Kitchen remodeling in Atlanta has never been more popular or more complex. With material costs stabilizing after years of volatility, homeowners across the metro area are moving forward with projects they had been putting off. Whether you live in a 1920s Inman Park bungalow or a newer build in Peachtree City, the kitchen remains the single highest-return renovation you can make, with the National Association of Realtors reporting that mid-range kitchen remodels in the Southeast recoup 75-80% of their cost at resale.
At Turan Designs, we have spent more than 24 years completing kitchen renovations across greater Atlanta, from Buckhead estates to Fayette County family homes. This guide covers what an Atlanta kitchen remodel costs in 2026, the design trends shaping local kitchens, neighborhood-specific considerations, realistic timelines, and how to choose the right company for your project.
What Kitchen Remodeling Costs in Atlanta (2026)
Atlanta kitchen remodel costs vary widely depending on the scope of work, materials, and the specific neighborhood. Labor rates in metro Atlanta run 10-15% higher than the national average due to strong demand and a competitive trades market. Below is a breakdown of what homeowners are spending in 2026.
Cost by Project Tier
| Project Tier | Price Range | What's Included |
|---|---|---|
| Cosmetic Refresh | $15,000-$30,000 | Cabinet refacing or painting, new countertops, updated backsplash, new hardware, lighting upgrades |
| Mid-Range Remodel | $35,000-$75,000 | New cabinetry, quartz or granite countertops, new flooring, updated appliances, plumbing fixture upgrades, minor layout changes |
| Major Renovation | $75,000-$150,000+ | Complete gut renovation, structural changes, wall removal, custom cabinetry, premium appliances, new electrical and plumbing, butler's pantry additions |
Factors That Affect Your Atlanta Kitchen Remodel Cost
- Materials: Custom cabinetry costs two to three times more than semi-custom options. Quartz countertops run $55-$120 per square foot installed in the Atlanta market. Imported tile, premium appliances, and specialty finishes push costs higher.
- Labor rates: Skilled tradespeople in Atlanta charge $45-$85 per hour depending on the specialty. Electricians and plumbers command the highest rates. Labor typically accounts for 35-40% of total project cost.
- Permit costs: Permit fees in metro Atlanta range from $200 to $1,200 depending on your county and project scope. We cover permit specifics by county later in this guide.
- Design fees: Standalone kitchen designers charge $5,000-$15,000 for a full design. Design-build firms like Turan Designs include design in the project cost, which often reduces the total investment by 10-15%.
For a detailed cost breakdown specific to the south Atlanta suburbs, our Peachtree City kitchen remodel cost guide provides line-item pricing that applies to much of Fayette and Coweta County.
Popular Kitchen Remodeling Trends in Atlanta (2026)
Atlanta homeowners are making bold and practical choices this year. Here are the trends we are seeing most often in our projects across the metro area.
Open-Concept Layouts and Large Islands
The open kitchen is firmly established in Atlanta, and in 2026 the island is its centerpiece. We are installing more oversized islands, often 8 to 10 feet long, that serve as cooking stations, homework desks, and gathering spots. Waterfall-edge islands with integrated seating for four or more remain one of the most requested features in our consultations.
Cabinetry Colors and Styles
White cabinetry still leads in Atlanta, but navy blue and deep charcoal gray are gaining ground, especially in Buckhead and Midtown projects. Two-tone kitchens, with a darker shade on the island and lighter tones on the perimeter, are a popular way to add visual depth without committing to an all-dark palette. Shaker-style doors remain the dominant profile, though flat-panel and slim-shaker designs are growing in contemporary renovations.
Quartz Countertops and Mixed Metals
Quartz has overtaken granite as the countertop of choice in Atlanta kitchens. It offers consistent patterning, requires no sealing, and resists staining. For hardware and fixtures, mixed metals are the standard: brushed gold pulls paired with a matte black faucet, or polished nickel lighting over a bronze range hood. The days of matching every metal in the kitchen are over.
Statement Lighting and Smart Appliances
Large pendant lights over islands, often in brass or black, serve as focal points. Under-cabinet LED lighting has moved from upgrade to expectation. On the appliance side, smart refrigerators, induction cooktops, and steam ovens are becoming more common in mid-range and higher projects. Wi-Fi-enabled appliances that integrate with home systems are especially popular in newer Peachtree City and Fayetteville homes.
Butler's Pantries
Butler's pantries have made a strong comeback in Atlanta. They solve the perennial problem of kitchen clutter by providing secondary prep and storage space. In our projects, we are adding butler's pantries to homes that never had them, often by converting an underused hallway or closet between the kitchen and dining room.
Atlanta Neighborhoods and Kitchen Remodeling
Kitchen remodeling priorities vary across the metro area. Understanding what works in your specific neighborhood helps you make smarter investment decisions.
Buckhead
Buckhead kitchens tend toward high-end traditional and transitional styles. Custom inset cabinetry, natural stone countertops, and professional-grade appliances are the standard. Projects in Buckhead frequently run $100,000-$200,000 or more. Many Buckhead homes have large kitchens that justify premium finishes and detailed millwork.
Midtown
Midtown Atlanta leans modern and contemporary. Clean lines, handleless cabinetry, integrated appliances, and minimalist design dominate. Condos and lofts present unique challenges including limited space, structural restrictions, and HOA approval processes that can add weeks to your timeline.
Decatur
Decatur homeowners gravitate toward eclectic and transitional styles that blend character with function. Open shelving, colorful backsplashes, and butcher-block accents are common. Many Decatur homes were built in the 1940s-1960s, so kitchens often require updated electrical panels and plumbing before renovation work can begin.
