Expert Tips: Where to Splurge and Where to Save in Your Kitchen Remodel

A kitchen remodel is arguably the most complex and costly home renovation project you’ll undertake, so spending your budget wisely is essential. The key to smart financial decisions is knowing where to invest and where to scale back—so you can prioritize high-impact, value-added elements without wasting money on unnecessary extras or compromising on quality and reliability.

Finding the right balance between aesthetics, value, and functionality can be tricky. In this guide, we’ll share examples of both “splurge-worthy” kitchen elements—like high-quality cabinets, countertops, appliances, and lighting—and “save-smart” options, such as hardware, fixtures, backsplashes, flooring, and paint, where a little can go a long way.

Splurge-Worthy Elements in Your Kitchen Remodel

HIGH-END CABINETS

To understand why durable, custom, or semi-custom cabinets are worth the investment, let’s first distinguish between them, and then show their beneficial impact on storage and aesthetics:

• Custom cabinetry gives you complete control—if you can dream it, it can be designed and built. That allows you the flexibility of having any size, shape, fit, or finish you desire in your kitchen, including color matching.
• Semi-custom cabinetry, in contrast, is an excellent choice for kitchen designs that fall between fully custom and standard options. This middle ground allows for sizing in ¼-inch increments and offers a range of modifications to both box interiors and exteriors. You’ll also have access to more options than stock cabinetry, including a wider selection of finishes—such as paint matches, various wood species, glazing, and distressing—that offer a personalized touch without the full custom price tag.
• Box construction for both custom and semi-custom cabinetry comes with a variety of options. While a standard framed cabinet might include a laminated or wood veneer interior with a plywood box upgrade, semi-custom and custom framed cabinets also offer choices such as door overlays or inset styles. Custom cabinetry provides even greater flexibility, allowing for a range of frame designs—including beaded, chamfered, or flat inset door styles.
• Door thickness is another upgrade to consider: stock and semi-custom doors are typically ¾” thick, whereas custom cabinetry may offer thicker options such as 13/16″, 1″, or even 5/4″, creating more depth and definition. And don’t overlook frameless box construction—custom cabinets often allow upgrades from MDF to plywood boxes, with increased side and back panel thickness for added durability.
• Storage and aesthetic options abound with semi-custom and custom cabinets, offering more than twice the number of accessories, interior features, and drawer configurations compared to standard cabinetry.
• Drawer upgrades are available, such as dovetailed captured-bottom drawer boxes customized to match the wood species (walnut drawers in a walnut kitchen are a beautiful touch!). European metal drawer boxes are also an option.
• Adjustability is a hallmark of most semi-custom and all custom cabinets, allowing for features like the removal of center stiles, wider drawer boxes, adjustable roll-out trays and shelves, factory-installed interior lighting, adjustable rails and stiles, and factory-connected cabinets—reducing visible seams and simplifying on-site installation.
• ADA requirements include increased toe kick heights for wheelchair access, intentionally lowered work surfaces, and modifications to door locations, swing directions, and interior automated accessories for accessibility—features typically only available in semi-custom or custom cabinetry lines.

“A terrific illustration of what high-end, custom cabinetry can do for a kitchen remodel is this local project,” smiles Amy Fisher, Interior Designer at MainStreet Design Build. “Opening the space up in both directions made the kitchen feel larger and more central for family gatherings. The new kitchen has a modern feel with custom Plain & Fancy Euro white transom cabinetry surrounding the gorgeous Onyx Painted Island.”

COUNTERTOPS

Second only to cabinets, countertops are among the most visible and functionally important elements in your kitchen—making them a smart place to splurge. A good local designer will likely recommend premium materials like quartzite, quartz, or marble for their stunning appearance, durability, and timeless appeal. (Granite, by contrast, tends to fall short in several of these key categories.)

