For many homeowners in Ireland, the journey to a new kitchen begins with a dream. You’ve scrolled through countless photos, saved dozens of design ideas, and imagined the laughter of family and friends gathered in a space that is truly yours. But then comes the big question: “How much will it all cost?”
It’s a question that can feel daunting, and for good reason. A kitchen renovation is one of the most significant investments you’ll make in your home. The reality is that there isn’t one single answer. The price of a new kitchen can vary dramatically, from a simple upgrade to a full-scale, bespoke kitchen transformation.
At Shalford Interiors, we believe in being upfront and transparent about the factors that influence the final price. We also believe that a new kitchen is more than a price tag; it’s an investment in your home, your lifestyle, and your happiness. The value you receive from a beautifully crafted, highly functional, and completely bespoke space will far outweigh the initial cost.
To help you navigate this process with confidence, we’ve broken down the five key elements that can increase the price of your kitchen, and more importantly, how our unique approach at Shalford Interiors ensures every euro is an investment in unparalleled quality and a space that is genuinely designed for you.
1. The Craft of Bespoke Cabinetry
When you choose a high-end kitchen, you are not simply buying a set of cabinets. You are commissioning a piece of art, a legacy of craftsmanship that is designed and built to last a lifetime. This level of bespoke artistry is often the single most significant factor in the overall cost, and here’s why:
What Increases the Cost
- Complexity of Design: Every Shalford kitchen is completely unique, from the ground up. This involves a significant time investment from our designers and master builders. Designing a space for a smaller Irish home requires incredible ingenuity—every nook and cranny must be optimised. The clean, minimal lines and hidden storage solutions that give our kitchens their signature sleek look are the result of meticulous planning. Straight lines and standard cabinets are straightforward. Curved units, hidden larders, or bespoke shelving systems, on the other hand, require a huge amount of skill and a vast amount of time to get right. This is where a high-quality, luxury kitchen differs from a modular, off-the-shelf option.
- The Build and Finish: The quality of the materials and the labour-intensive finishing process are paramount. We work with the highest-grade materials, from solid oak and walnut to durable moisture-resistant MDF. The final finish, whether it’s a hand-painted matte look or a high-gloss lacquer, involves multiple layers of preparation, sanding, and application to achieve a flawless, durable surface that will stand up to the rigours of daily life. This is a time-consuming process that cannot be rushed.
How We Add Value
This level of detail isn’t about vanity; it’s about unparalleled functionality and longevity. Our bespoke cabinetry ensures that every unit fits your space perfectly, a crucial consideration for the often compact kitchens in Ireland. We don’t just build cupboards; we create custom storage solutions that solve your specific problems, like a hidden spice rack or a pull-out pantry that makes the most of a narrow corner. This dedication to craftsmanship means your kitchen is built once, and built right, ensuring it remains the heart of your home for decades to come.
Planning Tip
Before falling in love with a specific layout, understand your home’s structural limitations. Our designers can often achieve dramatic visual impact through clever design without major structural work, saving thousands while creating the space you truly need.
2. High-Quality Worktops: The Centre of Your Kitchen
The worktop is more than just a surface; it’s the epicentre of your kitchen’s activity. It’s where you prep family meals, where the kids do their homework, and where guests naturally gather with a glass of wine. The material you choose for this crucial space has a significant impact on both the aesthetics and the price of your kitchen.
What Increases the Cost
- Premium Materials: The jump in price from a standard laminate worktop to natural stone, like marble or quartzite, or engineered stone like quartz is substantial. They are luxury materials for a reason. Quartz delivers a fresh, bright aesthetic. Natural stone offers incredible variation and character that complements the bespoke nature of the kitchen as a whole. Another premium material, porcelain, provides the ultimate heat resistance. The raw cost of the slab itself is a factor, but so is the precise, skilled labour required for templating, cutting, and fitting it to your specific design, especially if it includes a waterfall island or complex cut-outs for sinks and hobs.
