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How To Plan A Kitchen On A Budget

Whether you are a first-time buyer looking to stretch your savings or an experienced renovator flipping a room at low cost - knowing how to plan a kitchen on a budget will ensure a practical and stylish cooking space is achieved without breaking the bank. These planning tips will put you on the right path to save pounds on your overall project, including product recommendations that free up funds for those must-have features. We know that value for money is important, too, so this kitchen advice explores how to make your funds go further with products that are built to last and span the changing trends.

Foundation fundamentals

Saving starts with the basics, like the style, colour, and units you choose. Spending less here also frees up funds for the rest of your space.

Cabinets

Available in standard sizes, flat pack is a cheaper alternative to ready-assembled units. Make sure you factor in the assembly time into your overall budget.

See kitchen cabinet buying guide

Door styles

Slab styles are easily updated with new handles or profiles – an inexpensive way to refresh your room. Meanwhile, shaker designs are a timeless choice, making them a sound investment.

See kitchen doors buying guide

Colours

White, cream, grey, blue – these steadfast shades never fade from fashion. A timeless colour scheme is also more appealing to buyers, which makes a difference for movers and renters alike.

See kitchen colours

Choose cost-cutting collections

Meet our Best on Budget collection – hand-picked designs made with money-saving in mind. Featuring affordable shaker and slab styles that cut the cost of creating a space you love.

Learn about our Best on Budget

Cost-cutting appliance choices

Kitting out your cooking space can easily be achieved without breaking the bank. From budget bundles to multifunctional models, you can get the latest tech for less.

Packages

Convenience costs less. Appliance packages group matching products together at an affordable price. So, pick up a ready-made set – saving yourself both time and money.

See appliance packages

Lamona

The UK's number one in leading tech for less, Lamona appliances are exclusive to Howdens. That means we keep things affordable, while offering innovative technology you want for your home.

See Lamona appliances

Hockley Mirror Gloss Charcoal Lamona Oven Cameo

Combi appliances

Multifunctional designs, like a combi microwave or fridge-freezer, are an easy way to save. All the features you need with one product and one cost.

See cooking appliances

Keeping running costs down

Household bills matter when you are on a budget, so look for efficient products that use less energy and water to save money now and in the long term.

Cut water waste

A dishwasher uses a tenth of the water when handwashing – with zero effort. Also, laundry features like load detection or eco cycles reduce water bills by up to £90.

See dishwashers
Preserve power

Induction consumes up to 17 per cent less energy than standard ceramic designs. A split-cavity oven lets you heat a single zone to save power on smaller meals.

See all cooking

Watch the clock

Short washes and eco modes improve speed and running cost when cleaning a load of laundry or after-dinner dishes. Over the month, those savings add up.

See all laundry
Compare energy ratings

Ranging from A to F, energy ratings make it simple to select eco options for your home. Better ratings equal better efficiency – making it cheaper to run.

See our appliance energy ratings guide

Save on surfaces

Counters and breakfast bars are a staple in any kitchen – and durable choices can still be easy on the wallet. Look to hardwearing materials that mimic premium options for less.

Look to laminate

Big on durability and small on price, laminate is great for a budget makeover. Choose various designs to find an affordable take on premium patterns.

See laminate worktops
Consider compact

Great for cost-effective counters, compact laminate is an inexpensive alternative to solid stone. So, you can harness a high-end look while spending less.

See compact laminate worktops

Budget like the best

Laminate is also great beneath your feet, and tough enough for busy areas. Recreating the character of wood and stone, it is easy to fit, too.

See laminate flooring
Invest in vinyl

A high-end choice, vinyl is designed for longevity. By investing your budget here, it is a lasting material that won’t need replacing in a hurry.

See vinyl flooring

Savvy finishing touches

Planning a pocket-friendly design is all in the detail – those features that are inexpensive to buy while adding an eye-catching flourish.

Stick with stainless

For a reasonable cost, opt for stainless steel in a washing area. This popular metallic is also simple to style with other features around the room.

See stainless steel kitchen sinks
Pick a package

A pre-made bundle is a budget way to buy your sink and tap, pairing matching designs in one stylish set so you can caft that coordinated look.

See kitchen sink and tap packages

Slot in space-saving features

Storage troubles are the main motivations behind many makeovers. Decluttering with simple additions, like cutlery trays, problem-solves without breaking the bank.
Sort and save

A sustainable mindset is better for the planet and for your pocket. Embrace a green ethos with recycling bins, which make it simple to separate waste.