Getting the German Kitchen Look on a Budget

It’s not hard to get a German kitchen without breaking the bank

Ah, German kitchens: they’re sleek, precise and of high quality. Generally, they are also expensive. What if we told you that you can design a stylish and trendy German kitchen on a budget? You can!

When it comes to designing a kitchen there are two main points to consider. The first is cost, the second is the actual design and what you expect the outcome to be. Designing a kitchen has many moving parts and elements to consider. Besides cabinetry, when you start adding up the costs associated with installation, appliances, worktops, tiles and add-ons, the cost rapidly grows out of control.

When you’re in the market for a German kitchen, there are certain shortcuts you can take that will give you the look you want, without the paying the premium price. Below, we break down the areas where you can get the most kitchen for your buck.

German kitchen design style relies heavily on the kitchen system, which is based on a modular design principle. © bulthaup.com

Which kitchen cabinets should I buy?

You’d be surprised at the quality of cabinets you can purchase on a budget. For the most part, budget cabinetry will comprise of flat-pack, self-assembly units with doors mounted on the front using hinges screwed into the chipboard. These units are (for the most part) all the same. Some are made from sturdier, 18mm frames – with the design defined by the style of doors and other decorative items.

Purchasing these off-the-shelf carcasses is the cheapest way to get the foundation for your German kitchen design. Now because you saved some money on the interior, you can splash a little on the exterior. Try searching for cabinet door options online. Companies like Superfront makes doors, handles and legs for Ikea frames.

The great thing about going this route is that you can reproduce the look of a much more costly German design for less. Add high-quality taps to your design, and consider storage solutions like pull-out carousels to keep you counter space clutter to a minimum.

How can I get a quality kitchen worktop on a budget?

The selection of your worktops can be a deciding factor as to whether your budget German kitchen design fails or succeeds. As for finishes, a good quality worktop is not only practical but will enhance the look of the entire kitchen. Granite and quartz surfaces are very good investments, however strong composites, which imitate their characteristics and shine, are substantially less expensive.

When you’re in the process of selecting a great countertop, pick a decent depth with a squared edge, and let it hang over at the end of the cabinets for an extra finished look.

For a typical German style, try mixing a granite island with wood-topped units. Doing this allows you to save some money on larger areas where you’ll be doing the largest portion of your work and preparations. You can even consider adding a touch of extravagance with a breakfast nook or a high-quality quartz plinth.

How can I buy a kitchen sink on a budget?

Selecting a sink for your kitchen will depend on your kitchen’s design and how much space you have. Generally, the worktop is cut to make a space for the sink(s). This fitting method is simple and cost-effective. Another option is to under-mount the sink, where it’s mounted under the countertop, giving the design a cleaner finish. It also works well if you have drainage channels cut into the adjoining work surface.

Alloy sinks can be expensive but are a good investment. They are hardwearing and can withstand high temperatures and come in an assortment of finishes. Ceramic sinks tend to come in styles most suited to historical homes and don’t really suit the German kitchen style. Be that as it may, they are prone to discolouring, staining and chipping. At the same time, these sinks are a good choice if properly cared for.

How do I pick the best budget kitchen flooring?

Now the time has come to choose kitchen flooring. In a perfect world, you can go wild and select the highest quality floor tiles. The world is hardly perfect though. If you’re on a budget, then why not consider laminated flooring or vinyl flooring designs. Both can be made to mirror the wood flooring or tiles you’ll find in a modern German kitchen convincingly. Both happen to be hardwearing and reasonably priced too.

How do I select a kitchen backsplash on a budget?

In the kitchen, the wall area located behind the sink or hob is known as a backsplash. They cover a substantial area of the wall and will have a major effect in the kitchen. These can be costly, but don’t have to be. Utilize hand-finished tiles sparingly in your kitchen to give the space a craftsman look. You would then be able to use more affordable tiles for more prominent areas – like the backsplash. Blend plain tiles in various shades to add character to the kitchen.

Another option for a backsplash is stainless steel or glass they are easy to clean and add sophistication to tiled walls. Kitchen suppliers have a variety available, however, consider looking on the web as well. A few companies offer made-to-order backsplashes at a lower cost than you would expect.