We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs.

For hands-on advice from designers and pro DIYers, plus more scrappy before + after transformations, subscribe to Reno. Let your inbox do all the hard work—for now.

So far we’ve delivered kitchen design ideas for $100, $1,000, and $5,000 budgets. And while we firmly believe in saving wherever possible, sometimes you’ve got to fork over the cash to get your dream space. We’re talking about splurging. 

There are plenty of ways to divide up $10,000, but if you want to see what every penny is worth, put it toward one major upgrade. With help from the experts at HomeAdvisor, we came up with three kitchen renovations you should absolutely make on this budget. 

An Airy Floor Plan

Open sesame! Demolition will cost between $1,200 and $3,000 for a single-story home and between $3,200 and $10,000 for a multistory home. Sourcing permits to break through a wall that has plumbing or electrical in it will add to your timeline. The average cost for a home with just one level is $6,600. 

Personalized Storage

While labor and materials for fresh millwork will cost between $500 and $1,200 per linear foot or $15,000 to $36,000 total, going with premade stock cabinets from a big-box retailer like IKEA will cut your spending way down—think more like $3,000 to $9,000. Make your stock cupboards your own by tacking on a fresh coat of paint, antique hardware, and modular drawer dividers.

A Fresh Prep Space

New York City designer Young Huh says this update would be her splurge of choice. “Adding a statement stone, whether natural or man-made, can be really dynamic and striking. There are so many gorgeous options nowadays and at all different price points,” she notes. 

Marble prices vary more than that of most other stones. Calacatta can soar to $180 per square foot, while pink, Carrara, and statuario are your least expensive options. The final price will include the raw slab plus the fabrication. (On average, budget $5,350 for labor and materials.) We’re just scratching the surface now. 

Our Winter Renovation issue is here! Subscribe now to step inside Leanne Ford’s latest project—her own historic Pennsylvania home. Plus discover our new rules of reno.