If you’re starting from scratch or doing an entire design overhaul, this is everything you need to make the very most of your kitchen – all while keeping costs down

Whether you’re updating and revamping or starting from scratch, filling your kitchen with appliances and crockery essentials can be daunting – not to mention expensive! Although, like most projects in the home, the key to success is planning. With careful consideration, and prioritising the things you need the most, you’ll be well on your way to curating a kitchen that’s both beautiful, and (perhaps most importantly) functional. 

The Basics

If you’re just starting out, or redoing your entire kitchen, you’ll need the hardest working pieces first: fridge, kettle, stove, and a microwave, for instance. Think about your daily routine from start to finish: everything from your first cup of coffee to packing away your leftovers at night. You’ll want to invest in high-quality pieces that will see you through the years to come. 

Wondering how much to spend on the basics? Interior design experts say that when taking an entire kitchen renovation into consideration, your major appliances should account for about 20% of your budget. Another great tip is to prioritise what’s most important to you. If it’s a
brand-new fridge for instance, consider allocating the rest of the budget to second-hand items to offset the overall cost. It’s great for the pocket and the planet, too! Alternatively, shopping online is the next best bet for competitive deals and specials. 

Zooming In 
Once you have your appliances sorted, it’s time to zoom in to the finer details. This is when you start considering: 

Cutlery: If you’re starting from scratch, opt for a classic set that can be built up over time. In this way, you can stick with just a few essentials and add more at a later stage. 

Crockery: Just like cutlery, stick with a simple set. When you’re ready to invest in more pieces, you can add the extras, such as side plates, water jugs, napkin rings or serving plates to name just a few. 

Utensils: Cooking can quickly become a nightmare without items such as a can opener, cutting board, grater, knife, mixing spoons or measuring cups. Since utensils are usually out of sight, don’t be afraid to mix and match different styles and sets in an effort to keep costs down. 

Luxuries: For many people, appliances such as juicers, food mixers and coffee machines may still feel like essentials, but they aren’t strictly necessary if you’re on a tight budget. Place these luxury items lower down on the list of priorities. 

Decor: By now, you may have already burned through your budget, so place decorations as the lowest on your priority list. Once you’re able to add the finishing touches, this is when you’ll look out for wall clocks, herb planters, wine racks and all those items that bring a bit more life and character to the space. 

Planning Made Simple

You’ll find that most often – with just a few exceptions – the essential items will be the most expensive. So, to make sure you have everything you need from the get-go, it’s vitally important to be both realistic and strict with your budget. Work your way from the top down, resisting the urge to jump between the different categories. 

When it comes to buying just about anything, the rule of thumb is to only purchase things you have the cash for. Of course, big-ticket items such as a fridge and stove can be quite costly. So, if you do go the route of buying on credit, stick to high-priority items only, and make the effort of insuring them. Using credit to buy crockery and decorations, on the other hand, can become needlessly expensive in the long-term. 

Words by Daniel Bouwer
Photography: Pexels