How much does it cost to design a new kitchen?

Design the beautiful kitchen of your dreams with the help of a professional kitchen designer. Using a kitchen designer provides you access to information and knowledge to make your kitchen the best possible area for your home. Kitchen designers work to take your vision, needs and requirements and formulate a design that maximizes the desired resources, budget and use of space.

The process of working with a kitchen designer is pretty straightforward. Compile your vision and special requirements before talking to a designer. Once you have a clear idea of what you need and want in your space, you can contact a few kitchen designers. Review each designer’s portfolio and details of how they prefer to conduct their designs. Make an appointment once you find a designer you feel comfortable with. During an appointment, the designer will assess your needs, take measurements and begin to formulate a design concept. The fast way to drive up costs is to change your mind, so be sure to be clear about your vision and needs before finalizing your design. With the final design, the cost will be estimated and the contract signed.

This cost guide overviews the costs for designing a sizable 200 sq.ft. new kitchen in a 1500 sq.ft. home, which averages $30,000.

Cost breakdown

• Labor:
  • Designer fees: the costs for using the services of a professional kitchen designer or interior designer can vary dramatically. Most interior and kitchen designers work on a retainer fee, and a “cost plus” charge. This takes the cost of the materials of the kitchen, plus a percentage (typically 20%) for the design costs. Some interior designers work on a flat fee, set during your consultation, that will include the retainer amount, the design fee, material selection, purchasing and travel. Designs for this cost guide project will be between $800 to $10,000.
  • Draw floorplan: design and layout of 200 sq.ft. would be expected to take around 10-14 hours including time to consult structural engineers and drawing time. This should include the labor estimate to plan collecting owner requirements, developing and presenting concepts, refine and finalize design concept and details as well as the planning, equipment and material acquisition, area preparation and protection, setup and cleanup.  Architects charge around $100-$125/hour. This places costs around $1,000-$1,750.
  • Cabinetry installation: the labor costs to install 5-6 cabinets into 200 sq.ft. kitchen is $260-$480.
  • Lighting installation: recessed lights ¹ are a very common light fixture for kitchens as they are attractive, modern and affordable. The labor to plan and install 6 recessed lights ¹ is $360.
  • Flooring installation: glazed tiles are a common flooring option for kitchens as it is affordable, durable and water friendly. The labor to plan and install glazed tile flooring is around $10 per sq.ft. for around $2,000.
  • Plumbing planning and installation: the labor to plan and plumb a kitchen for a sink and disposal system is $1,700.
  • Installation of switches and outlets: the labor to install 2-3 outlets and switches is $170.
• Permits: permits are set down by state and local authorities to ensure compliance with building codes. The range of building permit spending is between $366 and $1,340.
• Materials:
  • Cabinets: 6 basic grade wooden cabinets for $3,500.
  • Lighting: 6 eyeball trim style recessed lighting ¹ for $2,400.
  • Countertops: 6 ft. VT Dimensions countertops $660.
  • Flooring: Basic grade tile flooring is around $21 per sq.ft. or $4,200.
  • Appliances: standard energy efficient kitchen appliances, including range, dishwasher, refrigerator, oven, and microwave $8,208.
  • Backsplash ²: Basic grade backsplash ² tile averages $10-$15 per sq.ft. and materials for installation are $225 including sealer and mortar ³. For 16 sq.ft. of backsplash ² the expected cost would be around $400-$600.
• Outlets and Switches: 2-3 outlets will cost $100/each and switches will cost $70/each.

Enhancement and improvement costs

• Enhance your planning experience by ensuring your draftsmen or architect uses CAD software. This allows for easier visualization of the end product.
• Upgrade appliances for an additional 20%-60%.
• Add a peninsula ⁴ or island ⁵ for additional countertop and storage space for between $600 to $2,500.
• Many architects can also provide interior design services for your addition. Bundling the services together can often lead to discounts, oftentimes 20% or more.

Remodeling Terms Cheat Sheet

² Backsplash: The upright surface, often made of tile, behind a kitchen counter, sink, or stove, that protects the wall from damage from splatter due to kitchen activities

³ Mortar: A mixture of Portland cement or lime or a combination of both, sand, and water used to bind bricks, stones, and concrete masonry units together

⁴ Peninsula: A metaphorical term for an extended kitchen counter space connected to the wall on only one side

⁵ Island: A kitchen counter that is not attached to walls or other surfaces, and that can be accessed from all sides