Kitchens are one of the easiest places in the home to compromise and stick to your budget. A good example is in the area of appliances. If you are nearing the end of your construction and find the need to save money, you can do so by shopping from individuals or discount stores. Go to www.habbitat.org and click on “Restores” or check local listings and ads. Most people don’t need professional grade appliances. So you might indulge only on the appliance you use the most.

You can save 20-30% by sticking with stain rather than glazed, painted or distressed finishes. When designing or choosing a floor plan you can save money on plumbing etc. by stacking the kitchen above the bath on a 2 story layout.

If your design is good you can save on the size of the kitchen by having just enough space, and not too much. A smaller work area with more details and upgrades is better than a large space with just the basics.

You can compliment your countertops by mixing materials. You may want granite in a permanent area and use something less expensive elsewhere. Silestone for example is less expensive than natural stone and requires less maintenance.

I’ve found that a small closet or pantry with inexpensive shelving built in is a cost saving option over expensive cabinets. You can save on the cost of a island if you don’t need the storage space by substituting a farmhouse table as the focal point. You will find it functional as well as attractive. You may find a reclaimed item at salvage shops, a wooden shop counter for a base or an antique that will save money and create a unique look.

If you’ve read my article on Kitchen Design you’ll know that planning ahead and sticking to the plan will save you time and money.

Laminent wood flooring will save on installation and material cost and is a good alternative to hardwood floors.

Remember that bold colors may be trendy now but not so when it is time to resell. You save money by forgoing designer colors. Open shelving in place of some upper cabinets will save money too. If you have some great looking pots and pans, antiques or decorative jars etc you can store these here.

You can save 20-30% by sticking with stain rather than glazed, painted or distressed finishes. When designing or choosing a floor plan you can save money on plumbing etc. by stacking the kitchen above the bath on a 2 story layout.

If your design is good you can save on the size of the kitchen by having just enough space, and not too much. A smaller work area with more details and upgrades is better than a large space with just the basics.

You can compliment your countertops by mixing materials. You may want granite in a permanent area and use something less expensive elsewhere. Silestone for example is less expensive than natural stone and requires less maintenance.

I’ve found that a small closet or pantry with inexpensive shelving built in is a cost saving option over expensive cabinets. You can save on the cost of a island if you don’t need the storage space by substituting a farmhouse table as the focal point. You will find it functional as well as attractive. You may find a reclaimed item at salvage shops, a wooden shop counter for a base or an antique that will save money and create a unique look.

If you’ve read my article on Kitchen Design you’ll know that planning ahead and sticking to the plan will save you time and money.

Laminent wood flooring will save on installation and material cost and is a good alternative to hardwood floors.

Remember that bold colors may be trendy now but not so when it is time to resell. You save money by forgoing designer colors. Open shelving in place of some upper cabinets will save money too. If you have some great looking pots and pans, antiques or decorative jars etc you can store these here.

Kitchens - Planning and Design

There are hundreds of details involved in designing a kitchen that is both functional and beautiful. Depending on your level of skill you may have to decide whether or not to hire a professional. The 3 design pros you may need to consult in creating your kitchen would be: architect, kitchen designer or interior designer.

A good kitchen designer will need to aquire knowledge about each individual client. Lifestyles, possessions, budget constraints and individual preferences all play a part in the design process. Who does the cooking, do they entertain a lot, what role does the kitchen play in their day-to-day lives are all questions to be considered.

The second design pro is the architect. He has the advantage of seeing the big picture by figuring out how the kitchen relates to other parts of the house. You save money by working out all the details before hand rather than making all the changes down the road. An architect’s advice may be a plus in the area of “Green” materials and using renewable energy technology.

Major remodeling jobs like moving walls, raising ceilings or adding a story may require an architect or engineer to supply drawings to satisfy local building codes.

If you are looking for something novel or specific, you may want to seek the services of an interior designer. They will have experience in working with unusual combinations of colors and materials. Unique tile patterns or artwork suggestions by a design specialist can save time and adress functional issues as well. They can help narrow down the home builder’s choices to save time by helping select countertop materials, cabinet door styles, hardware, finishes, paint colors, lighting and window treatments.

If you decide to work with a professional, find one with whom you feel comfortable and who shares your taste and vision.

Kitchens - Planning and Design

There are hundreds of details involved in designing a kitchen that is both functional and beautiful. Depending on your level of skill you may have to decide whether or not to hire a professional. The 3 design pros you may need to consult in creating your kitchen would be: architect, kitchen designer or interior designer.

A good kitchen designer will need to aquire knowledge about each individual client. Lifestyles, possessions, budget constraints and individual preferences all play a part in the design process. Who does the cooking, do they entertain a lot, what role does the kitchen play in their day-to-day lives are all questions to be considered.

The second design pro is the architect. He has the advantage of seeing the big picture by figuring out how the kitchen relates to other parts of the house. You save money by working out all the details before hand rather than making all the changes down the road. An architect’s advice may be a plus in the area of “Green” materials and using renewable energy technology.

Major remodeling jobs like moving walls, raising ceilings or adding a story may require an architect or engineer to supply drawings to satisfy local building codes.

If you are looking for something novel or specific, you may want to seek the services of an interior designer. They will have experience in working with unusual combinations of colors and materials. Unique tile patterns or artwork suggestions by a design specialist can save time and adress functional issues as well. They can help narrow down the home builder’s choices to save time by helping select countertop materials, cabinet door styles, hardware, finishes, paint colors, lighting and window treatments.

If you decide to work with a professional, find one with whom you feel comfortable and who shares your taste and vision.