Ever find yourself daydreaming about finally transforming that worn-out kitchen? Well, you’re not alone! At AKN Interiors, we’ve worked with countless homeowners who, like you, want a beautiful, functional kitchen, without hidden surprises. If you’re wondering, “How much does a Pittsburgh kitchen remodel cost in 2025,” grab yourself a cup of tea and let’s dive in.
Why a Reality TV Kitchen Remodel Cost Isn’t Reality
It’s tempting to believe that a full kitchen remodel can happen within a weekend and for a fraction of the cost, especially when those TV shows make it look so easy. However, the reality is much more involved. Most remodeling shows rely on donated materials and labor, which is not something most of us have access to. In the real world, every detail—every hinge, drawer, and countertop—comes with a price.
A well-done kitchen remodel involves precise planning, expert craftsmanship, and a budget that accounts for each item and service. But here, we’ll give you an honest look at a real project we recently completed at AKN Interiors, showing you everything that went into it, from the design phase to the final reveal.
Our Client’s Vision: An Old English-Inspired Kitchen Makeover
Our client, a busy business owner, had been wanting to remodel her kitchen for years. She envisioned a charming Old English-inspired kitchen that would blend timeless character with modern amenities. The existing kitchen, worn and dated, was no longer functional for her family and three dogs. The client’s first request? To create a space that felt like an English countryside kitchen. No microwaves hovering over the cooktop or cookie-cutter cabinets here!
From custom cabinetry to beautiful new flooring, our pre-construction team collaborated closely with the homeowner to craft a plan that would bring this unique style to life. Starting with the flooring, Our pre-construction team recommended engineered white oak throughout the first level, complemented by a cozy herringbone brick entryway. For that quintessential English charm, we opted for custom inset cabinetry with exterior-style hinges, bead board, and antique-inspired green cabinets, creating a space brimming with character. Let’s explore the design details further and the investment required to bring this vision together.
What to Expect for a Kitchen Remodel to Cost in 2025
Custom Cabinetry Designed with Precision
At AKN Interiors, we’re big believers in the value and beauty that custom cabinetry brings to a kitchen remodel. In fact, we think it’s essential! When homeowners consider custom cabinetry, they often wonder what makes it so different from the pre-made or semi-custom options. The answer is simple: unmatched customization, superior finishes, and long-term quality.
When it comes to semi-custom cabinetry, there are limitations that impact both style and function. Semi-custom cabinets often require fillers—awkward pieces of trim or paneling to bridge gaps or finish edges—which, let’s face it, don’t always mesh with the vision our designers and clients have in mind. Moreover, semi-custom options generally come in a restricted range of colors, so if you’ve envisioned the perfect shade or stain for your kitchen, you might have to settle for “almost.” At AKN Interiors, “almost” just doesn’t cut it.
Every inch of your cabinetry follows our designers’ exact specifications. That means no fillers, no compromises. If the design calls for a hidden spice rack beside the range, that’s exactly where it’ll go. When you invest in custom cabinetry with AKN Interiors, every drawer, door, and storage solution fits seamlessly into your kitchen design.
Cabinet Finish Beyond Compare
Custom cabinetry is more than just great design and functionality—it’s also about that flawless finish. Many people are familiar with big-box paint, where you choose a color, grab a can, and get to work with a brush. While that may work for walls, cabinetry requires a much more durable and refined approach. That’s where our custom finish steps in, using conversion varnish instead of traditional paint.
Conversion varnish is a two-part catalyzed finish, designed specifically for furniture-grade cabinetry. Applied with a smooth, high-quality spray finish, it dries harder and offers far more durability than regular paint. This finish creates an ultra-smooth, silk-like surface that’s resistant to stains, moisture, and wear, making it perfect for high-traffic areas like kitchens. Not only is the finish beautiful to the touch, but it’s also built to last for years, keeping that fresh-from-the-showroom look.
Cabinet Details and Investment
Back to the project. For a truly custom look, we designed inset cabinetry that would make any Old English countryside kitchen proud with bead board doors as well as in front of the peninsula. The lower cabinets were finished in Sherwin Williams’ Halcyon Green, and the upper cabinets in Alabaster, giving a beautiful two-toned effect.
All the drawers and interiors were crafted from black walnut that really made the green and white cabinets pop. We added specialty inserts like a spice rack beside the hood, a silverware drawer by the stove, a custom hidden wine rack to the right of the refrigerator, and pull out pantry drawers on the left.
The hood vent was designed to match the surrounding cabinetry, with a white oak band that perfectly complements the flooring.
This cabinetry package, complete with custom craftsmanship and specialty storage, came in at approximately $37,000.
