The Real Cost of a Kitchen Renovation in 2026 (and Where People Get Caught Out)
If you’ve started thinking about a kitchen renovation recently, you’ve probably already had a small moment of panic after a few Google searches.
One article says $25k. Another says $80k+. Your neighbour’s cousin apparently did theirs for $15k in 2019.
Here’s the honest truth. Kitchen renovation costs in 2026 vary wildly and most budget blowouts come down to planning gaps, not poor decisions.
Add to that the influence of Instagram, Pinterest and renovation TV and it’s easy to fall in love with a dream kitchen without fully understanding the cost implications behind the image.
Let’s talk about what kitchens actually cost now, where people get caught out, and how to avoid expensive surprises.
Our beautiful Myrtle House project benefitted from a strong core team of interior designer, builder and cabinet maker - all committed to a successful project.
What does a kitchen renovation cost in 2026?
For a typical Melbourne home, most full kitchen renovations currently fall into these ranges:
$45 - $60K - modest update, limited layout changes, entry-level cabinetry
$70k - mid-range renovation with custom cabinetry, stone benchtops and layout adjustment
$80k - $120k+ - fully custom joinery, structural changes, upgraded appliances, high-quality finishes
And that’s before we talk about the things that aren’t always obvious on Instagram.
Where clients get caught out
Many clients come to me with beautifully saved inspiration - oversized islands, sculleries, statement stone and fully integrated everything.
The issue isn’t the vision.
It’s that social media rarely shows the price tags attached to those decisions.
1. Underestimating cabinetry costs
Cabinetry is usually the single biggest cost in a kitchen, and also the most misunderstood.
Custom joinery pricing in 2026 reflects:
material increases
detailed internal cabinetry (drawers, bins, storage systems)
taller cabinets to ceilings
That beautiful, calm, handle-less kitchen? It’s doing a lot more work behind the scenes than people realise.
2. Appliances blowing the budget quietly
Instagram kitchens often include:
integrated fridges
induction cooktops with concealed extraction
double ovens
wine fridges
built-in coffee machines
They photograph beautifully but each inclusion carries a cost.
Appliances are often chosen late - once cabinetry is already designed - which is risky.
Integrated fridges, induction cooktops with extraction, pyrolytic ovens and upgraded sizes can add $20k+ very quickly.
If appliances aren’t budgeted early, something else usually has to give.
3. Benchtops: the hidden installation cost
Stone benchtops are a big one. The material price is often reasonable, even for natural stones like marble and quartzite.
What catches people out is installation:
waterfall ends
mitred edges
thick profiles
large island slabs
access constraints
crane requirements
It’s not uncommon for installation and fabrication to exceed the stone supply cost itself, often double what you’ve paid for the material.
4. Structural work no one planned for
Some of the biggest cost surprises come from what’s behind the walls:
removing load-bearing walls
relocating plumbing or gas
upgrading electrical boards
floor patching after wall removal
These aren’t glamorous expenses but they’re very real, and sometimes can’t be planned for until demolition occurs.
5. Thinking finishes are a small line item
Splashbacks, handles, sinks, tapware and lighting can easily add up.
Individually they don’t feel expensive. Together, they absolutely are - designers strategically select materials to work with your budget, dialling up and down to get the best result with our thorough knowledge of finishes.
6. No contingency buffer
Even the best-planned renovations should allow a 10–15% contingency.
Not because something has gone wrong but because older homes often reveal surprises once demolition starts.
Renovations are not new builds. They require breathing room.
The Butler’s Pantry conversation
Butler’s pantries are one of the most requested features I see, largely thanks to social media and can be a wonderful inclusion.
They can also add significant cost through:
duplicate cabinetry
additional benchtops
extra plumbing
more electrical
reduced space for the main kitchen
Often, the same functionality can be achieved through:
smarter internal storage
appliance towers
concealed pantries
better island planning
The goal isn’t to remove the dream - it’s to design it intelligently.
No butler’s pantry here! Dedicated storage with customised internals maximise this space and provide easy access.
How good design keeps budgets under control
A well-designed kitchen isn’t about adding more rooms or more cabinetry.
It’s about:
efficient layouts
multifunctional storage
realistic appliance selection
reducing unnecessary duplication
Streamlined design often delivers:
a calmer aesthetic
better day-to-day functionality
and a far more controlled build cost
You can absolutely have a beautiful kitchen without going crazy on size or inclusions. By working with me, you’ll get the added benefit of a kitchen that performs better, lasts longer and is tailored to how you and your family actually live.
The biggest budget mistake I see
Trying to design a kitchen before understanding realistic costs.
When budgets aren’t aligned early:
layouts get redesigned multiple times
documentation changes mid-process
builder pricing becomes inconsistent
stress levels rise quickly
A clear budget framework upfront makes every decision easier.
This is exactly why I created my Kitchen Budget & Planning Guide
Most clients don’t need a cheaper kitchen.
They need clarity.
My downloadable Kitchen Budget & Planning Guide walks you through:
realistic cost ranges for 2026
where your money actually goes
decisions that impact price the most
how to prioritise spend without compromising design
It’s designed for those starting out on their renovation planning and want confidence without guesswork.
If you’re planning a renovation in 2026, start with information, not assumptions.
👉 Download the Kitchen Budget & Planning Guide here
And if you’re ready for someone to take control of the process and guide you through it properly — you know where to find me.