Peachtree City and Fayetteville
These suburban communities focus on family-friendly kitchens built for daily use. Large islands with seating, durable quartz countertops, pantry storage, and mudroom-adjacent layouts are priorities. Projects here typically fall in the $45,000-$90,000 range, which is where we complete the majority of our work at Turan Designs.
Inman Park
Inman Park's historic homes require careful attention to architectural integrity. Many properties fall under historic preservation guidelines that affect exterior work and, in some cases, interior modifications. Original hardwood floors, plaster walls, and non-standard framing dimensions mean renovation costs run 15-25% higher than comparable work in newer construction.
How Long Does a Kitchen Remodel Take in Atlanta?
Timeline expectations are one of the most common questions we hear. Here is what to plan for in 2026.
| Project Scope | Design Phase | Construction Phase | Total Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cosmetic Refresh | 1-2 weeks | 2-4 weeks | 3-6 weeks |
| Mid-Range Remodel | 3-5 weeks | 6-10 weeks | 9-15 weeks |
| Major Renovation | 4-8 weeks | 12-20 weeks | 16-28 weeks |
Factors That Affect Your Timeline
- Permits: Processing times vary by county. Fulton County averages 2-4 weeks. Fayette County processes most residential permits in 2-3 weeks. Plan for delays during peak building season (March through June).
- Material lead times: Custom cabinetry takes 6-10 weeks from order to delivery. Specialty countertops, imported tile, and professional appliances can add additional wait time. We recommend finalizing material selections during the design phase to avoid construction delays.
- Supply chain: While supply chain disruptions have eased significantly since 2023, certain specialty items still carry extended lead times. Your contractor should identify long-lead items early and order them before demolition begins.
For a week-by-week breakdown of what happens at each stage, read our guide on what to expect during a kitchen remodel.
Choosing the Right Kitchen Remodeling Company
The company you hire determines the quality of your outcome more than any material or design choice.
General Contractor vs. Design-Build Firm
A general contractor builds from plans you provide. You hire a designer separately, coordinate between the two parties, and manage communication throughout the project. A design-build firm handles both design and construction under one contract, giving you a single point of accountability.
For most Atlanta homeowners, especially those taking on a mid-range or major kitchen remodel, the design-build model reduces cost, shortens timelines, and eliminates the coordination burden. We explain the differences in detail in our guide on kitchen designer vs kitchen contractor.
What to Look For
- Kitchen-specific experience: At least 10 completed kitchen projects per year
- Proper licensing and insurance: Georgia contractor's license, general liability, workers' compensation
- A viewable portfolio: Completed projects you can see in person or in detailed photography
- Detailed estimates: Line-item breakdowns, not lump-sum quotes
- Transparent communication: Responsive, honest, and willing to discuss budget openly
- Industry credentials: NKBA membership, BBB rating, verified reviews on Houzz and Google
Our complete guide on how to choose a kitchen contractor in Atlanta provides a full vetting checklist and red flags to watch for.
Questions to Ask Kitchen Remodeling Companies
- Do you handle design and construction, or only construction?
- How many kitchen remodels did you complete last year?
- Can I visit a current project or completed kitchen?
- What is your estimated timeline for a project like mine?
- How do you handle change orders and unexpected discoveries?
- Will you manage all permits and inspections?
Permits and Regulations in Metro Atlanta
Kitchen remodels that involve electrical, plumbing, structural, or gas work require permits. Here is what to expect across the metro area.
| County | Permit Cost Range | Typical Processing Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fulton County | $300-$1,200 | 2-4 weeks | Larger projects may require plan review |
| DeKalb County | $250-$1,000 | 2-3 weeks | Online submission available for most residential permits |
| Fayette County | $200-$800 | 2-3 weeks | Residential-friendly process, faster turnaround |
| Coweta County | $200-$700 | 1-3 weeks | Typically the fastest processing in the south metro area |
| City of Atlanta | $400-$1,500 | 3-6 weeks | Historic districts may require additional review |
Your kitchen remodeling company should handle all permit applications and inspections. If a contractor suggests skipping permits to save time or money, that is a serious red flag. Unpermitted work creates problems at resale, can void insurance coverage, and may result in fines.
The Design-Build Advantage for Atlanta Homeowners
We are a design-build firm, and we believe this model serves Atlanta homeowners better than any other approach. Here is why.
One team from start to finish. Your designer and your builder work together from day one. The person who draws your kitchen understands construction realities, and the person who builds it understands the design intent. There is no gap between vision and execution.
Cost efficiency. When you hire a designer and a contractor separately, each applies their own markup. Design-build consolidates those fees. Our clients typically save 10-15% compared to the separated approach, and they receive a single, transparent contract.
Local knowledge. We know which suppliers deliver on time in Atlanta, which subcontractors meet our standards, how long Fayette County takes to process permits, and what challenges come with renovating a 1990s Peachtree City kitchen versus a 1950s Decatur bungalow. That knowledge comes from 24 years and hundreds of completed projects in this market.
Accountability. If something goes wrong, there is no finger-pointing between a designer and a separate contractor. One company owns the result. At Turan Designs, our five-step process is built around this accountability from initial consultation through final walkthrough.
Investing in your kitchen is one of the smartest financial moves you can make as an Atlanta homeowner. Our guide on kitchen remodel ROI covers the numbers in detail.
Ready to Start Your Atlanta Kitchen Remodel?
Whether you are planning a cosmetic refresh in Fayetteville or a complete gut renovation in Buckhead, the right partner makes all the difference. At Turan Designs, we have helped hundreds of Atlanta-area homeowners transform their kitchens with a design-build approach that keeps projects on budget, on schedule, and built to last.
Use our free renovation cost calculator to get an instant estimate for your project, or contact us today to schedule a complimentary in-home consultation.
Call us at (404) 394-2038 or visit our showroom at 125 Howell Road, Tyrone, GA 30290.