The Kitchen Renovation Dream — And the Budget Reality

You’ve been staring at those tired tiles, chipped cabinet doors, and that sad excuse for a countertop long enough. You want a kitchen that actually makes you excited to cook. The question everyone Googles at 11pm: how much does a kitchen renovation cost at Bunnings? And more importantly — is there a smarter way to get the luxury result without the luxury price tag?

We transformed this exact kitchen from an abandoned shell to a stunning Scandinavian-inspired space using IKEA products — and we’re breaking down every single cost so you can do the same. Spoiler: the results will surprise you.

Kitchen Renovation Cost: Bunnings vs IKEA — The Real Numbers

Before we get into the transformation journey, let’s talk numbers. Because the first thing anyone planning a kitchen renovation wants to know is: what is this actually going to cost me?

What Does a Kitchen Renovation Cost at Bunnings?

Bunnings is Australia’s go-to for renovation supplies — paint, tiles, hardware, plumbing fittings, and flat-pack cabinetry. A typical Bunnings-sourced kitchen renovation can range from $8,000 to $30,000 AUD depending on scope. Here’s a rough cost breakdown:

• Flat-pack cabinets (Bunnings Kaboodle): $3,000–$8,000
• Benchtop/countertop: $1,500–$5,000
• Sink and tapware: $300–$1,500
• Tiles and flooring: $800–$3,000
• Labour (plumber, electrician, installer): $3,000–$10,000
• Appliances: $1,500–$6,000

The biggest variable is always labour. If you’re doing a significant portion yourself (DIY), you can cut your total cost by 30–40%.

IKEA Kitchen Renovation — The Smart Alternative

IKEA kitchens have earned a serious reputation for quality, design flexibility, and value. The SEKTION cabinet system is modular, durable, and designed to last decades. More importantly, the aesthetic options are genuinely beautiful — especially when paired with premium fronts like the BODBYN off-white shaker series we used in this renovation.

For this transformation, our core IKEA product spend came to just $994 USD — covering countertop, sink, faucet, cabinet fronts, wall storage, cookware, dinnerware, and accessories. That’s a fully styled, magazine-quality kitchen for under $1,000 in product costs alone.

The Complete Kitchen Renovation Journey

Here’s how this kitchen went from abandoned and worn-out to a stunning Scandinavian retreat — stage by stage.

Stage 1: The Before — Empty and Ready to Gut

Every great renovation starts with an honest look at what you’re working with. This kitchen was tired — cracked tiles, peeling paint, outdated fixtures, and zero personality. But good bones are everything, and this space had them: great natural light from the window, a solid L-shaped layout, and enough room to work with. Time to gut it.

Stage 2: Demolition

Sledgehammers out. The demolition phase is equal parts terrifying and liberating. Old cabinet carcasses ripped out, tiles smashed, walls stripped back to the studs. Debris bags filled fast. What’s left behind is raw possibility — the skeleton of a kitchen waiting to be reimagined.

Stage 3: Structural & Framing

New wall studs go up, electrical rough-in begins, and plumbing is repositioned for the new sink location. This is the invisible work that makes everything else possible — and the phase where having licensed trades is non-negotiable. Budget approximately $2,000–$4,000 AUD for a qualified electrician and plumber at this stage.

Stage 4: Drywall & Subfloor

Fresh drywall sheets go up, seams are taped and mudded, and the subfloor is levelled and laid. The room starts to feel like a room again. Joint compound dust is everywhere — but that smooth, freshly skimmed wall surface is deeply satisfying. This is when you start to see the new kitchen taking shape.

Stage 5: Flooring & Tile

Light hardwood LVP planks go down across the floor — warm, durable, and easy to clean. The white herringbone backsplash tiles go up on both counter walls, adding that instant Scandi texture that makes the whole design sing. Grout lines are tight, tile spacers are pulled, and the kitchen starts looking like something from a design magazine.

Stage 6: Paint & Trim

Fresh white paint transforms the walls. Clean crisp lines along the ceiling. New white baseboards are nailed in place, and the BODBYN off-white cabinet carcasses are primed and installed. The painter’s tape comes off in long satisfying strips. The kitchen is 85% there — and it already looks incredible.

