An Australian mum-of–six who renovated her entire kitchen for just $5,000 has revealed how she used Ikea and Kmart to help make it happen.
Krechelle Carter started from scratch – re-doing the floor, cabinets and applicances, as well as investing in new accessories.
And there are some top tips and tricks she shared with fans of her blog, Eight At Home.
First of all, Krechelle advises anyone thinking of renovating on a budget to take a look in Ikea.
‘We love our Ikea kitchen cupboards, sink, tap and managed to get a cabinetry line that was ending,’ Krechelle says.
‘Our bench tops were on clearance, literally cost us $200 total! By going for a timber rather than a stone you’ll save thousands.’
Whilst going for a wooden benchtop will mean more maintenance in the long run, Krechelle says she loves the country look.
But Ikea isn’t the only place you’ll get a bargain.
‘You can get kitchens off Gumtree – a lot of people our ripping out perfectly wonderful wooden cabinetry that can be reused and repainted! Some give away!’ Krechelle reveals.
When it comes to accessories, Krechelle admits she’s not one to simplify things.
‘For me homes are all about looking busy in a good way,’ she says.
‘It’s all about clearance shopping and good ol’ Kmart. Mixed with some antique shop finds! Op shopping; love!’
Krechelle says accessories in her new kitchen cost a total of $200 – sourced from Spotlight, Kmart and op shops.
Greenery was a must for this nature-loving mum too.
‘I may have gone a bit overboard but I love plants! They give it life!
And I just feel greenery really picks up a room!’ she says.
‘Bunnings is the place to get cheap wonderful inside ferns!
TOP TIP! Bunnings will replace any plants that die (or that you kill because you barely keep yourself alive) within twelve months of purchase – just keep your receipt,’ Krechelle suggests.
And as for appliances, the thrifty mum suggests opting for those that are the ‘end of the line’.
‘Nothing wrong with it… Nothing,’ she says. ‘My range hood was marked down to $80 because it was the last of its kind. So really I have a rare species range hood.
‘And my Russell Hobbs toaster and kettle were on sale and then because I bought a stove I got a further fifteen percent discount- because I asked!’
Tiles for the thrifty kitchen were sources from Beaumont – but Krechelle advises that it’s prudent to wait for sale time.
‘They-also have end of line sheds so for something like a splashback you can get enough in their end of line tiles! For so, so cheap!’
After peeking underneath her laminate floor, Krechelle discovered floorboards underneath, which she then had stained.
‘Get different quotes three minimum, our third guy charged us three thousand cheaper for our whole house than the first guy. And was so more helpful than the first!’ she revealed
