Homeowners can avoid going over their kitchen renovation budget by working out their highest priorities, an expert has said.Interior designer Barb Friedman told OregonLive.com that once people have worked out what matters most to them in a kitchen, they can plan the rest of their design and measure costs against other, less important changes.Ive never taken the attitude that you have to tear everything out and throw it away, said Ms Friedman.The news provider referred to Kathy and Chris Scheller a couple who decided to eschew the expense of replacing their oak cabinetry in favour of their bigger priority of replacing the tiling and countertops in their kitchen sink area.Although hard, trimming the laundry list of desires gave the Schellers what they really wanted - solid surface counters accented by a marble backsplash ... without breaking the bank, it added.According to Robert Cassidy, brand manager at Britannia Living, consumers are increasingly looking to personalise their kitchens, while ensuring that cooking areas serve their needs.