Stage 7: Fixtures & Hardware

The final 10% is everything. The LAGAN chrome faucet is connected below the HAVSEN farmhouse sink. The BARKABODA walnut veneer countertop is cut and fitted. Cabinet handles are screwed in one by one. The KUNGSFORS stainless wall rail goes up on the backsplash. Recessed lights are wired and switched on for the first time — and the kitchen glows. This is the moment it all comes together.

Design Tips: How to Get This Look for Less

The Scandinavian kitchen aesthetic is built on a few core principles that happen to be inherently budget-friendly.

Start with white or off-white cabinets — they make any space feel larger and more expensive. The BODBYN shaker front in off-white is one of IKEA’s best-looking options and costs a fraction of custom cabinetry. Pair it with a warm natural countertop — walnut veneer like the BARKABODA instantly adds richness and prevents the all-white kitchen from feeling cold.

The apron-front farmhouse sink is the single biggest visual upgrade you can make to a kitchen. The HAVSEN at $184 delivers that high-end look for a fraction of the cost of designer alternatives. Add the KUNGSFORS wall rail on your backsplash and you’ve created a functional, beautiful focal point that costs under $150 and takes an afternoon to install.

Finally, accessories matter more than people realise. The BRUGDHAJ beige ceramic jars, a neatly folded linen tea towel, and fresh herbs on the windowsill cost almost nothing but transform the whole vibe from “renovated kitchen” to “designer kitchen.”

IKEA vs Bunnings: Which Should You Choose?

The honest answer is: both, strategically. Use IKEA for cabinets, fronts, sinks, countertops, and accessories — their quality-to-price ratio is exceptional and the design options are genuinely beautiful. Use Bunnings for tiles, flooring, paint, plumbing fittings, hardware, and tools — their range is unmatched and prices are competitive.

The worst mistake people make is choosing one store for everything. A Bunnings-only kitchen often ends up looking generic. An IKEA-only kitchen can lack the local trade supplies you need. The winning combination is IKEA for the statement pieces and Bunnings for the bones.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a kitchen renovation cost at Bunnings in Australia?

A Bunnings kitchen renovation typically costs between $8,000 and $30,000 AUD depending on size, scope, and how much work you do yourself. The Kaboodle flat-pack cabinet range starts from around $3,000 for a small kitchen. Labour for trades (plumber, electrician, tiler) is usually the biggest variable cost.

Is IKEA cheaper than Bunnings for kitchen cabinets?

IKEA and Bunnings are similarly priced for flat-pack cabinetry, but IKEA’s SEKTION system offers more design flexibility and a wider range of door fronts. IKEA tends to win on aesthetics; Bunnings wins on availability of trade supplies and local stock.

Can I renovate a kitchen for under $10,000?

Yes — especially if you’re willing to do some of the work yourself. A smart approach is to spend on the visible elements (countertop, cabinet fronts, sink, tapware) and save on the hidden ones (cabinet carcasses, paint, basic tiles). Our IKEA product selection for this renovation came to under $1,000 USD in key items.

What is the most expensive part of a kitchen renovation?

Labour is almost always the biggest cost — typically 30–50% of the total budget. Within materials, benchtops/countertops and appliances are the next biggest expenses. Saving on labour by doing demolition and painting yourself can significantly reduce the overall cost.

How long does a kitchen renovation take?

A full kitchen renovation typically takes 4–8 weeks from demolition to completion. The longest phases are usually waiting for trades (electricians and plumbers) and for materials like tiles and countertops to be delivered and installed. Planning and ordering everything before demolition begins is the single best way to keep the project on schedule.

Your Dream Kitchen Is Closer Than You Think

A kitchen renovation is one of the highest-ROI home improvements you can make — both for your daily quality of life and for your property value. The combination of IKEA’s design-forward products and Bunnings’ trade essentials gives you everything you need to create a result that looks custom without the custom price tag.

The kitchen in this transformation went from abandoned and uninspiring to a warm, light-filled Scandinavian space that anyone would be proud to cook in — for a product cost that would make your renovation budget very happy indeed.

Ready to start planning yours? Browse the full Shop the Look collection above and start building your dream kitchen today.