Kitchen Design Costs: What You Really Pay for Layout, Materials, and Installation

When you think about kitchen design costs, the total price of planning, building, and outfitting a kitchen space. Also known as kitchen renovation budget, it includes everything from tearing out old cabinets to installing new lighting and faucets. Most people assume it’s just about buying appliances or picking granite, but the real cost comes from labor, layout changes, and hidden details most guides skip.

Take cabinets, custom or stock units that form the backbone of any kitchen. Also known as kitchen cabinetry, they make up 30% to 40% of the total bill—way more than people expect. A basic set of stock cabinets might run $5,000, but if you want custom sizes, soft-close hinges, or premium finishes, that number jumps fast. Then there’s countertop materials, the surface you cook on, which can vary from $40 to $200 per square foot. Laminate looks good and costs less, but quartz holds up better and adds value. Granite’s popular, but it’s not always the smartest choice if you’re on a tight budget. Appliances matter too. A fridge isn’t just a fridge—it’s a $1,500 to $5,000 decision based on size, brand, and features like smart tech or built-in water filters. And don’t forget the plumbing and electrical work. Moving a sink or adding an outlet isn’t a $50 fix—it’s often $1,000+ if walls need opening or codes require upgrades.

Layout changes are where budgets blow up. Moving a wall? That’s structural work. Relocating the gas line? That needs a licensed pro. Even small shifts in the sink or stove can mean rerouting pipes or rewiring circuits. A simple refresh—paint, new handles, replacing the backsplash—might cost $8,000. But if you’re reconfiguring the whole space, including removing a wall to open up to the dining area, you’re looking at $25,000 to $50,000 easily. And that’s before you factor in permits, dust removal, or temporary kitchen setups.

There’s no one-size-fits-all number. Your kitchen’s cost depends on what you already have, how much you’re changing, and where you live. A kitchen in London won’t cost the same as one in Manchester. But knowing where the money goes—cabinets, countertops, labor, appliances—helps you make smarter choices. You don’t need to go top-of-the-line everywhere. You just need to know where to spend and where to save.

Below, you’ll find real breakdowns, common mistakes people make when planning, and how to avoid overspending without sacrificing quality. No theory. Just what works.