Unless buying custom manufactured wood cabinets, you are buying a series of boxes. A 100k euro kitchen installation of an Italian kitchen is one example from my portfolio. Differences are found in the hardware, the door/drawer pulls, weight of doors and exterior finishes. It is about the design, first. In our region, you can knock off 1200-2000 just be sticking with a full depth fridge--but it is design that will make it possible to install full depth and get a counter depth effect. In the Garden Oaks Fine Accommodation residential display suite I needed to prove that a high-end design can be executed for less. Again, it is design that does the trick. The owner of the kitchen above loves the pendants over the breakfast counter. I did not have the heart to reveal the price--$19 each. That owner likes/needs bling so the 14k euro chandeliers (2) in the foyer are a feature. But we get more comments on our pendants--because they are integral to the overall design. Real estate agents have pegged this kitchen at anywhere from 45-75k. It cost under 30k. DYI projects offer the opportunity to take the time that you might not otherwise allow to a designer (hence our need to come equipped with knowledge, contacts and suppliers that augment our services). I recommend drawing from images (Houzz is great for that) to start, then researching suppliers, collecting specs, and developing a document that covers all aspects of the kitchen from lifestyle needs to style to comparisons of product reviews. Whittle it down to an instruction for purchase and installation. Consider challenges such as the dreadful corner cabinet turntable and splurge on solutions that make your design truly functional. You'll appreciate the expense that delivers practical functionality. There are remarkable solutions for the corner cabinet--but my fav is to determine whether that space can become storage (cabinet or drawers) in an adjoining room. When not practical, articulated pull-out stainless shelves are functional--and cool. Undermounted sinks are great for clean-line counters. Well placed recessed lighting (design again) eliminates the need for other fixtures--and allows you free rein to purchase for focal point impact or (my preference) to fit seamlesly into the overall look. Enjoy the journey--have fun!

Temple and Webster have some great ones. So do eBay and Gumtree.

I didn't like any of the stock standard vanities I saw being sold. By chance I happened to see a second hand vanity being sold on FB so I brought it ( see photo). I liked its shape and solid profile but didn't like its colour. I took it to a auto car spray painter and had them spray paint it in Benjamin Moore Kendall Charcoal (a greige grey). They did an awesome paint job with a mirror like finish. I brought a piece of primestone (marble look) for the top, two small towel rails to be fixed in the underside of the vanity that is sticking out so I can hang hand towels on either side. I brought a new tap for it (but kept the vessel basin). I ordered in some new legs for it online because I didn't like the legs on it (see below). Its currently at a joiners getting put together. I've actually enjoyed the process of pulling it all together. Sure by the time it has been put together I probably would have spent the same amount that it would have cost me to do a custom vanity however I think there is something to be said for re-using something a second time round rather than buying into consumerism that abounds us. All up I've spent $1,074 NZD for the vanity, the spray paint job, new legs from www.prettypegs.com, the new towel rails from Reece Plumbing & buying a new Elementi tap. That doesn't include the joiners costs - yet. I needed storage in my vanity. This one fit the bill for me. Good luck with what you choose to do! I am doing a bathroom remodel as well and enjoying it.

I'd take a totally different route . It looks like there is that narrowish window in the lounge or dining area -- I'd look at whether you could make that into a ranch-slider ( yes , I am in NZ too -- if you say ranch-slider it confuses the Aussies haha ) . You'd need a structural engineer to make sure that wall isn't load bearing , and also electrical cables are able to be moved , but I'd suspect the load bearing bits would be the corners , and you'd be able to 'open up' that wall onto the deck . While it initially may seem counter-intuitive , you could then take out the door and that other taller window -- close it in and add a couple of small windows , or how about doubling down , and seeing if you can 'open up' between what you call the 2 windows above the stove -- have 1 long flat window along there , OR even do another bay window -- that will add more light , but also by taking out the opening door , you will get an extra metre of space , That way , you can do a different kitchen design -- maybe a wall mount oven , or a pantry , a breakfast bar in a different spot -- basically , plan the kitchen and the window placement at the same time . The advantages would be more usable space , more light , an indoor/outdoor flow but through the other room , not the kitchen . But with more glass actually in the kitchen , it will feel lighter and airier , plumbing won't be as much of a hassle , it will look better . The only possible downside would be the wall you put the ranchslider in will need to be kept clear , as you may lose a bit of space there , but the breeze and openness will make up for that IMO .