Creating your dream kitchen can be equal parts exciting and overwhelming. Not only is there a lot to consider from cabinetry and storage to worktops and flooring, you’ll need to set a realistic budget and stick to it as closely as you can. We’ve rounded up some expert ideas to help you decide where to spend and save that precious cash so you can create a sensational hub you’ll enjoy for years to come.

The kitchen receives plenty of footfall so it makes sense to invest in quality flooring that will withstand plenty of wear and tear. Choose durable options such as natural stone (which will need to be sealed); water-, stain- and scratch-proof porcelain tiles; luxury vinyl tiles; or engineered wood which can be sanded down and refinished numerous times.

You don’t have to spend a fortune to add character to your walls with ceramic tiles. Whether you want a functional splashback or to add interest with a striking pattern, there is a vast choice available in different textures, shapes and sizes that won’t break the bank. For a contemporary take, try a different layout such as herringbone or diagonal offset brick bond arrangements.

One of the joys of planning a new kitchen from scratch is designing an organised, clutter-free space with customised storage. There are so many clever systems to maximise internal cabinet space such as pull-out tower larders and drawers, corner carousels, bin storage and drawer inserts. Most kitchen companies offer a design service so be sure to investigate how every drop of storage can be squeezed out of your scheme.

If you’ve packed your base cabinetry full of clever storage solutions, save cash by opting for some sleek open wall shelving. Not only are shelves a great way to curate an attractive display of glassware, artwork, plants and collectables, they’re also a useful trick to create the illusion of space, especially in a compact kitchen.

Invest in good quality surfaces and they’ll elevate your cabinetry and last longer, too. Engineered stone, known as quartz, is the industry go-to as it is non-porous, durable and can be installed with invisible joins. Acrylic solid surfaces are popular too as they also give a seamless look and can be moulded to include hygienic streamlined sinks and draining grooves. Both materials are available in a huge choice of colours and designs, including marble, stone and concrete finishes.

You can make significant savings by opting for a blend of worktops in your design. For example, if you're choosing a more costly material such as quartz for the peripheral cabinetry, why not team it with a contrasting affordable wood or laminate worktop on the island? This is a great way to spread your budget and will create an effortlessly modern mix-and-match aesthetic.

Ensure you don’t scrimp on the items you touch and use the most such as taps. Well-designed brassware will give cabinetry a lift and last for years. There are many kinds available, including electronic hands-free sensor designs for improved hygiene, water-saving models, filtered-cold and instant-hot-water taps to help speed up your routine.

You don’t have to spend a fortune on a sink for it to tick the function and style boxes. Choose from budget-friendly stainless steel or ceramic versions, both of which will complement a contemporary scheme. Or, if you're craving a butler-style sink for a country kitchen, check out local reclamation yards and auction websites for affordable used designs to suit your style.

Whether you’re a budding masterchef or an occasional cook, quality cookware is a must if you want it to stand the test of time. Most pans are used daily, so consider investing in a premium kit that will wash easily and won’t scratch and chip. Durable materials to look out for are aluminium, cast iron, copper and stainless steel. Just remember to check the design is compatible with your oven or hob.

Set your table in style – and on a budget – thanks to the wide choice of reasonably priced tableware and glassware offered by high street and online brands. From plates and pasta bowls to mugs and napkins, it doesn’t cost the earth to stock up on essentials, replace broken items, or switch up your dining scheme to something more opulent for a special occasion.

If you’re looking for the ultimate storage solution, a larder is worth splashing out on. Make the most of the space available in your kitchen and consider a full-height double-door design with drawers and adjustable shelves to accommodate everything from oils and spice jars to cans and bottles. Larger larders can even conceal small appliances, freeing up space and decluttering essential work zones.

Good-looking handles can elevate your cupboards and are a simple, affordable way to put a new spin on tired cabinetry. Consider a sleek option for a contemporary slab door or a timeless design for a traditional Shaker cabinet – just remember to choose the materials and shape that will tone with your choice of cabinetry and worktops. It's a good idea to test them out before buying, too, as you want them to be easy to use as well as stylish.

‘A kitchen is a big investment, so it’s not worth making compromises,’ says Melissa Klink, Head of Design at Harvey Jones. ‘A handmade kitchen is much more durable than a mass-produced product and will offer longevity over the years, so my biggest tip is to invest in good quality cabinetry.’ If your budget is tight, check out a used kitchen company for a choice of quality ex-display or second-hand designs for less.

Reduce your spend on cabinetry by incorporating one or two cherished pieces of freestanding furniture. Consider reusing an heirloom dresser, repurposing an island unit from your previous home or upcycling dining furniture with chalk paint and you’ll achieve an effortless, mix-and-match style that will stand the test of time.

