Renovate your kitchen within your budget without sacrificing functionality and style. While custom kitchens can be expensive, there is an affordable middle ground—customising flat-pack kitchens. This guide will walk you through how to tailor ready-made kitchens to fit your space and style without the hefty price tag. By customising a flat-pack kitchen, you can enjoy the look and feel of a custom kitchen while keeping kitchen renovations affordable.
Customising Flat-Pack Kitchens: The Smart Budget-Friendly Solution
Flat-pack kitchens are often perceived as standard solutions, but with some creativity, they can be customised to meet your unique requirements. Ready-made kitchens come in modular designs, which means you can modify certain aspects to give them a custom touch, making them a great alternative to fully custom kitchens.
Work with Standard Dimensions
One of the primary challenges with flat-pack kitchens is working within the standard sizes. Most flat-pack cabinetry comes in standard widths, typically 300mm to 900mm. When designing your kitchen, try to work with these standard dimensions to avoid costly modifications. If your space does not align perfectly with standard measurements, talk to your cabinetry builder about adjusting the cabinetry. This approach is usually more cost-effective than custom-building cabinetry and still allows for a seamless fit in your kitchen.
Stick to Classic Finishes
When customising flat-pack kitchens, it’s important to keep finishes simple and timeless. Opt for neutral colours like white, black, or grey for the cabinetry. These tones provide a clean and modern look and are easier to match with other elements of the kitchen, such as countertops and appliances. Laminate is an excellent choice for an affordable and durable finish, especially for renovating on a budget. While some flat-pack kitchens offer trendy finishes, sticking to classics ensures your kitchen will look stylish for years.
Build a Solid Base
While flat-pack kitchens come with pre-designed units, you can customise their look by focusing on the base of your cabinetry. For instance, you can recess toe-kicks or float your kitchen cabinetry on legs to give the illusion of a more bespoke design. These adjustments elevate the appearance of flat-pack kitchens, making them look more like high-end custom kitchens without the associated costs.
Invest in Quality Hardware
The choice of hardware can make or break a flat-pack or custom kitchen. High-quality drawer runners, hinges, and handles can significantly improve the overall feel and durability of your kitchen cabinetry. Since flat-pack kitchens are generally more affordable than custom kitchens, you can allocate a portion of your budget towards upgrading the hardware. For instance, choosing soft-close drawers or premium handles can elevate a standard flat-pack kitchen to a luxurious level.
Choose the Right Appliances
Another area to consider when customising your flat-pack kitchen is the appliances. Many hardware stores offer bundled appliances with flat-pack kitchens, but it is often better to source your appliances separately. Investing in quality appliances ensures long-term reliability, performance, and durability. Focus on getting a good-quality oven, hob, and dishwasher that can withstand daily use. A kitchen renovation is incomplete without reliable appliances, so include them in your budget.
Maximise Sink and Tap Quality
You should not skimp on the sink and tap when customising a flat-pack kitchen. Choose a large sink and pair it with a high-quality tap to enhance the functionality and style of your kitchen. The sink will be used daily, so investing in a durable, easy-to-clean sink and tap will pay off in the long run.
Install a Stylish Splashback
Installing a custom splashback is another excellent way to add personality to your flat-pack kitchen. Many people shy away from tiled splashbacks, but they are a practical and visually appealing choice. Tiles add texture and can be the focal point of a small kitchen. Opting for a small, tiled splashback can give your flat-pack kitchen a custom look while keeping your kitchen renovation costs within budget.
Customise with Plywood or Tiles
Flat-pack kitchens often come with standard melamine panels, which can ruin the custom feel. To maintain the custom feel, consider covering the cabinetry with plywood. Plywood is a durable and affordable option which can lend your kitchen a unique aesthetic. You can also replace some upper cabinetry with open shelving or timber doors for a more bespoke look.
Prioritise the Benchtop
If you want to invest in one major upgrade, it should be the benchtop. It is the most-used surface in your kitchen and will have the most significant visual impact. Whether you choose natural stone or engineered quartz, investing in a premium benchtop can make even the most basic flat-pack kitchen look high-end.
Wrapping It Up
Customising flat-pack kitchens is an excellent way to achieve a tailored, high-quality kitchen without the high price of a custom build. Focus on quality hardware, timeless finishes, and personalised touches to transform ready-made kitchens into a unique space that suits your style and budget. With the right approach, your flat-pack kitchen can look and function like a custom kitchen, making your kitchen renovation modish and cost-effective.
Contact Us
Are you planning a kitchen renovation? Contact Sydney Wide Kitchens’ certified designers with over 25 years of experience to design and renovate your kitchen within your budget and timelines.
