What would you do if your kitchen reno budget doubled overnight?

I’ve actually done that with some old cabinets - moved them to the laundry room and suddenly I had way more storage for all the random stuff that piles up. It’s kind of wild how a fresh coat of paint and new hardware can make them feel totally different. Have you ever tried donating cabinets to a local reuse center? Sometimes they’ll even pick them up, which is handy if you’re not feeling super DIY.

I’ve donated cabinets before, but sometimes the pickup schedules are a pain to coordinate. Curious - when your budget goes up, do you splurge on custom cabinetry or stick with repurposing and upgrades? I always wonder if the ROI justifies the custom route.

If my kitchen reno budget doubled, I’d have to really weigh the options. Custom cabinetry is tempting, but I’m not convinced it’s always the best move for ROI or sustainability. Here’s how I’d break it down:

- Custom cabinets look amazing and fit your space perfectly, but the price tag can be wild. Unless you’re in a high-end neighborhood where buyers expect it, you might not see that money back when you sell.
- Repurposing or upgrading existing cabinets is way less wasteful. Sometimes a good paint job, new hardware, or even swapping out doors makes a huge difference. Plus, you keep stuff out of the landfill.
- If I had more budget, I’d probably invest in high-quality, eco-friendly materials - think solid wood or bamboo - rather than going fully custom. Maybe splurge on soft-close drawers or organizers that make life easier but don’t break the bank.
- The pickup scheduling thing is real. Last time I tried to donate cabinets, I ended up storing them in my garage for two weeks because the charity was backed up. Not ideal, but still better than dumping them.
- One thing people forget: custom doesn’t always mean better function. I’ve seen some beautiful custom kitchens with awkward layouts or wasted space. Sometimes working with what you have and making smart upgrades gives you more bang for your buck.

Honestly, unless you’re after a very specific look or have a tricky floor plan, it’s hard to justify full custom from a pure ROI perspective. I’d rather channel extra cash into energy-efficient appliances or better lighting... things that actually improve day-to-day living and save money long-term.

But yeah, if someone handed me a blank check? Maybe I’d finally get those deep drawers for pots and pans I keep drooling over...

Couldn’t agree more about custom not always being worth it. I did a partial upgrade last year - painted cabinets, swapped hardware, added organizers - and honestly, it changed everything for way less cash. Deep drawers are a game-changer though... totally worth the splurge if you can swing it.

If my reno budget doubled overnight, here’s where I’d put it - especially in an old house:

- Restore original details (think: moldings, maybe even a tin ceiling if I got lucky).
- Upgrade lighting with vintage-inspired fixtures. Makes a huge difference.
- Deep drawers, yes, but also pull-out pantry shelves. Life-changing for awkward corners.
- Splurge on a statement backsplash. Adds character without gutting everything.

Deep drawers are a game-changer though... totally worth the splurge if you can swing it.

I’d actually argue for open shelving too - sometimes less cabinetry opens up the space and shows off those quirky historic walls. Not for everyone, but it works in my place.