• Quartzite is quickly becoming a popular high-end choice for kitchens, thanks to its low porosity, exceptional heat resistance (withstanding temperatures up to 1,000 degrees Fahrenheit!), and impressive scratch and chip resistance. In fact, it’s so hard that using knives directly on the surface is not recommended. Quartzite also tends to feature cleaner colors with less random variation or speckling, comes in a wide range of hues, and typically has less visible seams than other natural stones.
• Quartz, a man-made alternative, is a more affordable option than quartzite but is still widely used in high-end kitchens. Its appeal lies in its consistent finish, non-porous surface, and ease of cleaning and maintenance.
• Marble is one of the world’s most beautiful natural stones and is often reserved for luxury kitchen renovations. However, it comes with challenges: it is porous and relatively soft, meaning it can absorb oils and dark liquids, is prone to chipping, and requires regular sealing over time to maintain its beauty.

APPLIANCES

Another area where being penny wise can be pound foolish is appliances. Energy-efficient, high-performance models not only offer long-term value but also significantly enhance the daily comfort and convenience of your entire household. In this case, trusted name brands with proven reputations are essential to a great kitchen remodel—and worth every penny.

• Higher-end European appliances are trending:
  • La Cornue
  • Bertozzi
  • Majestic
  • SMEG
  • ILVE
• Higher-end American-made appliances include:
  • Thermador
  • Subzero/Wolf/Cove
• Midline appliances include:
  • Bosch
  • Fischer Paykel
  • Meile
  • and the built-in lines from Kitchen Aid.

“Here’s a gorgeous and practical kitchen remodel where the appliances are as stunning as the design and fixtures,” insists Kim McDevitt, General Manager of MSDB. “Our client didn’t hold back with Sub Zero refrigeration, Cove dishwashing, and Wolf Cooking appliances, making it the ultimate chef’s haven, elevating culinary experiences to new heights!”

LIGHTING

Lighting is often mistakenly tucked into the “save-smart” category, treated as a budget-conscious afterthought. But in reality, high-quality, layered lighting is a splurge-worthy element—essential for both functionality and ambiance in a well-designed Birmingham kitchen remodel.

• Lighting is considered an art form by interior designers—who often cringe at the idea of simply placing recessed lights everywhere and hoping for the best. Instead, lighting designers carefully select different sizes and shapes of built-in fixtures to provide optimal task and down lighting.
• A thoughtful lighting plan is essential, especially in luxury kitchens where families spend much of their time. The best designs incorporate both built-in and decorative fixtures to create elegance, ambiance, and flexibility. Window placement and the sun’s direction throughout the day are also key considerations—natural light should work in harmony with ceiling and wall-mounted lighting.
• Pendant lights and under-cabinet lighting elevate the space, adding warmth and sophistication. High-end cabinet manufacturers often integrate interior cabinet lighting and low-voltage light strips beneath the upper cabinets—features that are a must in upscale kitchens. A great designer ensures that every fixture enhances the overall aesthetic, acting as a final layer that completes the look.

“Mixing metals, and diverse choices abound,” says Christine Ramaekers, Creative Director at MSDB, “versus the day when the whole project was done with one product line or series. Like jewelry, today we are mixing gorgeous products together, and keeping one item as the shining star.”

“Save-Smart” Elements That Won’t Sacrifice Quality

Smart hardware choices let you cut costs while keeping your kitchen stylish and functional. By selecting the right faucets, knobs, pulls, and handles—scaling back where it doesn’t impact performance, and mixing finishes tastefully—you can achieve significant savings without compromising a thing. Here are a few ways to trim costs while keeping your kitchen looking sharp and functioning beautifully:

HARDWARE AND FIXTURES

• Smart Swaps for High Style at a Lower Cost
  • Instead of splurging on solid brass or bronze, opt for high-quality zinc alloy or stainless steel with premium finishes.
  • Matte black, brushed nickel, and satin brass finishes on well-crafted zinc hardware can closely mimic the look of luxury materials.
  • Skip ultra-trendy or high-maintenance “living” finishes that cost more but require ongoing upkeep just for the aged look.
  • Consider sourcing stylish third-party knobs and pulls—especially for areas like pantry doors or lower cabinets—where visual impact is minimal but savings add up.
• Mix and Match With Intention
  • Mixing metals is on trend and allows you to be strategic with budget. Use affordable black hardware on perimeter cabinets and save statement finishes like brushed gold or polished nickel for a focal wall or island.
  • Instead of defaulting to stainless steel, try warmer, aged-look metals for a more curated, designer feel.

