Ideas to Keep Your Kitchen Remodel on Budget

source: Elle Decor

Save money while adding style and function to your kitchen with these expert tips from the folks at DIY Network!

Save on cabinets

Cabinets can be the most expensive element in a kitchen design. Consider the following:

• refinish or replace cabinet doors instead of replacing the entire cabinet set;
• high-end finishes are expensive, consider buying less-expensive cabinets and paint them yourself;
• resist the urge to cover all your wall space, only buy the cabinets you need and use the extra wall space for a sitting area, play area, or office space;
• consider flush-overlay cabinet doors, which are typically less expensive than inset doors; and
• scratch the cabinet doors altogether and consider open shelves, which are decorative and provide easy access to cabinet contents.

Do it yourself

Money can be saved by doing some of the work, such as demolition or painting, yourself.

Avoid construction changes

Nothing drives up the cost of a new kitchen like making last-minute changes in design plans - don't do it.

Shop at home...literally

Bring in accessories and furniture you're storing in other rooms or the attic. Eliminate items you really don't need, such as window treatments (your kitchen will be enhanced by the extra light).

Create a single focal point

Make your design statement once, with a beautiful focal point, such as a professional-style cooktop, then balance your design and your budget with more modest selections.

Consider a few special tiles in a field of standard tile to make your own personal statement on a backsplash, or use unadorned field tiles in your favorite color. A painted wall also works well and is the least-costly option.

Use salvaged or found materials

Make old items new again with some elbow grease, paint, and creativity.

See our article Buy Used and Surplus Building Supplies to Cut Remodeling Costs for resources in your neighborhood.

Avoid current trends

If you're flexible enough not to go with the current trends, you can pick up a fine stone countertop at a more affordable price.

One contractor suggests asking merchants what they "want to get rid of."

Choose a style that suits your pocketbook

A minimalist approach can save you money if you really keep it minimal, while a shabby chic approach gives you the opportunity to make the most of salvaged finds and flea-market treasures.

Make choices that do double duty

Plants can serve as a window screen and can bring their own beauty and vitality to your kitchen. A decorative chest can hide the kids' toys and serve as a window seat.

Paint yourself a new kitchen

The most economical way to remodel your kitchen is to paint it. Whether you go wild with color or simply choose a coat of fresh white paint to revive old cabinet doors, you're literally applying a brand-new feeling to your kitchen.

Painting one wall, an alcove or the interiors of your cabinets with a strong shot of color can provide just the boost your kitchen needs.

Pantries, mudrooms and other small spaces adjoining your kitchen are also good candidates for new colors, as well as appliances!

Spending less on your kitchen doesn't mean lessening creativity or enthusiasm. In fact, the opposite is true: Choosing to solve a design issue with an affordable solution stimulates extraordinary thinking and typically leads you to a brand-new vision!

Whether you're designing on a shoestring or with an unlimited budget, your kitchen redesign will be successful if it's a true expression of your values, tastes and lifestyle.