Custom Cabinets, Cambria Quartz, and $87K Full Renovation
We just wrapped up a full kitchen remodel in Seattle, and this one was a top-to-bottom job — new layout, new cabinetry, new finishes. Sharing it here because it’s a good look at what a real full-scope kitchen renovation in Seattle actually costs and what you get for the money.
The Before
The original kitchen had dated oak cabinets, double ovens crammed into a corner, and almost no storage space. The sink was off-center from the window, the fridge stuck out like a sore thumb, and there was a random nook that didn’t get used at all. The layout made cooking awkward — you could tell the house was built in a different era.
What We Changed
We designed this kitchen from scratch with function in mind. Here’s what we tackled:
- Custom Cabinets: Full-height pantry wall with a built-in bar inside. Lower cabinets are custom shaker style, color-matched to the space, and include deep drawers for pots and pans.
- Panel-Ready Built-In Fridge: Installed a built-in fridge with matching cabinet panels so it disappears into the wall — no big stainless box breaking up the view.
- Cambria Quartz Countertops: Durable, easy-care, and perfect for a high-use kitchen. We also ran a quartz backsplash for a clean, continuous look.
- Copper Farmhouse Sink: Centered perfectly under the window, replacing the old off-center sink. We also rerouted the plumbing to make this work.
- Gas + Venting: Rerouted the gas line for the range, installed a custom metal hood with real strapping, and tied it into a proper vent.
- Arched Openings: Built new arches for the pantry entrance and kitchen entryway, which completely changed the feel of the space.
- Electrical + Lighting: Full electrical update, new LED recessed lighting, plus very high-end switches and dimmers (yes, including a three-way switch that wasn’t cheap).
- Paint + Trim: Painted the entire kitchen, installed new baseboards, and added custom trim details to tie everything together.
The Results
The finished kitchen feels twice as big even though the footprint is the same. The custom cabinetry gave the homeowners tons of storage — the hidden bar in the pantry wall is a favorite feature. The copper sink and range hood add character, while the Cambria quartz brightens up the space and ties the design together.
The arches were a small detail that made a big impact — you notice them the second you walk in. It feels like a custom home now, not a builder-grade spec kitchen.
Kitchen Renovation Cost in Seattle
We get a lot of questions about kitchen renovation costs in Seattle, so here’s a real breakdown for this job. Total was $87,000, which included design, labor, materials, and project management.
- Custom Cabinetry & Installation: $35,000
- Cambria Quartz Countertops & Backsplash: $12,000
- Plumbing & Gas Work (sink relocation, new lines): $8,500
- Electrical & Lighting (rewire, LED cans, premium switches): $7,000
- Custom Metal Range Hood & Venting: $6,500
- Paint, Trim, Baseboards: $4,500
- Appliances & Panel-Ready Fridge Install: $8,000
- Design & Project Management: $5,500
Yes — you can renovate a kitchen cheaper if you go with stock cabinets and skip custom details, but for homeowners who want something that looks like it belongs in a design magazine, this is the price range we see in 2025 for Seattle.
Before + After Photos
We attached photos so you can see what we started with and how far this kitchen came. The before shots show the old oak cabinetry and awkward layout. The after shots show how much cleaner and brighter the space looks with custom shaker cabinets, the copper sink centered under the window, and the hidden fridge wall.
Why This Matters for Seattle Kitchens
Seattle homes are often older craftsman or mid-century layouts with choppy kitchens and limited storage. A remodel like this isn’t just cosmetic — we solved real layout problems: centered the sink, rerouted gas, added better lighting, and maximized storage with a full pantry wall.
If you’re Googling kitchen remodel near me in Seattle, kitchen renovation Seattle, or kitchen remodeling contractors near me in seattle, this is the kind of project you can expect when you go with a full design/build contractor instead of just replacing cabinets.
