How Much Does a Kitchen Renovation Cost in 2026? (Chicago Pricing Guide)

Renovating a kitchen can feel like stepping into a maze without a map. You hear numbers tossed around, but what do they really mean? How much does a kitchen remodel cost in 2026—and what are you actually getting if you spend more or less?

As an architect and interior designer, I’ve led countless kitchen renovations in Chicago and beyond. The most imporant decision we make is the layout. Are we keeping the appliances in place or do we need to make strategic changes to improve flow and functionality? Then we design cabinetry details, decide on type of storage, materials, lighting, plumbing, accessories and think everything through before construction begins.

Old Soul, New World Evanston Kitchen Renovation, designed by Adina Hall Design.

This guide is here to simplify the process. Real numbers, clear expectations, and a look at what actually happens along the way.

Download our Kitchen Renovation Case Study Guide, complete with investment cost for every item so you can thoroughly plan your renovation.

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How Much Does It Cost to Renovate a Kitchen?

This is it. Let’s tackle the biggest question.

For an average size kitchen with about 40 linear feet of cabinetry and an island, here are realistic investment ranges:

• Good: $65,000 to $90,000

• Better: $115,000 to $140,000

• Best: $175,000 to $220,000+

These figures reflect a comprehensive renovation scope—including cabinetry, countertops, appliances, and labor—though costs can vary depending on layout changes, material selections, and site conditions.

Two important things to keep in mind:

• Layout changes drive cost. Moving plumbing, electrical, or walls adds complexity quickly.

• Plan for a 15–20% contingency. This is for unexpected conditions that can come up during demo and for the upgrades you’ll likely want once you see the design come together. Accessories like double layered cutlery inserts, lazy susans, pull-out boxes, spice organizers, built-in coffee machine will definitely enhance the functionality of your kitchen and your long-term satisfaction, and are worth the added cost.

  
  

  Some of these accessories can be added after-market however I always recommend planning them in day one for the best results.

Double-layer cutlerey drawers to maximize storage needs.

Planning for an efficeint place to store trays and cutting boards will help you maintain clean counters and maximize the use of your storage cabinets as these can take a lot of space when stored horizontally.

Where Your Money Actually Goes

Understanding where your money goes helps you make smarter, more intentional decisions.

Here’s a breakdown of the main cost drivers:

Item	Typical Range
Cabinetry	$45,000 to $80,000+
Countertops	$8,500 to $28,000+
Appliances	$12,000 to $45,000
Labor	$30,000 to $50,000
Lighting, plumbing, hardware, etc.	$3,000 to $30,000

Cabinetry

Cabinets typically take the largest share of the budget—and for good reason. They define how your kitchen functions day to day. Stock cabinets are more affordable, but semi-custom and custom options dramatically improve storage, organization, and overall feel. If the budget allows, we recommend full overlay or inset doors, plywood boxes and dovetailed drawers for maximum durability.

Countertops

Quartz remains a popular choice for its durability and low maintenance. However, as the industry evolves, there is growing awareness around the environmental and health impacts associated with its production—particularly related to silica dust exposure in manufacturing.

As a result, we are seeing a shift toward natural materials.

Stones like marble and quartzite bring a level of depth, movement, and tactile quality that feels more connected to nature and elevates the overall experience of the kitchen. Interestingly, many of these materials can be sourced at a similar price point to higher-end quartz selections.

They do require a bit more care, but for many homeowners, the beauty and authenticity they bring to a space make that trade-off well worth it.

Appliances

Standard appliance packages can work beautifully, but for clients who cook or host often, upgrading appliances can significantly enhance performance, aesthetic and experience.

Labor

Labor covers installation, plumbing, electrical, and finishing work. This is not where you want to cut corners—quality execution is what makes everything come together seamlessly.

Additional Costs

Lighting, plumbing fixtures, hardware are also itemst that directly impact the usability of your kitchen or that you touch every day. You want to plan the correct levels of lumens for each area and treat your lighting as the statement element in the kitchen while the hardware and the plumbing acts as the jewelry.

Mixing “good,” “better,” and “best” elements strategically is often the smartest way to stay aligned with your budget while prioritizing what matters most.

What You Actually Get at Each Investment Level

Now that you know the numbers, let’s talk about what those budgets translate to in real life and look at some real examples from our projects.

GOOD ($65,000 to $90,000)

• Layout: Keep the existing layout to avoid costly plumbing or electrical changes.

• Cabinetry: Stock cabinets, usually from big-box stores or standard manufacturers. These offer limited styles and finishes but are functional and reliable.

• Countertops: Quartz countertops that are durable and low maintenance, available in a variety of colors and patterns.

• Appliances: Explosed, standard models from trusted brands like GE or Whirlpool—functional and efficient without luxury features.

• Upgrades: Basic lighting improvements, new hardware, and fresh paint to brighten the space.

  👉 Best for a clean, functional reset without getting into major construction.

  
  

Our Evanston kitchen renovation sits in the Good category, with a tight and efficent layout, flat slab laminate wood-look custom cabinets that stop short of the ceiling, exposed appliances and tiled backsplash.

Our Glenview kitchen renovation designed for a developer sits in the Good category with painted stock shaker cabinets and a espresso wood island, exposed appliances, quartz coutnertop, mosaic backsplash.

BETTER ($115,000 to $140,000)

• Layout: Targeted layout changes to improve flow and storage, such as adding a pantry or expanding the island.

