7 Ways to Reduce Kitchen Cost

Don't know which materials to choose for your kitchen to make them affordable yet practical? Doubtful whether to install wall-mounted cabinets or a corner unit? We analyze the most important aspects with interior designer Ruslan Prosvirin.

Ruslan Prosvirin — interior design expert and studio leader at Prosvirin Design

Use shelves instead of cabinets

Assess the dimensions of your future kitchen and decide whether you need wall-mounted cabinets. There are now many alternatives: hooks, rods, and wall shelves. They will also cost you much less.

Just don't forget that open storage systems collect a lot of dust. If cleaning is not a problem for you — feel free to avoid wall-mounted cabinets.

Do not choose a corner unit

You don’t have to install a corner unit if one of the adjacent walls can accommodate everything you need. Of course, it’s nice to have a few extra storage spaces, but only if you’re ready to pay extra for them.

Choose mid-range hardware

Naturally, buying the cheapest option is unwise. A kitchen set won’t last long like that. But it’s not necessary to choose the most expensive and durable options, especially if you don’t plan to live in this apartment for your whole life.

When planning a budget renovation for the next 5–10 years, choose mid-range hardware.

Do not decorate cabinet fronts

Opt out of decorative patterns, glass inserts, profiled and artistic carving. Keep minimalist smooth cabinet doors — in the context of modern design, they look much more attractive due to simplicity and universal lines.

You can order cabinet fronts from particle board (DSP) covered with veneer. These will last you 5–7 years, and in aluminum profile — even longer. On the other hand, doors covered with colored film are cheap but impractical.

Choose budget materials for internal sections

You can save significantly on cabinet boxes by choosing inexpensive materials and not matching all of them to the color of the cabinet fronts. For example, particle board (DSP) or medium-density fiberboard (MDF) can be used for internal drawers. If natural wood was used as the main material for the kitchen, use MDF for internal cabinets.

The difference will only be visible when drawers are open, otherwise the kitchen will look neat and aesthetically pleasing.

Choose a countertop made of moisture-resistant DSP

Naturally, this is not natural or even artificial stone, but a good alternative for a budget kitchen. By the way, quality indicators of moisture-resistant DSP surfaces are not much worse than those of stone ones. The appearance can be chosen according to your taste, matching the color of your future kitchen.

Remember: the simpler, the better

It's important to find a balance between additional features in interior design and their cost. For example, hinged doors and slide-out drawers in moderate quantities won’t significantly increase the price. However, additional cargo, swing-out or radius fronts may ruin your budget.