Cabinet Hardware: Brass Details with Patina
To complete the English countryside look, we selected patinaed brass hardware from Rejuvenation. The pulls, and knobs created a sophisticated yet rustic feel. Did you notice the exterior hinges? That is one of our favorite touches that brought home the exact style the homeowner wanted.
The cost of these hand-selected brass details was approximately $1,800.
Countertops: Durable and Elegant Quartz
The countertops in this kitchen were nothing short of spectacular. We selected Mont’s Fantasy Quartz, featuring a rounded edge for a sleek, polished finish that balances beauty with durability. This quartz choice offers a striking look while maintaining the resilience that busy kitchens need.
Quartz countertops are an ideal choice for homeowners looking for low maintenance and longevity. Unlike natural stones like marble, quartz is non-porous, meaning it won’t absorb liquids, bacteria, or stains as easily. With quartz, there’s no need for annual sealing or specialized cleaning products.
This quartz is a top choice for those who want low maintenance and long-lasting elegance, totaling $11,000.
Backsplash: Classic White Tiles
The homeowner was thrilled to upgrade from her old 4-inch Formica backsplash to a stunning full-tile backsplash, transforming a once-overlooked feature into a true focal point in the kitchen. To complement the vintage charm of the space, we selected Tilebar’s Portmore White tile. Its classic, slightly textured finish adds character and depth, creating the perfect contrast against the soft green cabinetry.
The full-height tile backsplash not only enhances the aesthetic but also offers practical benefits—its smooth, easy-to-clean surface resists stains and moisture, making maintenance a breeze. The timeless white tile brings brightness and elegance to the space, balancing the warmth of the cabinetry and wood tones, while its durability ensures it will stay beautiful for years. This thoughtful choice completes the English countryside-inspired look, adding both style and function to this dream kitchen.
Backsplash cost was $600.
Flooring: Engineered White Oak with Timeless Appeal
Our client’s vision for continuity and elegance led us to choose Naturally Aged Vanilla Taupe White Oak engineered hardwood flooring throughout the first floor. This wood brings a warm, inviting tone that complements the kitchen’s countryside-inspired charm and ties together each room for a seamless, cohesive look.
Engineered hardwood is an excellent choice for busy homes, offering both beauty and resilience. Unlike solid hardwood, engineered wood is designed with multiple layers, making it more resistant to temperature fluctuations and moisture. Perfect for homes with pets, kids, or high foot traffic. The Vanilla Taupe finish adds a soft, neutral warmth that pairs well with various design elements while requiring only simple maintenance to stay looking its best.
This flooring added warmth and durability for $8,000.
Lighting: Bright and Stylish
We installed a thoughtfully selected mix of LED recessed lighting, undercabinet lighting, and pendant fixtures to create a warm, inviting ambiance while ensuring ample task lighting for every corner of the kitchen. The strategically placed LED recessed lights provide clean, even lighting throughout the space, while undercabinet lighting brightens work areas and enhances the beauty of the backsplash and countertops.
Above the peninsula, we chose pendants from Shades of Light in the Ocala design. These fixtures add a touch of elegance and draw the eye to the heart of the kitchen with their refined, rustic charm. In the dining area, we opted for the Simply Blake Basket chandelier, also from Shades of Light, which combines form and function beautifully, casting a gentle, warm glow over the table. Together, these lighting elements balance aesthetics and practicality, enhancing the kitchen’s charm and making it a well-lit, functional, and inviting space for family gatherings and cozy evenings.
Total lighting cost came to $1,600.
Appliance Package: Essentials in Timeless Style
While the client’s stove and fridge were still in great condition, we upgraded the vent hood insert and added a convenient undercabinet microwave drawer. This change was especially thoughtful, as the client’s mother lives with her.
By moving the microwave from its previous position over the range to a lower, easy-access drawer, we created a more accessible setup that allows her mother to use it comfortably and safely. The new microwave drawer not only enhances the kitchen’s functionality but also adds a sleek, modern look to the cabinetry, making this upgrade a win-win for both style and practicality.
These appliances totaled $1,700.
Sink and Faucet: Perfect for Tea Time
We installed a classic undermount sink paired with Delta’s Cassidy faucets in a rich bronze finish, creating a charming and functional setup that fit our client’s love for timeless style. This combination added a touch of vintage elegance while offering the durability and ease of maintenance essential in a busy kitchen.
Knowing our client’s love for tea, we also installed a convenient hot water spout, so she can prepare her favorite tea instantly without waiting for the kettle to heat. This thoughtful addition not only complements the kitchen’s English countryside vibe but also makes daily routines just a bit more delightful.
The sink and faucet package was $1,300.
Paint: Freshening Up the Entire First Floor
Finally, we refreshed the entire first floor with a carefully selected color palette that enhanced the home’s elegance and cohesion. For the trim, we chose Sherwin Williams’ Alabaster, a soft, warm white that adds brightness without being stark, creating a perfect contrast against other design elements.
