In one of the most costly home renovations, it is important to know where you should splurge and where you can save.
There’s a limit. Regardless of budget, when it comes to renovating a kitchen, or any room for that matter, there is only a certain amount of money available. The leaded-glass cabinet doors may be worth the investment, but it’s only possible as part of an overall plan that incorporates other, more modest choices. In other words, splurge on a stone countertop and you might have to forego the gas fireplace in the eating area.
When it comes to the budget, staying on-target involves a delicate balancing act between what you can splurge on and where you need to save. Here are some splurges and saves to consider as you tackle your kitchen renovation.
BACKSPLASH
SPLURGE Since the backsplash is at eye level, it’s worth considering a splurge for this feature. Opt for highly patterned tiles in high contrast or choose a seamless backsplash in quartz. In a small kitchen, spending a bit more on tiles can pay dividends in style and drama.
SAVE Still a popular choice, 4” x 6” subway tiles come in a variety of colours at every conceivable price range. It’s possible to lay a modestly priced tile in a more dynamic pattern to create interest without breaking the bank. For example, lay the tiles in an offset brick pattern (where vertical grout lines are staggered from one row to the next) or, create a more elaborate herringbone pattern, or use a dark grout to create contrast. Remember to ask for a firm price before commencing, because labour costs may be higher when you lay tiles in a more elaborate pattern.
COUNTERTOP
SPLURGE If budget is no object, there are stunning countertop choices in natural stone and high-end quartz. Remember that natural stone is porous and as such, does require some care and maintenance.
SAVE Most homeowners want a durable, low maintenance countertop, which means you are typically limited to granite and quartz, two pricey options. To save on this expensive element, consider approaching various stone suppliers and see if they have mis-cuts or ends of lines for sale. Sometimes, you can save money by piecing together smaller sections of stone, rather than having large slabs. Or, you can save when an item becomes less popular. For instance, granite has fallen out of favour in recent years so there are deals to be had.
If budget is very limited, consider synthetic countertop options that look like their natural counterparts. For example, linoleum that looks like tumbled marble or a laminate countertop in place of granite.
You may want to visit a resource like Habitat Restore. They frequently get model-suite kitchens with countertops intact, and the savings can be substantial.
CABINETS
SPLURGE There’s a big difference between stock (fixed-size) cabinets and luxury custom-built cabinetry. For one thing, custom cabinets can go all the way to the ceiling, rather than stopping short at a standardized height. With custom, you can add niche storage options, heavy-duty self-close hardware, glass-front features and built-in lighting. To bring decorative dishes and glassware into the spotlight, add wallpaper to backs of shelves. Remember to light the full interior of cabinets rather than adding puck lights only at the top.
SAVE If you are working with existing slab-front cabinets, those with a totally flat appearance, consider applying a wood moulding to the face of each door to create a “panelled” look before painting. A clean coat of paint and new hardware give tired cabinets a fresh start without breaking the bank.
You can also stretch the budget by combining stock cabinetry in the lower sections with custom cabinetry in the upper sections, where the impact is more immediate. Or, use stock cabinetry everywhere, except as part of a focal feature such as a decorative hood over the range or glass-front cabinets over the sink and flanking a window.
Photography: Donna Griffith