- The Detail: The seamless, minimalist look of a high-end kitchen often relies on the worktop appearing as one continuous surface. This requires immense precision to ensure the joints are almost invisible and the finish is impeccable.
At Shalford, all of our materials are premium. We don’t compromise in the key areas, and everything meets our high standards.
How We Add Value
A premium worktop is an investment in both beauty and practicality. You can spend years trying to scrub a stain off a lesser surface, or you can opt for a high-quality material that simply wipes clean, maintaining its pristine look year after year. The durability and ease of maintenance of quartz or porcelain mean your kitchen will not only look beautiful on day one but will continue to do so, effortlessly, for a lifetime of family dinners and entertaining.
Planning Tip
Invest in high-impact, high-wear surfaces first, such as countertops, cabinet doors, and flooring. You can achieve luxury aesthetics at a lower price point in less critical areas like utilities, then upgrade later if desired.
3. The Power of Appliances & Integrations
For our clients, the kitchen is an extension of their modern, connected lifestyle. They want a space that is not only beautiful but also intelligent and effortlessly functional. Integrating high-tech appliances is a key part of this and contributes to the overall kitchen cost.
What Increases the Cost
- Cutting-Edge Technology: Choosing appliances with smart features, from Wi-Fi-connected ovens you can pre-heat from your phone to boiling water taps that save time and energy, adds to the total. The cost is not just for the appliance itself but for the expert installation and integration into the kitchen’s overall electrical and plumbing systems.
- Seamless Integration: The minimal, clean lines of a contemporary kitchen are achieved by integrating appliances so they disappear into the cabinetry. This means using bespoke doors on integrated fridges and dishwashers, and creating clever solutions for features like charging points and keeping surfaces clutter-free.
How We Add Value
While the price may be higher, the value is in the convenience and efficiency these features bring to your daily life. Imagine making a cup of tea in an instant with a Quooker boiling water tap. Or how about having an oven that suggests recipes and helps you cook the perfect meal with a connected app? These are the features that transform a beautiful kitchen into an intelligently-designed space that works for you, making everyday life a little bit easier and a lot more enjoyable.
Planning Tip
Consider which appliances you use most frequently and invest there first. An €8,000 range that you use daily provides better value than a €3,000 wine fridge you rarely access.
4. The Expertise: It’s Not Just About the Kitchen, It’s About the Process
The cost of a luxury kitchen isn’t just about materials and appliances. A significant portion of the investment is in the dedicated expertise and service you receive from start to finish. This is where the Shalford experience truly distinguishes itself and directly addresses common customer pain points.
What Increases the Cost
- Dedicated Design & Project Management: The time and skill of a dedicated designer who provides 1-on-1 attention, as well as the expertise of the builders, are key components. This includes the in-depth consultation process, where we get to know your lifestyle, and the creation of detailed physical and digital drawings. This is a crucial, non-negotiable step that ensures the final result is exactly what you envisioned.
- Seamless Communication & Timeline Management: Managing a kitchen renovation involves multiple trades and a complex timeline. The expertise of a dedicated project manager who coordinates everything from demolition to plumbing, electrics, and installation is what prevents delays, minimises disruption, and ensures a smooth process. You’ll have a single point of contact, reducing the stress and indecision that can plague a renovation.
How We Add Value
We provide a roadmap for your renovation, with a clear and communicated timeline. Our showroom is not just for viewing; it’s a tactile space where you can see, touch, and feel the materials and solutions, helping you make confident decisions. This meticulous process ensures that the value of what you receive is not only in the tangible product but in the peace of mind that comes from working with a team that has your best interests at heart.
Planning Tip
Professional installation of a handcrafted kitchen is a must, especially with the investment of a luxury kitchen. DIY kitchen installations can easily fail, often requiring expensive corrections. Professional installation ensures everything works flawlessly from day one.
