A new kitchen is one of the most meaningful investments you can make in your home. It is where daily routines begin, friends gather, and craftsmanship and design are experienced every single day.
When every surface and handle has been thoughtfully made to last, the space becomes a source of lasting pride and comfort.
Recent data from the Society of Chartered Surveyors Ireland (SCSI) highlights a steady rise in residential construction and refurbishment costs across the country, reflecting both material inflation and growing demand for quality craftsmanship.
As home improvement budgets increase, more homeowners spend and invest in kitchens that deliver exceptional design, functionality, and long-term value rather than settling for short-term fixes.
So when planning a new kitchen, the real question is: What will create a home that feels beautifully made for the way you live?
How Much Is a New Luxury Kitchen in Ireland?
The investment required for a new kitchen depends entirely on the level of craftsmanship, the quality of materials, and the degree of design personalisation involved. A bespoke kitchen is custom to the home and the people who live in it, which means the budget reflects unique choices rather than off-the-shelf prices.
Every project begins with a conversation about lifestyle. More specifically, your lifestyle.
A family that cooks daily may prioritise generous storage and high-performance appliances. A home designed for entertaining might focus on elegant custom cabinets, a showpiece island, or seamlessly integrated living and dining spaces.
As these priorities take shape, so does the budget.
Because each kitchen is planned and crafted specifically for one home, the range of expected investment can vary significantly. The most influential factors include:
- The size and shape of the room in the house
- The level of bespoke cabinetry and joinery required
- The choice of finishes, worktops, new flooring, and fittings
- Appliance specification and technology integration
- Whether the design extends into utilities, pantries, kitchen cabinets, or neighbouring rooms
Rather than working from fixed price lists, high-end Irish kitchen specialists recommend discussing goals, functionality, and aesthetic vision early on.
This confirms the final design aligns with both the desired look and the value you wish to achieve. And don’t be afraid to get a quote based on your needs – being as specific as you can will help determine the most accurate price of a new kitchen. Knowing the estimated total cost of the full kitchen remodel from the jump will save money in the long run.
For most clients, a fully bespoke, handmade kitchen begins at around €30,000, with final costs shaped by the level of detail, the scope of cabinetry, and the features chosen for the space.
What Should Be Included in a New Kitchen Budget?
When planning a new kitchen, it helps to understand exactly what forms the core of the investment. For a bespoke maker like Shalford, the budget focuses on the parts of the project that shape the quality, longevity, and overall feel of the space. This includes the design work, the craftsmanship that goes into every cabinet, and the skilled fitting that brings the kitchen together in your home.
These elements create the foundation of a kitchen that functions smoothly, looks refined, and stands the test of time.
1. Design and Planning
Exceptional kitchens begin with thoughtful design. This stage involves collaboration between the client and the designer to translate lifestyle needs into a practical, beautiful layout.
It includes consultations, concept drawings, 3D renderings, and material samples. Investing time and expertise here ensures every decision made later supports both aesthetic and functional goals.
2. Cabinetry and Joinery
Cabinetry is the core of the investment. Each piece is built to measure, using high-quality materials and traditional joinery methods.
This includes:
- In-frame or frameless cabinetry crafted specifically for the space
- Solid timber or premium board carcasses
- Dovetailed or handcrafted drawers
- Internal storage features such as pull-outs, trays, inserts, and organisers
- Decorative detailing such as cornices, mouldings, pilasters, and panel work
- Hand-painted or hand-finished surfaces
This level of craftsmanship ensures strength, durability, and a sense of permanence that mass-produced cabinetry cannot offer.
3. Installation and Fitting
Expert installation ensures the cabinetry performs as beautifully as it looks. This covers:
- On-site fitting of all cabinetry
- Perfect alignment of doors, drawers, and integrated panels
- Final finishing and fine-tuning
- Coordination with other trades where needed
Professional fitting protects the quality of the cabinetry and ensures a flawless finish.
What’s
Not Included – Additional Costs to Plan For
To support transparent budgeting, the following elements are not included in the cabinetry cost. These can be sourced independently or coordinated through trusted partners.
Worktops and Splashbacks
Surfaces such as quartz, porcelain, and natural stone are costed separately. Pricing depends on:
- Thickness and edge detail
- Cut-outs for sinks and hobs
- Installation and templating
- Whether the splashback uses matching slabs or complementary materials
Appliances
Items such as ovens, hobs, extractors, fridge-freezers, dishwashers, wine fridges, and boiling-water taps are not included in the cabinetry cost. Prices vary widely depending on brand, specification, and installation needs.
