Interior designers have probably told you that the best option for the countertop is granite, which costs about Rs.300 per sq. ft. But what they haven't told you is that there are plenty of varieties that don't cost as much.

"I visited wholesale stone dealers and found equally good varieties for about Rs.100 to Rs.150 approximately," says Ronald D'cruz, a bargain hunter.

Also, do up the framework for the lower cabinets with cheaper stone like kadappa (black limestone)instead of Indian marble. If your builder has provided you with a basic framework, then work with that. No one will see it anyway.

Tiles

When buying wall tiles, don't opt for imported tiles from big showrooms that start at Rs.150 per sq. ft. Brands like Nitco, Kajaria, Euro or Johnson have a wide range of tiles at an economic rate of Rs.30 - Rs.45 per sq. ft. You could even opt for generic varieties that are made in China.

Yes, you require anti-skid flooring that doesn't catch stains. But that doesn't mean granite is the only alternative. You could use vitrified tiles, which cost about Rs.60 to Rs.80 per sq. ft. Yet another good option is ceramic tiles that cost about Rs.40 per sq. ft.

Don't bother tiling up the all the kitchen walls. Just do up the walls above the counters. An ordinary coat of paint for the lower half of the kitchen will do just fine. You could use cheaper tiles for the parts of the walls and floor on the insides of cabinets.

Cabinets

Ditch the wood completely. It is way too expensive and is a pain to maintain. Opt for commercial ply instead of marine ply, as it is equally durable. Simply have it laminated on both sides.

Wondering if the trolley system is way beyond your budget? Go straight to the supplier rather than the showrooms. They sell trolleys by weight; around Rs.200 per kilo.

Glass shelves fall still cheaper. Salim Sheikh, who has designed many budget kitchens as a hobby, says, "Unlike wood, with glass, you can buy just the quantity you require." So there is no wastage of material.

Avoid drawers as far as possible. They involve more material, fittings and definitely more labour!

Electricals

You can avoid the ducted chimney or even an electric one that would cost you at least Rs.9000 by placing your gas stove next to the window. If that isn't possible, just go in for a simple exhaust fan. It won't be more than Rs.1000.

Try bright white tube lights or PL lamps that come with pretty fixtures. Pinky Saha, Interior Designer, Design and Concepts, Mumbai explains that they brighten up the workspace and save energy too. So you will save in the long run.