12 tips to get the kitchen look you want for less

It’s no surprise that the kitchen can be one of the most expensive and time-consuming areas to renovate, so renovating smartly is pivotal for getting bang for your buck! The Good Guys appliance experts share their top 12 tips on how to do this, so you can get the look you want for less.

1. Decide on a budget and stick to it. The amount you have to spend will determine everything from the materials you use to the appliances you choose.
2. Once you’ve decided on your budget, don’t be afraid to divulge it to your kitchen designer. Professional designers can only give you the best advice if they have all the information.
3. It may seem like an extra expense but work with a professional kitchen designer. They know how to get it right from the start and this will definitely save you money in the long run.
4. Keep it simple. The more elaborate you make your kitchen, the more expensive it becomes.
5. Have a plan and do your research. If you are sure of what you want from the start, it will not only save you time, but it will also save you money.
6. Select quality finishes that look great but won’t date quickly and spend as much as you can afford on durable work surfaces. The cost of quality? Priceless.
7. Buy appliances through your kitchen company. This will allow you to take advantage of package deals and ensures delivery of kitchen and appliances together.
8. Choose a neutral colour throughout your kitchen cabinets and bench tops and use paint and accessories to add colour instead. These can be changed easily and are cost-effective as fashions change.
9. A galley kitchen is the least expensive layout, requiring only one straight run of cabinetry. If planned properly, you can still amass a great deal of accessible storage and bench space.
10. When it comes to selecting the door finish, the value for money option is a melamine door, and for a fraction more, ask about the satin smooth melamine finish of the Essendon door that will give you the impression of a higher-end kitchen.
11. One place you can really save in the kitchen is your benchtop selection. New technologies have given life to laminates and you can achieve imitation stone or timber looks or select from a wide range of colours.
12. When it comes to appliances, consider freestanding ones. Today, these appliances are statement pieces, so will not only save you money but will have you right on trend.