At Shalford, we install all of our own kitchens. Each installation is a highly skilled and meticulous process, carried out by our in-house team of cabinet installers and hand painters. This level of care ensures a flawless finish
5. The Hidden Details That Define Quality
The devil is in the details, and in a luxury kitchen, those details are what separate a good kitchen from a truly exceptional one. While they may seem small, they can have a significant cumulative effect on the final price.
What Increases the Cost
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- Intelligent Storage Solutions: While we’ve mentioned bespoke cabinetry, the internal fittings are another factor. A premium kitchen incorporates clever storage solutions that make life easier, such as a pull-out spice rack, a walk-in pantry, or a hidden breakfast cupboard. These require specialised hardware and skilled installation.
- Lighting and Electrics: A good lighting plan with layered task, ambient, and accent lighting can transform a space. This involves careful planning and the expertise of a qualified electrician. Specialist lighting design and electrical work can add to overall costs and are typically handled by your electrical contractor.
- Hardware: The choice of handles, knobs, and hinges may seem minor, but it has a real impact on both style and cost. Premium materials like solid brass or custom finishes can elevate the look and feel of your kitchen, while soft-close hinges and smooth-glide drawer runners add functional quality. The more bespoke or design-led the hardware, the higher the price tends to climb.
How We Add Value
These are the elements that transform a kitchen from a place you simply cook into a place you love to be. They are the small daily luxuries that make life easier and the final touches that create a truly sophisticated, high-end feel. These details are not an afterthought; they are central to the design philosophy of a Shalford kitchen, ensuring that your space is beautiful, functional, and tailored to your every need.
Planning Tip
Make a “feature wishlist” and include everything you consider to be wants and needs in a new custom kitchen. Don’t hold back – coming armed with ideas will give your kitchen design specialist a starting point. Plus, you can reprioritise this list during your design consultation with the guidance of your designer to fit your budget without eliminating the luxury element.
A Case Study in Value: The Handpainted Knightsbridge Kitchen, Blackrock, Co. Dublin
Designed for a busy multigenerational household, this bespoke kitchen has transformed how the family uses and enjoys their home. The layout supports both family life and entertaining, balancing practical storage with handcrafted detail.
The in-frame cabinetry, hand-painted in soft Belgian-inspired tones, gives the space a timeless quality that will age beautifully. Beyond its appearance, every material choice and design decision adds lasting value and functionality.
Key features that add value to this kitchen include:
- Solid oak and Dekton worktops that combine natural warmth with resilience and easy care.
- Handcrafted in-frame cabinetry with traditional beading and mouldings for enduring character.
- Bespoke overmantle and Lacanche range cooker forming a striking and functional focal point.
- Custom internal fittings such as pull-out spice drawers and dovetailed solid wood drawers for lasting strength.
- Aged brass handles and mirror backsplash that introduce depth, texture, and light.
- Decorative island ends designed with custom panelling rather than plain square finishes.
What the family valued most was the sense of permanence and quality. Every element, from the solid carcasses to the fine hardware, was carefully selected to perform beautifully over time, creating a space that feels welcoming and refined.
Planning Your Kitchen Investment Wisely
Understanding these cost factors helps you make informed decisions rather than reactive ones. Here’s how to approach your kitchen investment strategically:
Start with lifestyle, not budget
How do you cook, entertain, and live in your kitchen? Understanding your genuine needs prevents expensive mistakes and ensures every element serves a purpose.
Prioritise lasting value
Invest most heavily in elements you’ll use daily and that are difficult to change later, such as layout, cabinetry, and major appliances. You can always upgrade smaller elements like lighting or hardware over time.
Consider total cost of ownership
A €30,000 kitchen that lasts 25 years costs approximately € 1,200 annually. A €15,000 kitchen requiring replacement in 10 years costs €1,500 annually, plus the disruption of a second renovation.