On the walls, Pediment by Sherwin Williams, a muted, taupe-gray shade which adds depth and a subtle warmth that beautifully complements the Vanilla Taupe hardwood flooring and the green cabinetry in the kitchen. This combination of Alabaster and Pediment ties each room together, creating a cohesive, inviting ambiance throughout the first floor that feels both fresh and timeless.
Full paint costs were $7,600.
There is no I in Team in the Kitchen Remodel Cost
Labor and Additional Costs
Our team truly worked hard with a seamless blend of skill, coordination, and dedication. Labor costs covered the full spectrum of skilled trades essential to making this English countryside kitchen come to life.
Electricians carefully installed all new lighting, outlets, and appliances to ensure safe, reliable power throughout the kitchen. Plumbers handled everything from the farmhouse sink to the hot water spout, integrating each feature flawlessly with the home’s existing systems. Painters applied a pristine finish to walls, ceilings while our talented carpenters crafted the fine details that give the kitchen its unique character.
Project management played a key role, guiding the entire project from start to finish. This management effort involved coordinating timelines, communicating with our trades as well as the homeowner, and troubleshooting any on-the-spot adjustments, resulting in a smooth process without delays or surprises.
The whole project was like a well-orchestrated remodeling dance, where each professional stepped in exactly when needed, ensuring every detail aligned perfectly.
The cost was approximately $32,000.
Dust Control: Keeping the Rest of the Home Tidy
Dust control is a critical part of maintaining a clean and healthy environment during any remodel, and AKN Interiors takes this responsibility seriously. Remodeling inevitably creates dust and debris, especially during demolition and installation, which can easily spread to other areas of the home if left unchecked. To keep the dust contained, AKN Interiors uses a combination of zip walls and HEPA dust-filtering machines.
Zip walls are temporary, floor-to-ceiling barriers that seal off the construction area, preventing dust from migrating into other rooms. Additionally, HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) dust-filtering machines work continuously to capture fine particles and airborne debris, ensuring that the air within and around the project site remains as clean as possible. This careful dust management approach not only protects the homeowner’s furnishings and surfaces but also contributes to a healthier indoor environment, allowing the homeowner to live comfortably in their space while the remodel is underway.
Dust protection cost $1000.
Out with the Old: Dumpster
Having a dumpster on-site is essential throughout any remodel, and it’s a crucial yet often overlooked aspect of planning a successful project. During demolition alone, there’s an immense amount of debris, from old cabinetry and flooring to drywall and outdated fixtures, that needs to be disposed of properly.
As construction progresses, additional waste, like packaging materials, scraps from flooring, excess wood, and paint cans, continues to accumulate. A dedicated dumpster allows for an organized, safe workspace, preventing debris from cluttering the home and avoiding potential hazards.
In addition to a dumpster, having a portable commode is a thoughtful addition to the project site, especially for remodels that extend over several weeks or even months. For contractors and tradespeople, easy access to a restroom eliminates the need to repeatedly enter the homeowner’s private bathroom, reducing foot traffic and preserving the homeowner’s privacy.
Dumpster and commode cost $1,000.
Total Investment: Bringing It All Together
In total, this kitchen remodel came to approximately $104,800, a worthwhile investment for a timeless, high-quality space that the homeowner can enjoy for decades to come.
It’s important to remember that the cost of a kitchen remodel involves so much more than what we often see on reality television. Shows can be misleading, as they frequently receive donated materials and labor, significantly reducing the actual project cost and creating unrealistic expectations for homeowners. In reality, a remodel of this caliber involves extensive planning, high-quality materials, skilled trades, custom cabinetry, and a host of personalized finishes, all of which contribute to the overall investment.
For homeowners who are settling into their forever homes, these details make all the difference. Investing in a kitchen that reflects their personal style, with materials and finishes designed to withstand daily life, turns the space into a reflection of who they are. From custom cabinetry in a dream color to durable flooring and specialty features like integrated storage and high-end fixtures, a remodel becomes more than a simple refresh; it’s a transformative process that brings the homeowner’s vision to life. And for those planning to enjoy their space for years, this investment is one that truly pays off in beauty, functionality, and long-term value.
AKN Interiors’ Design-Build Approach: A Seamless Remodeling Experience
As a design-build firm, AKN Interiors is dedicated to making the remodeling experience as smooth as possible. We’re here to make remodeling as stress-free—and dare we say, fun—as possible. If you’re ready to invest in the kitchen of your dreams, reach out to us and let’s start planning your 2025 kitchen transformation together.
AKN Interiors proudly provides home remodeling services in the following areas: Mount Lebanon, Upper Saint Clair, Peters Township, Bethel Park, McMurray, Baldwin, Whitehall, South Hills, and Dormont.
