Ultra Low Budget Kitchen Design Guide under 20K rupees: Quick in 1 Min

Ultra Low Budget Kitchen Design Guide Under ₹20000 in India

Creating a functional kitchen on a ₹20,000 budget might sound impossible—but with smart choices, it’s totally doable. This guide shows you how renters, small-town homeowners, and families can build a working kitchen without overspending.

According to the Livspace India Kitchen Report 2024, 68% of Indian homeowners plan kitchen renovations under ₹50,000.

Who Is This For?

1. Renters needing a kitchen for less than a year
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3. Tier-3 city or village homeowners
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5. Elderly or single-person households with basic needs
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7. Families setting up a secondary or utility kitchen

What Can You Do With ₹20,000?

Here’s a practical cost breakdown:

1. Countertop: Cement slab + ceramic tiles — ₹2,000–₹3,500
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3. Base Cabinet (brick work): Brick masonry + tile — ₹4,000–₹6,000
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5. Open Shelving: Wood or metal racks — ₹1,000–₹2,000
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7. Wall Finish: Paint or stickers — ₹500–₹1,000
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9. Lighting: LED bulb or strip — ₹300–₹600
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11. Hardware: Hinges, handles — ₹300–₹500
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13. Labour: Local workers (1–2 days) — ₹1,500–₹3,000

Total Estimate: ₹10,000–₹19,000

5 Smart Design Strategies (With Real Indian Cases)

1. Brick Counters, Not Cabinets

Strategy: Skip expensive plywood cabinets. Use bricks + tile finish.

Real Case (Delhi): A homeowner built their entire base for ₹5,500 using leftover bricks and local tiles.

2. Go Fully Open Storage

Strategy: Wall-mounted open shelves are cheaper and easier to use.

Real Case (Pune): A young tenant used open plywood shelves for ₹1,800. It doubled the space feel.

3. One Painted Wall + One LED

Strategy: Light color paint + 1 LED bulb = brighter kitchen

Real Case (Bangalore): An elderly couple used ₹350 on paint and a strip light—totally transformed the vibe.

4. Stick To Essentials Only

Strategy: No fancy hobs or microwaves. Just a stove + sink is enough.

Real Case (Lucknow): A 3-person family reused fittings and spent ₹12,000 for a fully working kitchen.

5. Source Everything Locally

Strategy: Buy tiles, cement, shelves, tools from local market—not brand stores.

Real Case (Nagpur): A DIYer got all items from Itwari Market and completed the project under ₹18,000 including labour.

“For under ₹20K, the key is simplicity—brick counters, open racks, and smart layout. Nothing fancy, just functionality.”

— Rashmi Verma, COA-registered architect, Bengaluru

Best Layouts

1. Straight kitchen – ideal for rented flats
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3. L-shaped – makes corner usage better

 Avoid U-shaped or island layouts—they cost more and eat space.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

1. Overbuilding cabinets you'll never use
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3. Spending on premium finishes for rental kitchens
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5. Buying expensive branded hardware unnecessarily
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7. Skipping basic lighting or ventilation

Instagram Accounts To Follow

1. @budgetkitchenindia – Smart ideas for ₹20K kitchens
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3. @simplekitchenmakeovers – Before/after transformations
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5. @diyhomedecor_india – DIY hacks with local materials
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7. @smallspaceliving_india – Optimizing compact layouts
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9. @affordableinteriors_india – Budget-first interior inspiration

Final Words

Don’t wait for a big budget to start your kitchen. With local materials, a focused plan, and clear priorities, ₹20,000 is more than enough to create a clean, functional space that works.

Small budget. Big function. That’s the Indian way.

About the Author

Ethan Brooks is a senior interior designer with 10+ years of experience in small-space homes across India and the US. He specializes in modular kitchens, sustainable upgrades, and budget-friendly living for Indian families.