Kitchen Remodeling: Where to Splurge & Where to Save
A kitchen remodel is an exciting but significant investment, and knowing where to put your budget can be overwhelming. Some homeowners dream of luxury finishes with high-end materials, while others prioritize custom storage solutions and practical upgrades. The reality is, where to splurge and where to save depends on your goals.
At Massey Remodel + Design, we work closely with homeowners to make sure their remodel balances quality, style, and smart budgeting. Below, we break down the most common splurges, where to save strategically, and how to make informed choices without cutting corners.
Where to Splurge in a Kitchen Remodel
Certain kitchen elements are worth investing in because they directly impact functionality, durability, and overall home value. These areas often see the most daily use, making high-quality materials and thoughtful upgrades essential.
Custom Cabinets: Built to Last & Designed for You
Your cabinets are the foundation of your kitchen, both visually and functionally. Investing in custom cabinetry ensures your kitchen is optimized for your storage needs, layout, and personal style. Unlike stock cabinets that come in standard sizes, custom cabinets are built specifically for your space, making them a perfect fit.
Beyond storage, custom cabinetry allows you to choose the wood species, door style, finishes, and organizational inserts that make your kitchen more functional. Soft-close doors, deep drawers for pots and pans, and built-in dividers help maximize storage efficiency. High-quality materials also ensure your cabinets will age beautifully and withstand years of daily use.
Why Homeowners Splurge Here:
Maximizes storage in unique layouts and small spaces
Higher-quality materials extend the lifespan of your kitchen
Soft-close hinges, full-extension drawers, and built-in storage improve functionality
Ways to Save Without Sacrificing Quality:
Opt for a painted finish instead of stained wood to reduce costs while still achieving a high-end look. Consider engineered wood cabinet boxes with solid wood doors for a balance of quality and durability. Skip specialty inserts like spice pull-outs, vertical dividers, and built-in drawer organizers if they aren’t necessary—they can always be added later.
Countertops: A Durable & Stylish Investment
Your countertops take daily wear and tear from meal prep, spills, and heat exposure. Choosing a durable, high-quality material ensures they remain beautiful, functional, and low-maintenance for years.
Natural stone and engineered quartz are two of the most popular countertop materials. Quartz countertops are non-porous, making them resistant to stains, scratches, and bacteria—an excellent choice for busy households. Granite and marble, while requiring slightly more upkeep, provide a luxury aesthetic that increases home value.
Why Homeowners Splurge Here:
High-quality materials offer superior durability
Premium countertops create a statement feature in your kitchen
Scratch- and stain-resistant surfaces simplify maintenance
Ways to Save Without Compromising Aesthetics:
Use quartz that mimics marble can offer the luxury look of natural stone with fewer maintenance requirements.
High-Quality Appliances: Performance & Energy Efficiency
Appliances play a major role in your kitchen’s functionality, energy efficiency, and cooking experience. While high-end appliances come with a bigger price tag, they often offer better performance, longevity, and resale value.
For serious cooks, a professional-grade range with precise temperature control and a built-in convection oven is worth the investment. A panel-ready refrigerator seamlessly integrates into custom cabinetry, creating a sleek, high-end aesthetic. Dishwashers with quiet operation and flexible interior configurations improve everyday convenience.
Why Most Homeowners Splurge Here:
Premium appliances enhance daily functionality and meal prep
Energy-efficient models lower long-term utility costs
Built-in designs create a seamless, elevated kitchen aesthetic
Ways to Save Without Losing Quality:
If you don’t cook often, a reliable mid-range appliance package can provide excellent performance without the professional price tag.
Lighting: Transforming Your Kitchen’s Look & Feel
Lighting is an essential design element that impacts both the functionality and ambiance of your kitchen. Poor lighting can make even the most beautifully remodeled kitchen feel dull, while well-planned lighting adds warmth and dimension.
Why Most Homeowners Splurge Here:
Layered lighting (ambient, task, accent) enhances both style and usability
Statement pendant lights over the island serve as decorative focal points
Under-cabinet lighting improves visibility for meal prep and cooking
Ways to Save While Keeping Quality:
Invest in dimmable recessed lighting as your base layer, then add decorative fixtures over time.