Give your hub a welcoming focus with a sociable and multifunctional kitchen island. Whether you’re craving extra workspace, storage, or want to create an impromptu perch for friends and family there are plenty of options to suit all spaces. Think about what you'll be using your island for and then choose between split-level, wheeled, fixed or freestanding designs. 

If you’ve included a statement breakfast bar or kitchen island in your scheme you can afford to size down on your dining table. Consider a handy fold-away or drop-leaf design, especially if space is at a premium or you want the flexibility to extend your surface to accommodate larger numbers for special occasions.

‘It’s a simple fact that the better the appliance, the longer it lasts and the more stylish it looks – you can spoil a beautiful kitchen with a cheap and poorly made cooker,’ so says Helen Parker, Creative Director at deVOL. Take advantage of the latest technology from Wi-Fi-enabled smart models to self-cleaning pyrolytic designs, all of which can help streamline our busy schedules.

The perfect hob warms up quickly when you’re in a hurry, spreads heat evenly and is easy to clean. The latest gas and ceramic models are available in a variety of designs and at accessible price points, while induction appliances cost a fraction more but tend to be cheaper to run. Be sure to do your research and take advantage of the many great deals offered by well-known and trusted retailers.

Natural light doesn’t just help us see better, it’s great for our wellbeing, too, so it’s worth considering roof lights as they bring in twice as much light as bi-fold doors. Whether you are planning an extension or want to brighten up an existing kitchen, it’s worth asking for expert advice on how many windows you’ll need for the size of your space – and then you can choose your style.

Every kitchen needs a splash of pattern or colour and blinds are a quick, stylish and practical solution to pep up your windows. Many local and online companies now offer a range of readymade and bespoke designs in a choice of fabrics and price points to match every budget. It's as simple as measuring up your window and choosing between a roller, roman or vertical style among others.

The kitchen isn’t just the cooking hub, it’s the headquarters of family life where electrical devices and appliances compete for a power source. Make sure you plan plenty of conveniently located sockets to power up all the essentials from toasters to blenders, phones and tablets. Concealed plugs are a good choice if you prefer a minimalist look or need to free up a work surface in a more compact space.

Whether you’re opting for a Scandi or Shaker-style kitchen, keep your scheme on track by choosing small appliances that blend in with your décor. Choose from matching toasters and kettles in a myriad of styles and designs including monochrome, rose gold and retro pastel shades – the good news is they’re available at purse-friendly prices, too.

While it might seem a job you can tackle yourself, it really pays to employ an experienced tradesperson to fit your dream kitchen. Not only will your fitter have all the right expertise, tools and equipment to achieve a professional finish, they will also work quickly and be able to offer expert advice on how to make the best of the space available.

Choosing a quality kitchen paint doesn’t have to cost a fortune and will keep your newly renovated walls looking pristine for longer. Available in a wide choice of on-trend shades, specialist paints are formulated to repel the stains and grease that splash on to surfaces during food preparation and cooking. Plus, their colour doesn't fade after regular washing and wiping. 

If you’re designing a clean, minimal look in your kitchen, it’s worth installing underfloor heating. This is easy to include if you're planning on building an extension though both piped and electric versions can be retrofitted. As well as giving you that luxurious cosy feel underfoot, you’ll be able to ditch the radiators which will free up essential wall space for more units or even a dining table.

Hard-wearing and compatible with underfloor heating, vinyl is a cost-effective choice for kitchen floors and easy to install. Sheet vinyl comes in a vast array of thicknesses, colours and patterns, or if you prefer a more high-end look, consider luxury vinyl tiles and planks for a trendy look that will last. Available in lookalike stone or wood finishes, LVT has become an extremely popular way to achieve a quality look on a tight budget. 

Well-focussed task lighting is incredibly important in the kitchen as it provides key areas such as your sink, worktops and cooker with the right amount of illumination when you’re prepping or cooking. Think about including under-cabinet LEDs as well as ceiling downlights to ensure surfaces and appliances are brightly lit all year round.

If you’ve splashed out on targeted task lighting you can still create a big impact on a small budget with affordable statement light fittings. Why not opt for a group of beautiful purse-friendly pendants? Hung above a kitchen island or dining table they will draw the eye, add instant wow-factor to your scheme and can be swapped out for a different style when you fancy a change in the future.

When it comes to pulling off a super-streamlined look in your hub, it’s worth spending extra on integrating some appliances. Concealing your dishwasher, washing machine and even your coffee maker will give your space an uncluttered feel, which is important in an open-plan room. Remember, you can’t take built-in appliances with you but if you put your house on the market, they’ll be a selling point to potential buyers.

Adding a statement appliance or piece of freestanding furniture is a cost-effective way to add a focal point to your kitchen as well as breaking up a uniform scheme. It’s worth leaving the fridge freezer unintegrated as you can opt for a larger-capacity American-style model or add a pop of colour with an eye-catching retro design – whichever you opt for, it will be easy to mend, move or remove in the future.

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