How Much Does It Cost To Create a Luxury Kitchen?

The kitchen is the heart of the home. It's not only where we eat, but also where so much of family life happens. It's our launchpad for fueling up before we leave in the morning, and it's the last place we linger in the evening with cherished guests or a solo midnight snack. A luxury kitchen is a big investment, but for many, being able to entertain and create everyday memories in custom comfort and style is priceless.

A luxury kitchen can also be a smart investment. The focus on quality generally means greater durability, longer warranties, more environmental sustainability and a boost to your home's resale value.

What Is a Luxury Kitchen?

A luxury kitchen is thoughtfully designed for both form and function. Beautiful materials—like marble, granite and quartz for countertops and natural stone, porcelain tile or polished concrete for floors—are as durable as they are attractive. One-of-a-kind artisanal touches, like handmade drawer pulls and lighting fixtures, can reflect your personal style. High-end appliances offer large capacity, advanced capabilities and tech-forward options like touchscreens and smart home integration.

The greatest luxury is choosing custom features that fit your own personal kitchen workflow and lifestyle. Perhaps that's a boiling water tap to speed pasta prep or brew tea on demand, a built-in pizza oven, or an ice dispenser that produces clear cubes or crunchy crushed ice. It could also mean designing a tidy layout that puts everything in easy reach for a solo chef, or a spacious plan that accommodates several generations of cooks in the kitchen at once.

Multiple factors contribute to the hefty price tag of a luxury kitchen remodel, from the initial design to the finishing touches. Structural changes, like removing walls and rerouting plumbing, are one big expense. Kitchen size and layout, materials, appliance and fixture selection, lighting and electrical work, labor and installation costs, and professional guidance all add up, and prices will be affected by where you live.

It's worth noting that the best reason for a luxury kitchen remodel is to live in a space you love, not just for the resale value alone. Here's the good news: A report from the National Association of Realtors reveals that 84% of owners have a greater desire to be in their home after remodeling.¹

If you're ready to invest in this quality-of-life upgrade, grab a notepad and start dreaming! Start by reviewing your finances, keeping in mind any upcoming expenses. Set a realistic budget based on your needs and wants. Expect costs to fall between $100,000 and $250,000+ for a top-of-the-line project.2 Cabinets are generally the single largest cost, followed by flooring, countertops, appliances and lighting.³ Decide what you can spend up front and how much you're willing to finance.

A kitchen remodel—particularly when high-end finishes and appliances are involved—is a project that benefits from working closely with carefully vetted home improvement professionals. From architects and designers to lighting specialists and cabinet crafters, reputable, experienced professionals add value by sharing best practices and expertise from their years in the business.

A designer specializing in luxury kitchens can help you see possibilities you may not have imagined. And a general contractor can keep everyone on the same page and ensure that all the parts of your vision work together—can your plumbing handle your new fridge, and is your wiring safe for your microwave?

You will work closely with your contractors for weeks or months, as a thorough remodel can take six to 10 weeks or longer.3 And design and planning fees could take about 10% to 15% of your overall budget.2 So it pays to make sure you're happy with your pick! Seek word-of-mouth referrals from people you trust, and don't be afraid to ask a potential contractor for references. Read reviews carefully, using reputable websites. Synchrony's Home Improvement Locator is a great place to start.

Choosing high-end appliances and fixtures opens the door to a world of customization. Think multifunction ovens with air-frying and steam modes, refrigerators with multiple temperature zones, and doors that blend in with your cabinets or become transparent with a touch. Luxury appliances offer design flexibility, energy efficiency and functionality.

First, decide which features and items are essential for you and your family. Think about your ideal kitchen's workflow and traffic flow, both day to day and on special occasions. Take time to really imagine different scenarios: Who's there? What are they doing? What colors and textures surround you?

Once you have your budget set and your dreams sketched out, your architect and designer can turn your ideas into a concrete blueprint, making sure to stay compliant with building codes and local regulations. Be sure to include time and budget for your local permitting process, which can vary widely by location.

Once the dust clears, you can enjoy a transformed kitchen with the gadgets you need, an aesthetic you love and the space to explore new possibilities for how you dine, entertain and live. Enjoy the quiet of the morning with a freshly pulled espresso, and wind down in the evening with a cocktail from your own wet bar or a selection of ice cream from your spacious freezer.

Use our handy Home Improvement Locator to find the right contractor for you and enjoy special financing to pay for the project over time. Bring your dream to life today!