cabinets 

“Unless you want a particularly unusual kitchen cabinet colour or design, flatpack or readymade units are the perfect cost-effective solution. The quality these days is truly brilliant. At Toolstation, we stock wall and base units that come in an array of standard sizes which can be combined to get the best out of your space. Plus, there’s a choice of five neutral tones and four door designs. You can also inject some personality and elevate inexpensive cabinets by choosing your own handles.”

SPEND: Internal storage 

“Instead, spend the money you’ve saved on cabinets on clever internal kitchen storage solutions. Pull out shelving units, carousel half circles and pull out baskets can help maximise your cupboard space and give your kitchen that high-end, bespoke feel.”

SAVE: Lighting  

“Expensive designer kitchen lighting isn’t necessary, as long as you’re clever about weaving different modes of lighting into your kitchen space. As well as standard ceiling lights, under cabinet strip or spot lighting will help add depth and versatility to your space. If you’ve got an island, pendant lights overhead can look premium too. I’d also suggest choosing dimmer switches where possible. Not only will this save you money in the long run, but it will help create a multifunctional space that will work for all occasions.” 

SPEND: Worktops

“When choosing a kitchen worktop, a key design tip is to go for something similar in tone to your flooring. If natural stone is outside of your budget, a stone or stonecrete effect laminate is a great option. I also really like wood effect laminate as an alternative to natural wood which requires a lot of maintenance with annual oiling.”

SAVE: Splashback tiles

“When it comes to tiles, there’s not a huge difference in quality between high-end and budget options. Laying metro tiles in a creative pattern can achieve much the same effect as designer ceramics. Plus, these sorts of tiles are incredibly durable.”

SAVE: Sink 

“Sinks are one of those things that can get immensely expensive, but it’s somewhere you can save your pennies. When you walk into somebody’s kitchen, you rarely notice the sink.  Whether you go for ceramic, stainless steel or composite, high quality kitchen basins can be picked up relatively affordably.”