• Cabinetry: Semi-custom cabinets with more style options, better materials, and features like soft-close drawers and pull-out shelves.

• Countertops: Higher-end quartz or entry-level natural stone options like granite or quartzite.

• Appliances: Mid-range appliances with upgraded features, such as convection ovens or smart refrigerators.

• Upgrades: Enhanced lighting design, including under-cabinet lighting, upgraded plumbing fixtures, and more refined hardware.

  👉 This is where the kitchen starts to feel intentionally designed—not just updated.

Our Blooming Gardens project features a kitchen that sits in the Better category, with luxury exposed appliances, natural granite coutnertops, full overlay cabinets, and designer lighting.

Our Ravenswood new construction kitchen features a 14' long island, waterfall edges on both cabinetry runs, full height shaker cabinets, tiled backsplash and exposed appliances.

Our Wauconda Lake House Kitchen renovation sits at the upper end of Better with full height custom cabinets, waterfall quartz island, designer lighting and an oversized island. Using mosaic backsplash, and a mix of exposed and panel-ready appliances were a few smart moves to control the investment level.

BEST ($175,000 to $220,000+)

• Layout: Significant layout changes, including opening walls or relocating plumbing and electrical for a fully customized design.

• Cabinetry: Fully custom cabinetry with tailored storage, premium materials, and integrated solutions.

• Countertops: Luxury natural stones like marble or quartzite, often with custom detailing.

• Appliances: Top-tier brands with professional-grade performance and integrated features.

• Upgrades: Designer lighting, high-end plumbing fixtures, custom backsplashes, and elevated finishes throughout.

  👉 This is where the kitchen is designed entirely around how you live—and it shows in every detail.

Our kitchen renovation in Lincolnwood required a masssive renovation as we completely relocated the kitchen to the dining room, raised the ceiling and renovated the enclosed patio to become a year-round dining area. The kitchen featuring custom millwork, natural quartz countertops and backsplash, integrated lighting and top of the line appliances sits in the1 Best category.

This bespoke kitchen renovation sits at the lower end of the Best range as it was an extensive renovation including floors, walls, ceiling, cabinetry, lighting and a new breakfast banquette area. We were able to salvage some appliances and maintain the existing layout which offered significant cost savings.

Our recent kitchen renovation in South Barrington, featuring custom millwork, iconic lighting, natural Patagonia Quartzite countertops and slab backsplash, integrated lighting and panel-ready appliances sits in the Best category.

This level is for those investing in a luxury kitchen renovation cost that delivers a unique, high-performance space tailored to their lifestyle.

Kitchen Remodel Step-by-Step Process

Navigating a kitchen renovation can feel overwhelming—but when it’s broken into clear phases, it becomes much more manageable.

This is the exact sequence we follow on our projects to avoid delays and costly surprises during construction.

1. Define Your Goals and Budget

Decide what you want your kitchen to do differently—and how much you’re comfortable investing. This becomes the foundation for every decision that follows.

2. Hire the Right Professionals

An architect and an interior designer helps plan the layout, materials, and overall vision, while a reputable contractor brings it to life. Alignment early on makes the entire process smoother.

Tip: hire a firm with an integrated approach, providing both licensed architecture and interior design for a more efficient process.

3. Design and Planning

This is where everything is fully thought through before construction begins:

• Layout, storage, and flow

• Cabinetry, appliances, lighting

• Materials and finishes

• Permits and documentation

ProTip: Most issues in construction don’t come from the build—they come from decisions made too late in this phase.

4. Ordering & Pre-Construction

Key items like cabinetry, appliances, and fixtures are ordered in advance to avoid delays once construction begins.

5. Demolition and Preparation

The existing kitchen is removed, and walls may be opened if the layout is changing. This is also when any hidden conditions are uncovered.

6. Rough Construction (Behind the Walls)

Trades come in a specific sequence:

• Framing (if layout changes)

• Plumbing rough-in

• Electrical rough-in

• HVAC adjustments (if needed)

• Inspections

• Insulation and drywall

7. Installation

This is when the kitchen starts to take shape:

• Flooring (depending on sequencing)

• Cabinet installation

• Countertop templating and installation

8. Finishing Touches

The final layers bring everything together:

• Plumbing fixtures (sink, faucet)

• Lighting and electrical finish

• Appliances installed

• Backsplash and hardware

• Paint touch-ups and final inspections

9. Enjoy Your New Kitchen

Move back in and start enjoying a space that was designed to support how you actually live.

Renovating your kitchen is a significant investment, but understanding the real costs and what you get at each level helps you make informed decisions. Whether you aim for a good, better, or best kitchen remodel, planning carefully and working with experienced professionals ensures your project stays on track and delivers the results you want.

Where People Overspend (and What to Watch For)

• Making layout changes after construction starts

• Underestimating the importance of cabinetry

• Choosing lower-quality materials that won’t last

• Not planning storage early

  
  

Final Thoughts

A kitchen renovation is a significant investment—but when it’s done thoughtfully, it gives back every single day.

Not just in how it looks—but in how it works, how it feels, and how easily it supports your life.

And that’s ultimately what good design is about.

Thinking About Renovating Your Kitchen?

Feel free to book a Complimentary Design Consultation here:https://calendly.com/adinahalldesign/complimentary-design-consultation

During this strategic session, we’ll talk through your goals, timeline, and investment—so you can move forward with clarity.

You can also view our work here: www.adinahall.com

Looking forward to connecting,

Adina