Factor in your home’s value
In Ireland, a well-designed kitchen adds 10-15% to property value. More importantly, it makes your home more enjoyable to live in and easier to sell when the time comes.
The True Cost of a Luxury Kitchen in Ireland
The cost of a luxury kitchen is not just in the materials or the technology; it’s in the complete, end-to-end experience. It’s in the peace of mind that comes from working with a dedicated team of experts. It’s in the bespoke design that fits your home and lifestyle perfectly. It’s in the exceptional craftsmanship that ensures your kitchen will be a timeless piece of furniture, not a temporary fixture.
More fundamentally, you’re investing in the heart of your home – the space where family meals are prepared, homework is supervised, guests are entertained, and countless memories are created. The difference between a budget kitchen and a handcrafted luxury kitchen isn’t just about materials and craftsmanship; it’s about how you feel in your home every single day.
Luxury isn’t about extravagance for its own sake. At Shalford Interiors, luxury is the standard. It is the assurance that every element, from the smallest hinge to the grandest countertop, has been chosen and installed with the utmost care. It’s the confidence that your kitchen is an enduring investment in the place you call home.
Ready to start the conversation about your bespoke kitchen?
We invite you to experience the Shalford difference for yourself. Book a free design consultation in our showroom and let’s start planning a space that is not only beautiful but entirely built for you.
Frequently Asked Questions About What Impacts Kitchen Costs in Ireland
How much does a kitchen cost in Ireland?
Kitchens in Ireland vary widely depending on specification. At Shalford Interiors kitchens start from €25,000; the final price reflects materials, design complexity and bespoke details that determine long-term value.
What are the main factors that affect kitchen price?
Key factors include materials and finishes, appliances and integration, design complexity and layout, structural work and installation, and the level of bespoke personalisation.
Why do luxury kitchens cost more?
Luxury kitchens use premium materials, precision craftsmanship and integrated appliances. These raise the upfront cost but deliver superior durability, performance and resale value. Additionally, the cost of a luxury kitchen reflects the depth of professional design, planning, and management behind it. A Shalford kitchen includes a dedicated design process that explores every detail — ensuring a layout and look that you’ll love and that will serve your family for years to come.
Our project management ensures every stage is coordinated and stress-free. When making a major investment, it’s critical to know you’re in capable hands — with a team that’s fully committed to your project.
Good design and professional management pay for themselves many times over. The inverse is also true: poor design or coordination can cost far more in the long run.
Is a bespoke kitchen worth the extra cost?
Yes — a bespoke kitchen is tailored to your home and lifestyle, maximising space, functionality and longevity. The upfront premium often pays back in durability and satisfaction over time.
How can a design consultation help plan for cost?
A consultation helps prioritise spend, identify where luxury materials matter most, flag structural or electrical needs early, and produce a realistic budget so there are no surprises.
How can I manage my kitchen budget without compromising quality?
Set clear priorities with your designer, choose luxury finishes for high-impact areas, allow a contingency for hidden costs, and phase non-essential upgrades if needed.
Do your kitchen costs include installation?
Yes — Shalford’s bespoke projects are managed end-to-end, including design, supply and professional installation for consistent quality and fewer unexpected costs.
How long does a bespoke kitchen renovation take?
Timelines depend on scope: a simple replacement can be weeks; full bespoke designs with structural changes typically take several months. Early planning reduces delays.
Will moving walls or plumbing increase my kitchen cost?
Yes — structural changes, new plumbing or moving services add to cost and timeline. These are important to identify in the design stage so your budget can account for them.
Do you design and install kitchens near Naas, Co. Kildare?
Yes — Shalford Interiors is based in Naas and supplies bespoke kitchens across Kildare, Dublin, and surrounding counties. Visit our Naas showroom to view finishes and talk to a designer.
How should I prioritise upgrades when planning a kitchen budget?
Prioritise durability and daily use: cabinetry and worktops where you cook and prep most, appliance choices that match your lifestyle, and storage solutions that improve function.