Now that you’ve decided what you need here are my top money-saving tips;

•  Buying ex-display models from kitchen showrooms will save you a lot of money. Obviously this will only work if the dimensions match up with the space you have available. Approach kitchen showrooms and ask if they are planning on updating their models soon. Sometimes the promise of a guaranteed buyer will encourage showrooms to upgrade sooner.

• Buy a cheap MDF carcass from the kitchen DIY store/supplier and use a local joiner to manufacture custom made door fronts for you. This will give you that bespoke look without the hefty price tag.

• Replace some of the wall cabinets with open shelves, thus reducing the amount of cabinets needed. Open shelving can be a great feature in a kitchen design and particularly suits rustic and industrial styles.

• Countertop material choices need careful thought. How durable is the material? What is the maintenance involved? Will it stain or mark easily? Generally laminate worktops are the least expensive and marble is the most expensive.

• Shop around for appliances and buy them in the annual sales. Choose energy efficient ones that will cost less to run. If working with a kitchen showroom don’t feel obliged to go with the brands that they supply. Often there are significant savings to be made by buying appliances separately.

• Factor in the cost of hardware such as drawer pulls and cabinets knobs into your budget. Choosing statement hardware can elevate a cheaper cabinet door into something special.

• Sink types and tap fittings need to be carefully thought about. Undermount and Belfast sinks will affect what countertop you can pick. Taps that dispense immediate boiling water e.g Quooker are very popular these days but are also quite expensive. Choosing a normal tap and just boiling the kettle when needed is an easy way to keep costs down.

• Splashbacks are another area that can quickly add a lot to the kitchen cost. Instead of choosing tiles why not get a toughened mirror splashback? This will help make your kitchen feel more spacious due to the reflection of light. This option is also much cheaper. You can get toughened glass in different colours rather than the mirror finish if you prefer.

• If you are replacing an existing kitchen then sticking with a similar layout will save you a lot of money. It will avoid needing to re-route gas, electrical and water supplies.

• If the kitchen carcass is in good shape then just by replacing the cabinet doors and drawers you can have a whole new look for less. New hardware will also contribute to a more modern look.