How Much Does Professional Kitchen Design Cost in 2025?

This article was updated using automation technology and thoroughly reviewed for accuracy by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.

Are you curious about how much a professional kitchen design might cost in 2025? You're not alone. The cost can vary widely—from $500 to $65,000—with most homeowners spending $17,461 on average. Several factors influence this cost, including the size of your kitchen, the complexity of the design, the level of customization you want, and the experience of the design you choose. Designers charge an hourly rate between $65 and $250 or 10% to 20% of your total project cost. For a standard kitchen size of 100 to 250 square feet, completing a design plan takes about 10 to 20 hours. More complex designs or larger spaces can increase both the time required and the overall expense.

Kitchen Design Prices by Type of Pro

Whether you hire an independent certified kitchen designer near you or go with a retailer or specialty service, there are pros and cons to each, with different pricing models and values. There are three types of kitchen design services to consider:

In-Store Consultations

Many national retailers offer in-store consultations for free. Stores specializing in cabinets and countertops also offer this. High-end designers offering custom-made layouts may charge around $150 to $450 per meeting.

Not all storefronts are visible, but they will have a showroom inside. Their fee usually includes a home visit to take measurements and draw up a plan. It's standard for the cost of the session to be deducted from the final bill.

One downside to going with a store retailer for a kitchen remodel is that not all staff members are trained in kitchen-specific designs. They might help configure the layout of your cabinets and countertops but may not specialize in understanding design principles to pick out the best light fixtures or color palettes for your project. On the other hand, a certified kitchen designer is an expert in all of these aspects.

Certified Independent Kitchen Designers

Certified kitchen designers typically charge approximately $65 to $250 per hour, or 10% to 20% of the total remodeling costs. For mid-range projects, you can expect to pay them $1,500 to $3,000 in total.

They usually require a down payment before starting work. They include house visits, planning and design time, and overseeing the entire project to its completion. They save you time and money by ensuring efficient communication and logistics between local architects, contractors, and suppliers.

An independent kitchen designer is just one person, so you don’t get the benefit of working with a design team like you would with a professional design center. However, you'll get more one-on-one time for the designer to really understand your preferences and vision for a dream kitchen.

Professional Design Centers

Professional design centers charge about $100 to $750 per hour. You'll pay more if you work with a firm with certified experts or hire independent professionals. Although this is an expensive option, they will help you choose materials and fittings and advise you on subtle design elements such as color schemes.

A professional design center gives you a team of designers to work with. While this is likely the most expensive option, it's essential to get your kitchen design right because it's such an important room to your home's overall value. A professional design center has all the expertise and equipment needed to do the job well.

Hourly Rate for Kitchen Designers

Aside from one-time free consultations, if you want an independent designer to oversee the entire construction, they will charge you about $65 to $250 per hour, or around $1,500 to $3,000 for a mid-range project. Executing a high-end plan by a professional design center costs around $800 to $6,000 per day.

Kitchen Design Cost Factors

Many factors go into working with a professional kitchen designer, from the total time spent on your project to delivering on the smallest details. Before you move forward with hiring a pro, consider these aspects:

Level of Involvement

The level of involvement dictates the time a professional spends on your project. Do you want someone to work up a design and hand it over to someone else to execute? Or do you want your designer to be a full-on project manager? Do you have an average-size kitchen or a huge one? The answers to these questions will determine how much time your designer needs to make your dream kitchen come to life.

Structural Plans

Structural plans cost more than just replacing countertops, cabinets, and appliances. If major structural changes are needed, your designer must work with a local structural engineer or architect to ensure your home stays stable while executing the new design.

In-House vs. Outsourced Pros

Outsourcing can be more expensive than using an in-house team of builders, architects, and engineers. When you hire an independent certified kitchen designer, they may have to outsource more than an in-house team from a retailer or design center with all those people on staff or already under contract.

Deliverables

Deliverables like 3D renderings are more expensive than written reports and 2D drawings. Developing more intricate and complex kitchen designs will take more time and, therefore, more expense.

Permits

A building permit costs between $400 and $2,300 but can cost as much as $6,000, depending on your needs. However, you only need a building permit if you're modifying the structure or changing your home's electrical, plumbing, or mechanical elements. Talk to the contractor and your designer if you have any concerns. If you're part of a homeowners association, check your covenants, conditions, and restrictions (CC&Rs).

DIY vs. Hiring a Professional Kitchen Designer

While hiring a professional kitchen designer can provide a tailored and expertly executed plan, opting to design your kitchen yourself may save you around $5,000 on your remodel costs.

For significant kitchen renovations, we recommend hiring a professional certified kitchen designer near you because they have the experience to:

• Pull together a team of trusted and reliable experts.

• Source the best materials at the lowest prices.

• Manage subcontractors and manufacturer orders.

• Innovate safe and practical designs that can increase your home's resale value.

A kitchen remodel is a big undertaking, and a lot can go wrong without the help of a pro. However, if you want to DIY your kitchen remodel, there are a few parts you may be able to do on your own to save money, including:

• Updating the paint on the walls and cabinets

• Tiling projects like backsplashes, countertops, or floors

• Installing shelves or building detached storage racks or cabinets for extra storage space

• Attach new cabinet fixtures

• Swapping in new appliances

• Install new light fixtures or ceiling fans

• Redecorating the kitchen

Questions to Ask Your Kitchen Remodel Designer

Not all kitchen designers are alike, with different styles, vendors, and experience levels. Asking the right questions will help you find the best person for the job. Consider asking:

1. Are you certified by the National Kitchen and Bath Association?

2. Have you done kitchens similar to the one I want?

3. Can I see photos of your previous work?

4. How many plans will you develop?

5. Which cabinet, countertop, flooring manufacturers, and installers do you work with?

6. What's your target timescale and the overall process you follow in your projects?

7. Will the redesign add value to my home?

8. What’s the best way to communicate with you throughout the project?

9. What is your pricing structure?

10. How much input do I get in the design as the homeowner?

Once you’ve picked out a few pros and asked these questions, the next step is to request quotes for kitchen remodeling costs from design pros. This will ensure you get a reasonable price for the best value catered to your personal project.

How HomeAdvisor Gets Its Cost Data

No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. After a project is complete, we survey real customers about the costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.