Quality vs. Quantity
Products are available in a wide range of options.
Many homeowners prefer to begin with the minimum quantity needed, then upgrade the quality. While your space may allow for eight cabinet units, perhaps you only need six. Then your budget will allow you to upgrade species or special features.
Formica countertops can be upgraded to solid surface or granite years down the road. However, it's difficult to upgrade cabinetry. If you have to choose, put your budget into the cabinetry. A countertop that will last a lifetime does not belong on a cabinet that won’t.
Try using a more expensive design option as a focal point in an otherwise basic kitchen design, or a more expensive solid countertop option as a focal point for the island, with coordinating laminate as the remaining countertops.
Select decorative tiles as an accent rather than as the main field of tile.
Less expensive lighting fixtures or door and drawer pulls can be upgraded at a later date.
Compromise. If you chose to upgrade your range, you might consider selecting a more basic refrigerator. Allow yourself plenty of time to make selections. Making selections early, rather than under time constraints, allows for comparison shopping and careful consideration of preferred features.
Resist purchasing on impulse.