9 affordable kitchen design ideas – they'll remain timeless!
Kitchens are expensive and complicated projects. There are literally hundreds of decisions to make — from worktops to upstands to kitchen extraction… you name it. And on top of all that you’re probably thinking, “What if I spend all this money and end up not liking it, and really regret my choices?”
Don’t worry — here are 9 easy, affordable kitchen design ideas for your renovation. Some of these have taken me years of trial and error to learn, and my students and clients love them. They look far more expensive than they are, they’ll age gracefully, they’re insanely practical, and some will even save you money during your renovation.
Let’s get straight into it…
By the way, a big hello if you’re a new reader! I’m Fi, I’m an interior designer helping renovators create dream homes confidently and affordably. I cover mistakes to avoid, how to save money, and all the nitty gritty details that make your design perfect.
If you prefer to watch the video of this, here it is. Otherwise scroll down for the 9 design ideas in written form.
Oh and make sure you read to the end of this article, because I’m also sharing the worst kitchen design idea you’ll want to avoid at all costs… I know, I know, I make it sound so dramatic. But my job is to get you amazing results and I’m determined to lay out your options so that you can go into your kitchen project clued up.
Kitchen Design Colour Schemes
Let’s start with colour — because the moment someone steps into your kitchen, it’s the colours you’ve chosen that really communicate whether your space feels high-end and curated, or a bit budget.
1. Choose a muted colour palette
For a timeless kitchen, avoid bold, primary colours. Choose lower saturation tones — think neutral stone or earthy shades like green, ivory and charcoal. These are easier to pair with complementary tones and won’t overpower the room.
2. Experiment with colour on walls only
If you’re feeling unsure, keep bold colours to the walls. It’s easier and more affordable to repaint walls than it is to replace cabinets or tiles. If you’re nervous, you really can’t go wrong with cabinetry in white, stone, navy, and charcoal. Leave all experimentation to areas that are easy and cheaper to redo.
3. Try a two-tone kitchen
You might be reading this thinking “I want to be braver with colour!” Go you! 😃 A design technique I’m recommending a lot right now is using one colour on wall cabinets and a second on the island or breakfast bar to create contrast and depth. Two-tone kitchens will remain timeless if the colours you select are tonal or complementary and muted (see point 1 again).
Design Tip:
If budget allows, opt for paintable cabinet fronts — even just for your island. It lets you update your kitchen’s look in future without the cost of new cabinetry.
Kitchen Worktop Ideas
Worktops take up a lot of visual real estate in a kitchen — so they need to look good and age well for you over the years.
I always recommend solid surface, granite or quartz worktops. (Read my Which Kitchen Worktops are Worth Your Money Guide) But if you’re on a tight budget, the obvious choice is standard laminate which can look tired quickly. Believe me, I have it in our bathroom and it has aged very poorly! Instead go for compact laminate. It’s seamless, looks more high-end, and wears better over time. Yes it costs a little more than standard laminate, but it’s still far more affordable than Quartz, Granite & Solid Surface.
Kitchen Design Support
Are you overwhelmed with all the decisions for your kitchen and need help to renovate it?
I offer 2 ways we can work together:
If you're at the start of your kitchen renovation plans, perhaps you’re extending or doing a full house renovation and you want to keep costs down, hire the right trades, and avoid renovation mistakes — our renovation online course & community will show you step by step and save you thousands in prevented mistakes. Read our 5* reviews.
If you're mid-renovation and feeling overwhelmed by design decisions for your kitchen — from colours to lighting, worktops, tiles, and more — check out my done-for-you interior design packs. These are full, professional designs with shopping lists, ready to go, and much more affordable than hiring a one-on-one interior designer.
You can find information about both right here on our website.
Kitchen Cabinet Ideas
Shaker cabinets are a classic, aren’t they? We installed them in our own 1930s house renovation. But looking back, there are definitely things I’d do differently to elevate our kitchen design, and yours if you’re considering shaker units.
4. Upgrade to in-frame shaker cabinets
They used to only be available through bespoke makers, but now suppliers like Howdens and DIY Kitchens offer affordable in-frame options. This subtle design detail adds a truly elegant, high-end look.
Armac Martin
5. Level up your kickboards
In modern country interiors, kitchens with proud kickboards (those sitting flush with the cabinet fronts) tend to look more custom-made, whereas recessed kickboards can look a little more mass-produced. That said, recessed ones suit modern designs better and are more ergonomic. It’s all about the look you’re going for!
Kitchen Layout Ideas
Layout is everything. Getting your appliances and worktop space in the right places will make or break the functionality of your kitchen.
6. Use legs on islands or breakfast bars
Raising the unit off the ground creates a sense of space and can help smaller or darker kitchens feel bigger and brighter.
7. Don’t stress about putting your sink under a window
Yes, it’s lovely to have a view while doing dishes, but a sink facing a wall can still look great — and even be a standout feature with the right lighting or shelving.
8. Consider vertical laundry units
If you’re short on space, stack your washer and dryer vertically — and maybe add a folding table in between. This works well in utility areas or even within a kitchen.
9. Add symmetry with tall units
Position integrated appliances and tall larder cupboards next to each other, ideally with symmetry on either side of the room for a balanced look. You can even disguise doorways to utility rooms as cabinets to create more storage and a seamless appearance.
The Worst Kitchen Design Idea
OK — what should you avoid then?
I know I may ruffle a few feathers saying this but believe me, we lived with one and they aren’t the best nowadays…
It’s Standard silver extractor hoods.
Not because they look bad necessarily, but because there are far better alternatives out there for you now. Bulky cooker hoods can disrupt the visual flow of your design and are a pain to keep clean.
Instead, go for worktop extractor fans, plasterboard solutions, or integrated mantles that let your cabinets shine.
If budget means you have to keep what you’ve got, no stress — your kitchen will still look fab. But if you’re starting from scratch, this is one of the first things I’d advise you to consider carefully.
Final Thoughts
I hope this gave you some practical and timeless ideas for your kitchen renovation. If any of them stood out, let me know — I love hearing which tips you’re trying out!
Thanks so much for reading. If you'd like more support with your design, you can explore our courses and interior design packs over on our website.
See you next time for another design chat!
