Where to Save and Where to Splurge on a Kitchen Remodel
Jenny Komenda
Custom Kitchen Renovation
This is by far my favorite part, partly because I’ve had a vision in my head that I can finally start to see come to life, as well as still having the ability to make any final tweaks. Seeing that I started planning this kitchen design months ago, some of this year’s inspiration is jaw-dropping and has got me switching a few things up. I cannot wait to share everything with you!
Kitchen Inspiration
Some of my favorite designers are complete showstoppers when it comes to the details, so when it comes to designing my own home - I know I’ve got a lot of inspiration to choose from.
Sometimes I wish I had ten different houses because I find it difficult to pick a lane when it comes to aesthetic. A dreamy California vibe with indoor and outdoor seating is a top favorite. I also love Mediterranean feels with inviting archways and wrought iron banister railings. Post modern flares in furniture have caught my eye most recently and might be the death of my dwindling budget. No matter the home or the designer, I know I will always try to pull in pieces of inspiration here and there, whether it be a light fixture, room layout, color pallet, etc.
Here are a few of my favorites that I looked to for inspiration when planning out my kitchen design:
Amber Interiors
Amber Interiors
Tali Roth Designs
La Casa Azul
Vivir Designs
Amber Interiors
What Items to Splurge on in a Kitchen Renovation
Now when it comes to a custom kitchen renovation, you want to be strategic to stay within your budget parameters while supporting your inspiration and quality. That’s why you should always know what items you plan to splurge on vs. which you are okay pulling back on before you head into a project to ensure you adhere to your budget. You and I both know, no matter the home project, an unexpected expense always comes up along the way that you weren’t planning to spend money on. This then impacts your budget and causes you to adapt where necessary. Keeping that in mind, here are the items that I’ve decided to splurge on and the items that I will be saving on by shopping around for their look alike or dupe.
Kitchen Splurge Items
Countertops
Appliances and Hood Vent
Cabinets and Hood Vent Surround
Kitchen Dupe Items
Cabinet Hardware
Light fixtures
Kitchen Sink and Faucet
Backsplash
No matter what item you’re shopping for, splurge or dupe, be sure to read reviews and understand the return policy. Items like a farmhouse kitchen sink are installed prior to countertops, and would cause one heck of a headache to remove if any problems arose.
Another tip I look to use is buying a sample or two up front. When looking through hardware and backsplash options I typically will order multiple units of the same item to check quality and color. Quite often online photos can portray a different hue or finish than what you had expected, so it’s wise to order samples in advance.
Kitchen and Dining Room mood boards
As I work through finalizing my product selection, I like to pull together a mood board (or 2 or 3) to make sure everything I am envisioning in my head also looks good on paper. It’s super important when working with an open concept home that you link up the adjoining rooms look and feel as well. This is to ensure they mold well together and create a seamless flow. You of course can create separate statement moments, but a cohesive look and feel is important.
Well…I’m sure there will be a few more tweaks here and there, but for now I think I have things narrowed pretty much down. It’s time to start shelling out some cash and ordering up supplies because this girl is going to have a kitchen to finish up come early July!
SHOP KITCHEN:
SHOP DINING ROOM:
Let me know what you think! I would love to hear from you!
Jen
Investor // Landlord and DIYer // Realtor // Business Consultant // Globe Trotter // Converting Vegan.
