In the world of kitchen and bath design, balancing budget with aspiration is both an art and a skill. As a residential designer with more than 13 years of experience, having completed hundreds of kitchens and bathrooms for a diverse range of clients, I’ve seen firsthand how crucial it is for brands to offer products that cater to different budget levels. While some clients may have the financial freedom to invest in the highest-end products, others require a more strategic allocation of resources, splurging in key areas while saving in others. This reality highlights the need for brands to offer good, better and best options, allowing designers to work within various financial constraints while still delivering beautiful, functional and lasting spaces.
The Reality of Budget Constraints in Design
Every client and every project are different, and so is every budget. The kitchen and bath are two of the most important spaces in a home, but they also represent significant financial investments. A high-end kitchen or bath can easily run into six figures, while a more modest renovation might be completed for a lesser amount. As a designer, part of my role is to guide clients through these decisions, helping them determine where to invest and where to save based on their goals and financial reality.
In this process, the availability of different product tiers becomes essential. A client may have their heart set on a luxurious marble countertop, but their budget might only allow for a quartz option that delivers a similar aesthetic at a fraction of the cost. In other cases, they may want to splurge on high-end cabinetry but need to find more affordable plumbing fixtures. The flexibility to mix and match products across budget tiers is what allows me to create spaces that feel cohesive and personalized, regardless of the overall budget.
In this bar area, designer Tanna Edler combined high-end PentalQuartz countertops and high-end Moen faucet mixed with semi-custom Sollid Cabinetry and discount hardware from Rejuvenation. The Z-Line beverage fridge was a mid-priced item that allowed for a “better” option.
Photo credit: Nick Sorensen
The “Good, Better, Best” Model
In the kitchen and bath industry, this means offering a range of options for everything from cabinetry and countertops to appliances and fixtures. Some brands do this exceedingly well, providing designers and clients with the flexibility needed to tailor the design to the budget.
A well-executed good, better, best offering ensures that even the “good” options are still high quality, providing durability and style at a more accessible price point. These options may not have all the bells and whistles of a “best” product, but they should still deliver on the essentials. The “better” options often strike the balance between luxury and affordability, offering upgrades in materials or features that enhance the space without blowing the budget. And, of course, the “best” products are where clients can indulge in the highest-end materials, cutting-edge technology and premium craftsmanship.
Project Budgets: Mixing High & Low
In many projects, especially those with tighter budgets, the save-and-splurge approach is key to achieving a beautiful result without overspending. For example, well-made cabinets will last for years, and countertops like quartz or granite will withstand daily wear and tear. In contrast, elements like light fixtures, backsplashes or hardware can be areas where clients can save a bit. These items are easier to swap out or update over time, so choosing less expensive but stylish options can help keep the project on budget. I’ve found that by mixing higher-end elements with more budget-friendly choices, I can create kitchens and baths that feel luxurious without the luxury price tag.
Brands Meeting the Demand?
We are gravitating toward brands that are allowing us to mix and match based on budget. These brands understand that clients at every price point want quality and style, and they make it easier to achieve that without compromising on either. When I design a kitchen or bath, having access to different tiers within a brand’s product line means I can offer clients a cohesive design while adjusting individual components to fit the budget.
While high-end clients will always exist, most homeowners are working within a budget. It’s worth noting that in today’s economy, many clients are more cautious with their spending, even if they have the means to invest in high-end products. Offering a good, better, best selection allows brands to capture these more budget-conscious consumers while still providing high-quality, stylish solutions.
