SPEND: KITCHEN CABINETS
'When it comes to kitchen cabinets, it's often wise to spend a bit more to ensure durability for such a high-traffic area,' says Kerrie Kelly, founder of Kerrie Kelly Design Studio. 'High-quality cabinets not only enhance the overall aesthetics of your kitchen, but also offer longevity and functionality, which is crucial.'
SPEND: APPLIANCES
'Once your budget is set, spend on the items that will give your kitchen longevity or bring you joy,' says The Stylesmiths' Richard Misso. 'For example, If you consider yourself a master cook, then appliances and a durable kitchen island will be key areas to spend on.'
SAVE: BACKSPLASH
'Kitchen backsplash tiles offer an excellent opportunity to save while still achieving a striking look,' says Kerrie. 'By selecting stylish yet affordable tile options, you can allocate your budget to other kitchen essentials, like plumbing and appliances, which are worth the investment for their durability and advanced features. This way, you can have the best of both worlds – a visually appealing space without overspending.'
SPEND: SINK
For kitchen sinks, while you may feel it's better to save, but designer Kerrie thinks otherwise.
SAVE: LIGHTING
'Kitchen pendant lighting can add a lovely layer of drama to any kitchen, but remember decorative pendants are not as effective as task lighting in a work area like a kitchen,' says Richard. 'A rule that we tend to apply in an open plan kitchen/ dining concept is: Only add a feature pendant light in an open plan kitchen if there is no pendant above the dining table. Pick one or the other. Our preference is to add a pendant over the dining table as this generally allows for an intimate dinner party to be cozy and dimly lit.'