Where to Save in a Kitchen Remodel
Saving in certain areas doesn’t mean sacrificing quality—it means making thoughtful choices that still deliver a high-end look.
1. Backsplash: Timeless & Affordable Options
A backsplash protects your walls and adds visual interest, but there are cost-effective ways to achieve a high-end look.
Ways to Save Without Compromising Style:
Classic subway tile is budget-friendly and works with almost any aesthetic.
Porcelain and ceramic tiles can replicate the look of natural stone at a lower cost.
Choosing a simple layout reduces labor costs while keeping the design clean and timeless.
When You Might Want to Splurge:
A full-height slab backsplash can create a seamless, luxurious look if your kitchen design is minimalist.
2. Flooring: Affordable, Durable Alternatives
Flooring covers a large surface area, making it a major cost factor in a kitchen remodel.
Ways to Save Without Sacrificing Durability:
Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) provides a wood-look alternative that is water-resistant and durable.
Engineered hardwood offers real wood aesthetics at a lower cost than solid hardwood.
When You Might Want to Splurge:
If you love authentic materials, solid hardwood flooring is always a timeless choice.
3. Cabinet Hardware: A Small Detail with Big Impact
Cabinet hardware may be small, but it plays a major role in defining your kitchen’s style. The good news? You don’t have to spend a fortune to achieve a high-end look.
Ways to Save Without Compromising Aesthetics:
High-quality options like matte black, brushed brass, or nickel finishes offer a polished look without the designer price tag.
Swapping out hardware is an easy and inexpensive way to refresh your kitchen over time, so you can start with simpler choices and upgrade later if needed.
When You Might Want to Splurge:
If you want a truly custom look, specialty hardware in unique finishes, textures, or handcrafted designs can elevate your kitchen's overall aesthetic.
4. Paint & Personal Touches: High Impact, Low Cost
One of the easiest and most affordable ways to refresh a kitchen is through paint and decor. These small changes can make a space feel completely new without requiring a big budget.
Ways to Save While Adding Style:
A fresh coat of paint on walls or cabinets can make a dramatic impact—neutral tones keep things classic, while bold hues add personality.
Decor elements like stylish chairs, framed artwork, plants, and decorative bowls bring warmth and character without major costs.
Mixing high and low-end pieces—such as pairing simple bar stools with a statement light fixture—keeps things visually balanced.
When You Might Want to Splurge:
If your kitchen has a lot of natural light, investing in high-quality paint with a durable finish will ensure longevity and easy cleaning.
5. Open Shelving: Style Without Extra Cabinetry
Open shelving is a stylish and cost-effective alternative to upper cabinets. It creates an airy, modern feel and allows you to showcase your favorite dishes, glassware, or decor pieces.
Ways to Save Without Losing Functionality:
Floating wood or metal shelves add storage and style without the cost of additional cabinetry.
Repurposing vintage or salvaged wood for shelves can add character at a lower cost.
Keeping shelving minimal and well-organized prevents a cluttered look while keeping costs down.
When You Might Want to Splurge:
If you love the look of built-in shelving, custom options with integrated lighting can create a more seamless and high-end design
Final Thoughts: Smart Budgeting for Your Kitchen Remodel
Every homeowner’s kitchen renovation is unique, and deciding where to splurge or save depends on your lifestyle and long-term goals.
By investing in custom cabinets, durable countertops, high-quality appliances, and layered lighting, you create a kitchen that functions beautifully and adds long-term value to your home. At the same time, making thoughtful cost-saving choices in areas like cabinet finishes, backsplashes, and flooring allows you to stay within budget while maintaining a high-end look.
At Massey Remodel + Design, we help homeowners make informed decisions to create a luxury kitchen that balances beauty, functionality, and smart budgeting. Whether your style leans Mid Century Modern, classic, or contemporary, we guide you through every step of the process.
Learn more about how we guide you through the remodeling process.