Kitchen Gourmet

Kitchen Gourmet

Designing a Gourmet Kitchen - on a Budget

Everyone dreams of the designer kitchens that are featured on the pages of magazines, but with money tight, who can afford it? It is possible to design a gourmet kitchen on a budget, but you have to spend wisely and make some tough decisions. If you are planning on a complete remodel, the help of a professional can be a lifesaver should the unexpected happen, but the do-it-yourselfer with building experience can save a lot of money. If you are just planning on upgrading and sprucing up your current kitchen there are lots of options to help you keep your project under budget.

Keep It Simple and Functional

A gourmet kitchen does not need to be spectacular. It should reflect those that will be using it and it should most of all be functional. Consider the flow of traffic through your planned space. Choose a layout that will allow free movement between work stations and that does not interfere with traffic through the kitchen space.

At the heart of every kitchen lie the appliances. Your choice of appliances can make or break the bank. Any avid cook would love to purchase professional grade appliances, but they may not fit the budget. Instead, choose appliances that not only fit your space, but also fulfill your needs. Choose finishes that match your style and meet your needs. If you have children, consider a finish that is easy to clean little fingerprints off of.

Money Saving Options

There are many options when designing a gourmet kitchen. Options range from flooring to lighting and everywhere in between. Let's start at the bottom.

• Flooring - The first thought on flooring is that it should be durable and easy to keep clean. There are many choices and many options that can help keep your budget low while keeping your kitchen beautiful. Two inexpensive options are linoleum floor tiles and laminate wood flooring. Both are very reasonably priced, only costing a fraction of ceramic tiles and both still durable and easy on the eyes. Another perk of the linoleum and laminate is the ease of installation. If you follow the directions and prep properly, installation is relatively simple.

• Cabinets - Custom cabinets can be very expensive. Instead opt to use stock cabinets and combine shapes and sizes to create a custom look. If your cabinets are still in good shape, another cost saving option is to refinish the cabinets or paint and antique them.

• Countertops - Laminate countertops are only a fraction of the price of marble or the other stone tops that are available. When keeping a low budget, laminate is the way to go. There are many colors and patterns to choose from, allowing for a customizable design.

• Lighting - Part of a safe and effective kitchen is sufficient lighting. There are many options, but the most attractive is recessed lighting and under-cabinet lighting. When choosing your source of light, remember where your workspaces are and where you will need the most light to safely operate in your gourmet kitchen.

When designing a gourmet kitchen on a budget, the most important aspect to remember is to keep the functionality of the space in mind. Your kitchen is your space and should reflect your personality and style. Now go design your new gourmet kitchen!

About the Author

James Smithstone is a home design enthusiast and loves writing about
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Naan Bread Recipe by Manjula, Indian Vegetarian Gourmet