Plumbing
While sinks and taps are included in the total cost of a new kitchen, plumbing works and connection labour are handled separately.
Electrics and Lighting
Electrical works for appliances, sockets, lighting, switches, or rewiring are not included. Clients may use their own electrician or request recommended partners.
Flooring, Tiling, and Building Works
Any structural changes, flooring updates, plastering, tiling, painting, or decorating fall outside the cabinetry budget.
Maximising Value in a Bespoke Kitchen
A bespoke kitchen is an investment in quality, comfort, and longevity. True value comes from the design choices that stand the test of time, both in function and in feeling.
Plan with Purpose
Every successful kitchen begins with clear intent. Taking the time to define how the space will be used shapes smarter design decisions from the start.
A well-planned layout minimises wasted materials, reduces unnecessary complexity, and creates a space that supports daily routines naturally. Working closely with designers to refine that vision early on helps translate ideas into practical, lasting results.
Check out Trending Kitchen Design Ideas for Irish Homes
Choose Materials That Endure
Materials are where value truly lives. Natural timber, stone, and quality paint age beautifully and can be refinished rather than replaced.
Classic colour palettes and balanced proportions also contribute to a kitchen that feels relevant year after year. The goal is not to follow trends but to create something enduring, a space that feels as elegant in a decade as it does on installation day.
Invest in Craftsmanship
Expert joinery, precision fitting, and attention to detail transform a design from concept to legacy. Skilled kitchen craftsmanship confirms everything aligns, operates smoothly, and performs reliably for years.
While custom work carries a higher upfront investment, it eliminates the need for early replacements or constant adjustments, saving both time and cost in the long term.
Collaborate with Specialists
The most successful projects come from collaboration between the designer, craftsman, and client.
A specialist team guides each decision, from appliance selection to finishing details, which provides aesthetic harmony and technical precision. Open communication and shared vision allow the design to evolve naturally while staying true to the client’s lifestyle and expectations.
Think Beyond the Kitchen
A bespoke kitchen rarely exists in isolation. Extending craftsmanship into adjoining spaces such as utilities, pantries, or dining areas adds continuity and refinement.
These connected designs create a sense of architectural flow throughout the home, strengthening both the visual and emotional value of the project.
Learn how to integrate boot rooms and pantries into your complete luxury kitchen.
Working with Bespoke Kitchen Designers in Ireland
Choosing to invest in a bespoke luxury kitchen is as much about collaboration as it is about design. From the first consultation to final installation, every stage benefits from thoughtful planning, open conversation, and a shared vision.
A bespoke process allows every element (from layout to finish) to reflect how a home truly functions and feels.
What defines a handcrafted kitchen is the quality revealed in its details: seamless joinery, balanced proportions, and finishes designed to age gracefully. These are the results of time, precision, and skill. From countertops to lower cabinets, these details give each kitchen its own quiet sense of permanence and character.
At Shalford, every project begins with a promise to create something enduring. Each design is tailored to the home it belongs to, meticulously crafted to measure by expert craftsmen, and finished to the highest standard.
Ready to start your project with the right contractor? Book an appointment today!
Frequently Asked Questions about Kitchen Costs in Ireland
How much does a new kitchen cost in Ireland?
Budgets vary depending on size, design, and craftsmanship. Bespoke kitchens often start around €30,000, while fully customised designs with premium finishes and appliances can exceed €50,000.
What factors influence the price of a kitchen?
The main influences are cabinetry quality, materials, layout complexity, and appliance specification. Bespoke joinery, natural materials, and integrated storage or lighting can all increase costs.
How can I plan a realistic kitchen budget?
Begin by outlining your priorities and how you’ll use the space. Include design, cabinetry, appliances, worktops, installation, and aftercare. Getting a customised quote helps confirm a realistic figure.
Are bespoke kitchens worth the investment?
A handcrafted kitchen offers exceptional longevity, perfect fit, and materials that age beautifully. Though the initial cost is higher, the long-term value and durability justify the investment.
What should I include when comparing kitchen quotes?
Ensure each quote covers design, manufacture, installation, and finishes. Check if appliances, worktops, and aftercare are included so you can make fair comparisons.