BACKSPLASHES

Design Smarter, Spend Wisely

You don’t need a sky-high budget to create a high-end kitchen look. Strategic design choices—like mixing statement pieces with simpler materials—can make all the difference.

Instead of using marble or handmade tile throughout the entire backsplash, consider limiting it to a focal point or the area between the counter and upper cabinets. Pair it with a more budget-friendly tile in a striking pattern like herringbone or vertical stack to add visual interest without the premium cost.

Don’t be afraid to mix materials either: splurge on a beautiful stone or glass tile behind the range, then use affordable ceramic or even peel-and-stick options for the rest. The right layout, grout color, and attention to detail can elevate even modest materials into a designer-worthy finish.

FLOORING

Flooring That Balances Beauty and Budget

Great flooring doesn’t have to break the bank. Durable and stylish options like cork add comfort underfoot and sustainability, while porcelain and ceramic tiles offer long-lasting performance and timeless design. For water resistance and easy upkeep, luxury vinyl plank (LVP) or tile (LVT) is a smart, budget-friendly solution.

Prefer natural materials? Hickory and utility oak deliver classic warmth, and bamboo is a sleek, eco-conscious alternative. Laminate flooring gives you the look of wood at a fraction of the cost, and parquet patterns bring visual interest without stretching your budget.

Choosing the right mix of affordability, durability, and design allows you to save here—so you can splurge where it really counts.

PAINT AND WALL TREATMENTS

Add Color, Add Character

A fresh coat of premium paint—especially in a bold or modern hue—can instantly elevate your kitchen and provide a clean, stylish backdrop for everything else. Looking for more personality? Beadboard paneling, peel-and-stick wallpaper, or even a painted mural or color-blocked accent wall offer creative, budget-friendly ways to make your space stand out.

“Splurge” and “Save” Where They Matter

A smart kitchen remodel isn’t about splurging on everything—it’s about knowing where your investment makes the most impact. Style and functionality should guide your big-ticket decisions. Start by identifying your priorities: Do you want a chef-worthy cooktop, or would more storage and a versatile island better suit your family? Allocate your budget to essentials—like durable cabinetry, smart appliances, and layered lighting—while saving on finish details such as hardware, backsplash, and paint without sacrificing aesthetics.

Strategic remodeling also means thinking long-term. Consider resale or improved quality of life: high-quality cabinets, stone countertops, and timeless lighting retain value far longer than trendy hoods or flashy tile. And don’t cut corners on plumbing or wiring—you’ll pay for it later. Work with a trusted local design-build firm to strike the right balance between smart savings and meaningful splurges.

Finding the Right Budget Balance with Birmingham’s Best: MainStreet Design Build

For more than 30 years, local homeowners have partnered with MainStreet Design Build to make homeowners dreams come true with smart planning and budgets. Based in Birmingham, Michigan, and proudly serving Southeast Oakland County since 1991, MainStreet delivers an award-winning, full-service design-build experience marked by timeless design, personal care, and exceptional craftsmanship. Our in-house team of architects, interior designers, and skilled tradespeople work seamlessly together to ensure your project is completed with precision, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to quality.

Visit our gallery of exquisite, trending luxury kitchen remodels to discover how we bring the vision of a dream kitchen to life with our proven design-build process. Sign up for our newsletter, and schedule a free consultation to discover firsthand how the experts at MainStreet Design Build can help create an elegant, innovative, and deeply personalized kitchen experience for you and your family.