Acrylic/solid surfaces/Porcelain will all be dearer than engineered stone. For a budget you’re most likely looking at laminate cabinets and bench top. You can also consider a reasonably priced wood bench top if you’re using IKEA or Kaboodle. I’ve just priced a simple kitchen and the local small cabinet maker’s quote for custom and installed was cheaper than supply only from IKEA. All laminate is basically the same, the names change between suppliers. I suggest the steps of deciding your rough layout and then using the ikea or Kaboodle planners to cost what a kitchen will cost as a DIY option. This will give you an idea of what your budget will get you in a basic spec kitchen. You can then take your rough layout to kitchen suppliers/cabinet makers for a quote. If you’re indecisive some time on one of the planners will help you get your thoughts in order. I also suggest you start a mood board or picture collection here on Houzz or Pintrest. A kitchen has a number of decisions you’ll need to make and having reference photos will save you brain pain. FYI stone bench tops for my simple L shape kitchen and 2 metre island added $5k to the quote.

Hi bigreader, do you have any inspiration pics for your kitchen, my neighbour has an L shaped kitchen and was interested in what you are choosing, I showed her all your hard work in removing the kitchen.. she thinks you are amazing like I do ❤️

Thk you Julie. That’s very sweet - I’m heading to paint tomorrow and don’t feel like it, so not amazing today. I don’t have a specific inspiration pic. I love any of the Pure Salt Interiors kitchen so I’m doing a budget version of a combo of their looks. It will be flat front white laminate cabinets with mostly drawers, pale bench top in a really light sand if not white. Aged brass knobs and handles, textured pendant prob wicker, stainless appliances, aged brass goose neck tap. Haven’t decided on the splashback - probably won’t until I’ve lived with it for a while but it will be a 10-12cm square tile in either a neutral or pale blue/green. I may also clad the island in VJ look panelling painted to match the splashback, again not until after I’ve lived with it. Then finished with timber stools and some styling. Here is the link to my Pintrest kitchen board. I did toy with a sage green at one stage but have decided against it. https://pin.it/KEeMINC0J

Polytech is better than kaboodle. Imo. Xenolith benchtops are great options Resort at Warrnambool has it on all their apartment tables and coffee tables and balcony tables and gave a great report. Housekeeping manager said no issues when I asked as I was looking at it for my kitchen (project on hold). I saw it first on display in Brisbane and their display counter was Xenolith and was standing up well to its use. Obviously not as heat resistant as a stone but that’s no diff to a laminate bench we have all had for years.

Sounds absolutely beautiful, and soft neutral colours, just perfect, love the ideas on that link, it’s going to look stunning, love the idea of vj panels, very stylish, as I said before you are amazing doing all this, now I am off to the neighbours for a coffee and to show her your inspiring ideas ❤️

Have to second bigreader and Kate. Our quotes (both diy and installed) from local independent kitchen company, for my parent’s reno, were lower than the IKEA and Kaboodle options with the added bonus that they came, measured and cut to fit the actual kitchen. As it is an older home, with the associated quirks, this made installation so much easier. They also suggested some no / low cost improvements, which were so helpful. My mother opted for the recommended laminex style benchtops, and they look great and are wearing well. Sorry don’t know which brand she finally chose but they said as long as it’s an established brand, it’s just personal choice

I've only ever had kitchens put in by kitchen companies. However, some time ago I read a comparison of Ikea and Kaboodle. Kaboodle came out ahead because Ikea cabinets have rather flimsy backs (which I know from buying their furniture). We have Laminex on our benchtop - not because it's cheap but because our kitchen features hoop pine ply with edges showing and laminates look great with that.

If you like non-shiny surfaces, you could consider Laminex AbsoluteMatte for your cupboards. It's really nice to the touch. We've used it on other cupboards. Visit a showroom. https://www.laminex.com.au/brands/laminex/absolutematte-range

Hello Liz, Might I suggest having plans of the existing and or remodeled kitchen would be very handy in gathering quotes for your refurbishment. I can assist with those plans and it would be very useful to explain the dimensions, placement of things: puts you well in control of the reno. Cheers Margot