HOW MUCH DOES KITCHEN DESIGN COST?

By Kevin Dean

You should know how much a service costs before you get involved with a company.  This article will explain the costs of kitchen design.

What does a kitchen designer do?

A kitchen designer is someone who designs the flow and function of your kitchen space.  They take your ideas, inspiration, budget, and available materials to create a design that works for you.  A designer will tailor the space to fit your needs.  They can also design the space with the most updated trends and styles. 

What about interior design?

A kitchen designer can get involved in the interior design of your space.  But typically their recommendations will be limited to countertops, backsplash, and hardware selection.  When a designer begins to consider factors such as flooring, paint color, and furniture, they are getting into interior design.

An interior designer is someone who works with the overall aesthetic and function of a space.  They go beyond the kitchen, and design the entire house.

What is the difference between a kitchen designer and interior designer?

The difference, kitchen designer vs interior designer.

How much does a kitchen designer cost?

Kitchen designers can charge in two ways.

• A designer might charge by the hour.  This can range from $50 to $200 per hour depending on the reputation of the designer and their location.  
• A designer might charge a percent of the total job cost.  This is typically 10% of the total job cost.

These are the common costing methods for kitchen design services.  However you may find another method of charging.

How can I work with a kitchen designer?

Oftentimes kitchen design costs are included in the cost of the cabinetry.  You may have to put down an initial deposit for the design services but this charge would be deducted from the final cabinetry cost.  In these situations it can work to the client’s advantage.  This is because you can have as much design time as you need and there is no hourly cost.

In these situations, it can become quite a fun process.  The back and forth with your designer, figuring out all of the details to make sure you get exactly what you want out of your kitchen.  And because it is not an hourly fee, you don’t have to worry about this time.

When working in these situations, it is best to be honest with your designer.  This includes your wants and needs, your budget, and if you are considering alternative companies.  Kitchen designers are often happy to invest in your project.  But in order to make the most of your time, they should know what your dream space includes and what you are prepared to spend.  To mislead your designer can be quite frustrating.  You might be afraid to declare your budget but consider that your designer doesn’t want to spend all your money, but rather wants to show you what is possible with your money.  Please be honest with your designer.