Practical Guides

How can I optimise my IKEA x Plum Living budget ?

To save money without giving up the kitchen of your dreams, you just need a few tips! Between new white goods, a kitchen countertop and door fronts, we know that the price of a brand-new kitchen is often a little scary. And naturally, it’s not easy to keep your budget under control when faced with so many temptations! To stay on track without sacrificing your dream kitchen, we’re sharing everything you need to know before purchasing at IKEA.

Choose cupboards over drawers

Mounted on rails and requiring handles for each front, drawers are often a more expensive option. Keep them to a strict minimum for only high-use items, such as cutlery. Blenders, fondue sets and mixers can all be stored in a cupboard - you’ll only be getting them out a few times a year, after all! For a cupboard, you’ll only need one door front and two hinges.

Project created using our framed fronts in Green 03 - Vert de gris matte lacquer, Mini-Rond brass handles - (c) Hervé Goluza for Plum Living

Go for a two-tone colour scheme

Blue 01 - Lagon, Green 02 - Sombre forest, Red 01 - Terra… Plum Living has created out-of-the-ordinary colours for your kitchen that work just as well with white as with natural wood. Try out a two-tone scheme by using IKEA fronts in a neutral shade for your upper units, kitchen island or column units (our tip: at IKEA, choose Veddinge in white). By doing this, you’ll save more of your budget whilst also bringing a bit of personality to your kitchen. Win-win!

Project by Morgane Chaplain using our U-Shape fronts in natural oak - ⓒ Hervé Goluza for Plum Living

Pick a lacquer finish

Project created using our smooth fronts in Red 01 - Terra matte lacquer, Mini-Rond brass handles

When the allure of elegant matte lacquer meets the subtle veining of natural oak, it’s love at first sight. On a budget? Go with all matte lacquer. Whatever the colour, our matte lacquer finish is more affordable. As a rule, budget an extra 5% for natural oak, an extra 10% for painted oak and an extra 15% for natural walnut.

Avoid cover panels

We have to admit, cover panels are our guilty pleasure. We love them in contrasting colours, or as a finishing touch to highlight and contrast elements of your kitchen. However, they come at a price! To avoid using too many cover panels, opt for wall-to-wall units. Good to know: IKEA sells simple white cover panels which will help you create a two-tone trend on a budget.

Project by Mise en Scène Interior Design using our Grey 01 - Gris nuage matte lacquered fronts - @Agathe Tissier for Plum Living

Say goodbye to handles

Made out of solid brass, Plum Living handles range from 15 to 55€ per item, depending on the model. Stylish yes, but bear in mind that they add to your overall budget. Option one: choose door fronts without handles, instead opting for push openers. Option two: pick up some painted-metal handles from IKEA - these can be easily changed later down the line, when your bank account has recovered from your renovations!

Project by Miss Etc using our smooth doors in Red 01 - Terra matte lacquer

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How can I optimise my IKEA x Plum Living budget ?

Choose cupboards over drawers

Go for a two-tone colour scheme

Pick a lacquer finish

Avoid cover panels

Say goodbye to handles

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To know more!

How can I optimise my IKEA x Plum Living budget ?

Choose cupboards over drawers

Go for a two-tone colour scheme

Pick a lacquer finish

Avoid cover panels

Say goodbye to handles

You might like these topics

Ikea Kitchen Planner, user guide!

How can I create my Ikea kitchen plan without making any mistakes?

How does Plum Living work?

Which cover panels for my layout?

Eight new colours to inspire you