3 Ways To Create A Cohesive Kitchen On A Shoestring Remodeling Budget

Remodeling can be a splurge, but it can also be a practical necessity. If your home has an old, outdated kitchen, remodeling likely doesn't feel like an unnecessary expense. Your kitchen is a functional work area, and many people spend a lot of time in their kitchen daily. Remodeling an old kitchen can be a great way to improve your cooking workflow and make a meaningful improvement to your daily life. 

However, a new kitchen is also a great way to add value to your home and make your living space more updated and modern. While you may feel like achieving a functional and beautiful kitchen on a tight budget is out of reach, you can achieve a cohesive remodel with even a modest investment. These three tips will help you get the kitchen of your dreams, even if you need to pinch some pennies.

1. Focus on Colors and Tones

Creating a cohesive and intentionally-designed kitchen starts by choosing a good color palette. Plan to spend more time than you might expect thinking about the colors and feel you want for your kitchen. Do you want stark, modern colors with plenty of contrast or warmer, more traditional tones?

You can find materials for nearly any budget to fit any color palette, and taking the time to create an intentional look for your kitchen will make a big impact. Come up with a clear idea of your vision, and then start working with your remodeling contractor to select flooring, countertops, and cabinetry that fit your style while remaining comfortably within your budget.

2. Choose Reliable Appliances

Most kitchen remodeling projects involve replacing existing appliances with more modern options, and these can often occupy a large amount of your budget. You'll need to use your appliances every day, so going with the cheapest option usually isn't a good plan. However, you can save money for other parts of your remodel by controlling your appliance costs and shopping for appliances with long-term reliability and functionality.

3. Maximize Functionality First

Many people get carried about thinking about how their new kitchen will look, only to realize that they've created functional issues, such as a lack of counter space, an island that's too large, or poor workflow. These problems can ruin the long-term appeal of your remodel by forcing you to clutter up your kitchen later as you try to compensate for these issues.

Focusing on functionality first is especially important when working with a tight budget. Once you've designed a kitchen that works for you, you can make your aesthetic choices around your existing design. This approach will ensure that your design decisions shine since you won't need to cover them up with bandaids for functional problems later.

Contact a local kitchen remodeling contractor to learn more.