Creating a stylish budget kitchen

When you've got a family in tow and expect your kitchen to withstand the wear and tear they can dish out, where you choose to spend the lion's share of your budget is an important decision. We look at a few budget kitchen options.

Budget Kitchen Appliances

If you've got a big family, then this is definitely an area where it pays not to scrimp. Why? Because you'll only end up spending more when you need to replace budget kitchen appliances in the future.

Each family's requirements will differ and it really does depend how much you cook at home, but in general terms, the appliances that will get the biggest workout are the oven, the cooktop and the dishwasher. Look for models with durable, professional finishes, which will be better equipped to withstand wear and tear. 

It can also be wise to pay for extras like a pyrolytic oven (which is self-cleaning), models that are as energy or water efficient as possible and if you opt for stainless steel appliances, invest in the 'low-fingerprint' varieties.

The Finishes

The sky's the limit when it comes to the materials and finishes you can choose for your kitchen, and if you're working to a budget, it's impossible to go the high-end route everywhere. But for a family-friendly room, it pays to spend some money on your benchtop, an area likely to see its fair share of action.

A good family-friendly budget kitchen choice is one of the composite-stone products that are now available – not nearly as expensive as 'real' marble or stone options, they give a similar look and are very durable. Laminate can also be a good choice – it's relatively inexpensive, comes in a variety of finishes and isn't too difficult – or time consuming – to look after.

It's also smart to invest wisely when it comes to the finish you choose for your cupboard doors. Look for something that is both durable (doesn't chip easily) and can be easily cleaned. High-pressure laminate or vinyl-wrapped doors are both good choices.

The Layout

Hiring a professional to help you get this right is definitely money well spent. A professional kitchen designer will be able to help you with everything from making sure your work triangle is as efficient as possible (essential when you're likely to have children with you in the kitchen) to ensuring you have enough (and the right type) of storage to avoid unnecessary clutter. This is a key tactic to achieving a budget kitchen.