A Step-By-Step Guide for a Successful High-End Kitchen Remodel

A kitchen upgrade makes most Americans as happy as adding another primary bedroom or installing a new roof. That’s according to the latest Remodeling Impact report published by the National Association of Realtors. From a score of 1 to 10, more than 800 respondents scored a kitchen upgrade a perfect 10. The study also states that, along with other remodeling projects, it delivers better function, improved aesthetics, and lasting results. The increased happiness and a massive sense of accomplishment it brings can’t be discounted, either. (1) It’s no surprise that homeowners won’t hesitate to go all out, given a large enough budget. Whether you have a couple or a hundred grand lying around, the most essential thing in a kitchen remodel is to make every dollar count. So, how can you go about it? Here's a step-by-step guide for you: Set the Budget A high-end kitchen remodel begins with one question: “How much are you willing to pay?” This project won’t be your typical cabinet redesign or granite countertop installation. If the two big-ticket remodels featured in this Wall Street Journal story are any indication, a high-end remodel can involve either renovating a large kitchen or a complete overhaul. The latest numbers from Angi state that USD$20,000 is the low end for a major kitchen remodel and USD$65,000 for a complete makeover. However, these figures alone don’t mean much unless you take size into account. The average cost of kitchen remodel per square foot ranges from USD$75 to USD$250 (data as of June 2025). (2) You’d also want to add a contingency fund to the budget to cover unexpected expenses during the project. Some of these include construction waste removal, asbestos testing and removal (for pre-1980s kitchens), and mold remediation (for recently discovered mold). In this case, adding 20% of the initial budget is a good rule of thumb. As it’s a “high-end” kitchen remodel, there’s no point in settling for anything short of premium materials. Not necessarily the priciest in their category, but skimping on quality is the last thing you want to do here. As mentioned earlier, most homeowners are remodeling to improve their kitchens’ form and function. A kitchen remodel budget should consider at least these expenses. However, this is also the point where you'll decide if you should hire a professional. While DIY is possible, high-end kitchen remodeling Los Angeles requires an equally high-end expert to oversee the project. A good reason to hire one is that many elements in a renovation of this scale will likely involve custom-made designs and furnishings. Also, a professional with experience in Italian craftsmanship is a huge plus. Spread the Budget Now that you have your remodeling budget set in stone, the next step is to determine how much of it goes to each element. Fortunately, the cost breakdown below should serve as a good reference. Element NKBA Data1 Angi Data2 Other Sources3 Cabinetry 29% 41% 20 – 50% Countertops 10% 14% 7 – 20% Appliances 14% 5% 15 – 20% Flooring 7% 18% 8 –12% Lighting/Electrical 5% 5% 2 – 10% Plumbing 4% 2% 4 – 6% Walls and ceilings 5% No data 3 – 12% Backsplash No data 4% 5 – 6% Doors and windows 4% No data 4 – 5% Paint No data 2% 3 – 5% 1National Kitchen and Bath Association-recommended distribution 2Based on a USD$22,000 kitchen remodeling project in 2022 (2) 3Figures taken from various industry sources over the Internet Custom cabinet costs can reach up to half of the entire budget, and for good reason. The numerous utensils and appliances present in a typical kitchen mandate as much storage as the room allows. This means cabinets and drawers as far as the eye can see, making them the core feature of any kitchen and the focus of any kitchen remodel. Depending on your needs, premium appliances or countertops are a second priority. As with other elements, the choice for these two must be as future proof as your budget allows. It isn’t much of an issue for natural stone countertops (which can last over 100 years with the proper care), but kitchen appliances are usually only good for up to 15 years. Flooring materials can cost a pretty penny because a durable floor is needed. Not only does the floor have to withstand high foot traffic, but it also allows for easy cleaning of spills and other everyday kitchen messes. You may have noticed that labor cost is missing from the table. Choosing to hire a kitchen renovation contractor is up to you, but the whole breakdown will change greatly when you do. Estimates range from 13 to 67% of the budget (based on industry sources). If labor will be hefty but you don’t want to compromise on materials, consider increasing the budget. Regardless, experts advise avoiding being tempted by the lowest quote. A kitchen remodel, let alone a high-end one, should only happen once