Architects' Recommendations to Lower Costs in Kitchen Extensions without Compromising Quality
In most homes, the kitchen is the hub of activity - a space where you bond with family, cook meals, help kids with homework, and entertain guests. But designing a kitchen extension that meets your needs without bankrupting you can be tricky. With a slew of design options at your fingertips, choosing the right one that doesn't break the bank isn't always easy. Here are some tips and tricks to create a stunning kitchen extension without draining your wallet.
- Spice up your exterior
Introducing colorful or unusual exterior cladding materials can add a dose of style to your kitchen extension and make it stand out. According to architect James Dale, this approach can be surprisingly cost-effective too. "We created a contemporary look for a kitchen extension by wrapping it with high-gloss green tiles, offering a fantastic finish without burning a hole in your pocket," he says James Dale Architects. Gloss kitchen tiles are a budget-friendly way to inject a burst of color that contrasts with traditional brickwork, especially on Victorian or post-war properties James Dale Architects.
- Paint your way to a budget-friendly kitchen
"Don't shy away from deviating from the stock colors and materials available from high street suppliers," says Robert Sterry from Paul Archer Design, and he suggests painting your kitchen in a bold, bright color for a unique, bespoke feel. "A strong color scheme will have a significant impact without the need for fully bespoke cabinetry," he adds Paul Archer Design. For a playful, personalized space, IKEA kitchen cabinets can be resprayed in a vibrant shade of pink Paul Archer Design.
- Focus on picture windows rather than full glazing
Incorporating plenty of natural light is usually a priority when designing a kitchen extension. However, extensive glass can quickly take a huge chunk of your budget. "Opt for a large picture window instead of bifold doors to keep costs down and maximize daylight," suggests Robert from Paul Archer Design Paul Archer Design. Large simple glazed elements, like picture windows, can give a powerful visual connection to exterior spaces, providing a sense of spaciousness for smaller extensions.
- Choose standard glazing units
High-quality glazed units can be expensive, yet they're worth every penny. By selecting standard, off-the-shelf glazed units, it can significantly reduce the cost without compromising the finish Nimtim Architects.
- Opt for IKEA carcasses with bespoke cabinet fronts and worktops
If your budget is tight but your design aspirations are high, investing in visible finishes can make a big difference, as they will make your kitchen more expensive-looking Turner Architects. Many companies specialize in crafting bespoke cabinet fronts for standard IKEA kitchen carcasses. This approach was used effectively in this kitchen extension by Turner Architects - IKEA carcasses paired with cabinet fronts, handles, and worktops from an alternative supplier created a more personalized, design-led feel Turner Architects.
- Use pattern to your advantage
Sticking to a minimalist materials palette can help you save on costs, but you don't have to compromise on wow factor. As shown in this kitchen extension by Forgeworks, using pattern can create a striking finish and add pizzazz to the space Forgeworks.
- Embrace built-in joinery
Beautiful joinery designed to fit the dimensions of your kitchen is practical, as it helps you make the most of every nook and cranny. If you can't afford bespoke fixtures and fittings for your entire kitchen, consider opting for one or two items, such as a window seat, to create a bespoke feel Paul Archer Design.
- Keep it simple
Designing a straightforward kitchen extension is cheaper to execute. By introducing complex curves, angles, or cantilevered structures, you can expect the cost to increase Klas Hyllén Architecture. Focus on materiality and detailing like a level threshold on a sliding patio door Klas Hyllén Architecture to create a sleek, cost-effective space.
FAQs
How can I design a kitchen extension on a budget?
Collaborating with an architect or designer can help you achieve true design wow factor within your budget. They have the needed skills, experience, and vision to come up with creative solutions to maximize space effectively while keeping expenses in check. A disciplined approach to spending is crucial. It helps you avoid being carried away by beautiful samples and prevents the project from going over budget [Office Ten Architecture].
It's best to undertake a detailed review of estimated costs during the design phase to ensure that the design stays within your budget. Prioritize your spending on items like exterior finishes, roof tiles, and glazing, as they won't be easily changed later. Items in the short-term category can be upgraded to high-end solutions when your finances improve [Office Ten Architecture].
If your budget is limited, you can even install an IKEA kitchen initially, then upgrade to bespoke, high-end solutions in the future once your bank account grows [Office Ten Architecture].
- To add a touch of rustic charm to your home, consider wrapping your kitchen extension with high-gloss green tiles, creating a contemporary look that won't break the bank [James Dale Architects].
- For a budget-friendly kitchen redesign, deviate from stock colors and choose a bold, bright paint color for a unique and bespoke feel [Paul Archer Design].
- If you're looking to let in plenty of natural light without maxing out your budget, opt for a large picture window instead of bifold doors [Paul Archer Design].
- By selecting standard, off-the-shelf glazed units, you can significantly reduce costs without compromising the finish [Nimtim Architects].
- To achieve a more expensive-looking kitchen on a budget, consider using bespoke cabinet fronts and worktops on standard IKEA kitchen carcasses [Turner Architects].
- Adding pattern to your kitchen extension can create a striking finish and add pizzazz to the space, without the need for an extensive materials palette [Forgeworks].
- Embracing built-in joinery in your kitchen design can be a cost-effective way to create a bespoke feel, especially if you focus on one or two key items [Paul Archer Design].
- Keeping your kitchen design simple can help you save on costs, while still maintaining a sleek, modern look [Klas Hyllén Architecture]. In some cases, starting with an IKEA kitchen and upgrading to bespoke, high-end solutions later may be a feasible solution for homeowners with limited budgets [Office Ten Architecture].
