How much does a new kitchen cost?

You’ve spent hours pinning kitchen ideas, scrolling through Instagram inspiration, and dreaming about your perfect space. But when it comes to turning that vision into reality, the big question is — how much will it actually cost? And how do you make sure you’re spending wisely?

At Urban Myth, we know that redesigning your kitchen is a big investment — and it can quickly spiral without proper planning. That’s why we believe in helping clients get the most from their budget, without compromising on style, quality, or functionality.

Here’s our expert advice to help you plan effectively, avoid overspending, and create a kitchen that works beautifully for you.

Set a Realistic Budget — The 5-15% Rule
A good place to start is understanding how much you should spend. Industry experts (including us) generally recommend allocating 5-15% of your home’s current value to your new kitchen.

For example, if your property is worth £300,000, a realistic kitchen budget would range from £15,000 to £45,000. If you’re renovating to sell, staying within this range ensures a healthy return on investment. If you’re creating a long-term family kitchen, it may be worth spending towards the upper end for long-lasting quality and features you’ll enjoy every day.

Urban Myth Tip:
Be clear about your priorities — is this kitchen an investment in resale value, or an investment in your lifestyle?

Layout Over Size — Smarter Design Saves Money
While the size of your kitchen will naturally influence cost, the layout and design can have an even bigger impact on how much value you get for your money.

At Urban Myth, we help our clients make the most of their space, focusing on flow, function and storage. A well-designed, compact kitchen often delivers better results than a large, inefficient one.

Urban Myth Tip:
Before committing to structural work like extensions or removing walls, speak to a kitchen designer. A clever layout might save you thousands.

Splurge vs. Save — Make Informed Choices
A successful kitchen project is all about knowing where to invest and where to be cost-conscious. Here’s how we advise our clients:

Where to invest:

Quality cabinetry and durable worktops - they’re the backbone of your kitchen and will last for years.

Appliances - especially if you cook or entertain regularly.

Lighting - essential for both atmosphere and practicality.

Where you can save:

Internal storage extras or unnecessary gadgets.

Overly bespoke finishes that won’t improve functionality.

A recent Houzz study revealed that 48% of homeowners overspent on their kitchen projects, usually due to changing plans mid-way or underestimating installation costs. A trusted partner like Urban Myth can help you avoid that.

Urban Myth Tip:
Create a clear "must-have" and "nice-to-have" list early in the process. We can help you prioritise and suggest cost-effective alternatives where needed.

Always Factor in the Hidden Costs
No matter how organised you are, unexpected expenses can and will arise — whether it’s extra plumbing work, electrical upgrades, or last-minute design tweaks.

That’s why we recommend building in a 10-15% contingency fund on top of your initial budget. Our team will give you realistic, transparent costings at the start, but having a buffer ensures you’re prepared for any surprises.

Urban Myth Tip:
Don’t just budget for the kitchen itself — remember installation, flooring, lighting, appliances, and professional services too.

Why Work with a Trusted Kitchen Design Partner?
A kitchen renovation isn’t just about choosing cabinets and colours — it’s about making hundreds of small decisions that affect how you live in your space every day. Having an experienced, trusted partner like Urban Myth on your side will help you:

Get clear, realistic costings — with no hidden surprises.

Make smart design decisions that suit your budget and lifestyle.

Avoid expensive mistakes and project delays.

Create a kitchen that adds real value to your home.

Urban Myth’s Top Tips for Budget-Friendly Kitchen Planning
Set your budget early and stick to it.

Focus on layout, flow and function before aesthetics.

Know where to invest and where to save.

Allow 10-15% contingency for the unexpected.

Get professional design advice from the start.

Ready to bring your dream kitchen to life — without the stress and overspending?
Talk to the expert team at Urban Myth today. We’ll help you plan, design and deliver a kitchen that looks incredible, works beautifully, and makes the most of every penny.

See more of our recent projects from real homes here