in a while. A contractor who offers low quotes risks cutting corners wherever possible, forcing clients to pay extra for later repairs. Create an Efficient Layout The layout determines where each element of the new and improved kitchen will go, down to the fruit basket. Think of this as the precursor to the blueprint. Some measurements and other information may be included, but no need to be precise just yet. Image source: Adobe Stock One idea comes to mind in layout planning: the kitchen work triangle. Initially conceived by industrial psychologist Lillian Gilbreth as circular routing, this design principle establishes the ideal distances among the fridge, stove, and sink. As a result, most kitchen renovation designs at the work triangle’s prime were L-shaped or near-total enclosures. But by "prime", does that mean it isn’t as relevant today? At least, that’s what a growing number of interior design professionals say. Gilbreth came up with the concept around the 1920s when the average kitchen was much smaller than it is today. Applying it to a larger kitchen increases the distance between the three elements, limiting your (and the licensed contractor’s) design freedom. That said, some professionals still swear by the work triangle, though it isn’t to be applied as strictly as before. Instead, the priority has shifted to considering how homeowners use their kitchens. After all, cooking isn’t the only function of the modern kitchen anymore. For example, a kitchen island is the best addition if you want your kitchen to double as a dining area. Increasing its surface area allows for installing other features like the sink or oven, as well as additional storage. Design for Accessibility The Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis last year discovered a rise in the ratio of employed Americans to the U.S. population suffering from disabilities. From 31.1% pre-pandemic, the figure increased to 37.7% in 2024. Below is a detailed breakdown. (3) Disability or Limitation E-P Ratio in 2019 E-P Ratio in 2024 Deafness, blindness, or severe difficulty in hearing or seeing (even when wearing prescription glasses) 65.6% 66.8% Severe difficulty in doing certain physical activities (i.e., climbing stairs, walking, bathing, dressing) 27.2% 32.3% Severe difficulty in performing errands, remembering details, focusing on tasks, or making sound decisions 39.1% 50.9% Suffering from more than one of the circumstances above 15.6% 19.1% What does all this have to do with kitchen renovation? Quite a lot, actually. The rise in disability risk can translate to more households housing people with disabilities (PWDs). Without accessibility features, PWDs will struggle to do even basic tasks such as opening a kitchen cabinet or drawer. Entering the kitchen may even become a chore, especially if there isn’t enough space for their walker or wheelchair. Whether or not your home will soon be home to a PWD (or an aged person), incorporating accessibility into a kitchen design is never a bad idea. The layout for such a kitchen is basically the same, but it needs to account for the clearance of the walker or wheelchair. The space should enable the PWD to move close to and away from a workstation with ease. You may also need to invest in some forms of assistive technology, such as: •  Height-adjustable countertops: Working the same way as sit-stand office desks, these countertops can change their height with the push of a button. •  Voice-activated smart appliances: These high-end appliances integrate voice recognition technology to help users operate them without pressing buttons. •  Sensor-based underfloor monitoring: The underfloor contains sensors that can detect a PWD’s presence in the kitchen and notify residents or caretakers. •  Heat induction stoves: These stoves cook food using magnetism, heating up only when they come into contact with cookware that emits its own magnetic field. Having these upgrades in place will make the kitchen set-up even more accessible for everyone. Conclusion High-end kitchen remodeling is less about getting the most expensive things on the market and more about paying more for better function. Seeing that a new and improved kitchen will stay with you for years, it only makes sense to invest in more efficient layouts, quality materials, and accessibility features.   References 1. "2025 Remodeling Impact Report National Association of REALTORS ® Research Group." Source: https://www.nar.realtor/sites/default/files/2025-04/2025-remodeling-impact-report_04-09-2025.pdf 2." How Much Does a Kitchen Remodel Cost?" Source: https://www.angi.com/articles/how-much-should-kitchen-remodel-cost.htm 3. "Gascon CS, Martorana J, Moore S. The Changing Composition of Disability among America’s Workers." Source: https://www.stlouisfed.org/on-the-economy/2024/aug/changing-composition-of-disability-among-workers