Kitchen Renovation Paris: Complete Guide and Prices 2026

Introduction

The kitchen is the heart of the home. It's where meals are prepared, family moments are shared, and friends gather for a drink. In Parisian apartments, the kitchen deserves special attention: often small, sometimes poorly laid out, it can become a functional and elegant space through thoughtful renovation.

But renovating a kitchen in Paris comes with specific challenges: limited space, aging electrical and plumbing systems, building regulations, and of course Parisian prices. This guide walks you through every step to ensure your project succeeds.

Hauss Paris connects you with interior designers specializing in Parisian kitchen renovations. Transform your kitchen, free and with no obligation.

Kitchen Renovation Prices in Paris

Budget is often the first concern. In Paris, prices are 20 to 30% higher than elsewhere in France, but with careful planning, you can optimize your investment.

Price Ranges by Tier

Sample Budget for a 10m² Kitchen

Budget renovation: €8,000-12,000

• Melamine or laminate cabinets
• Laminate countertop
• Entry-level appliances (Beko, Candy)
• Basic tile backsplash
• Wall painting
• Keeping existing layout

Mid-range renovation: €12,000-20,000

• Lacquered or wood veneer cabinets
• Quartz or granite countertop
• Brand-name appliances (Bosch, Siemens, Electrolux)
• Glass or designer tile backsplash
• Partial layout modification
• Integrated LED lighting

High-end renovation: €20,000-35,000+

• Custom kitchen
• Natural stone or Dekton countertop
• Premium appliances (Miele, Gaggenau, Sub-Zero)
• High-quality finishes (designer handles, ambient lighting)
• Complete reconfiguration
• Kitchen island if space permits

What Affects the Price

Electrical work

Upgrading to current standards is often necessary in older apartments. A modern kitchen requires:

• A dedicated 32A circuit for the cooktop
• Sufficient outlets on the countertop
• An appropriate circuit breaker

Electrical budget: €1,500 to €4,000 depending on the current state.

Plumbing

If you're moving the sink or adding a dishwasher, plumbing work significantly increases the budget.

Plumbing budget: €500 to €3,000 depending on modifications.

Cabinets and countertop

This is the most variable cost. An equipped IKEA kitchen costs €3,000-6,000, a kitchen specialist €8,000-20,000, and a custom kitchen €15,000-40,000.

Appliances

From €1,500 for a complete basic set (oven, cooktop, hood, refrigerator, dishwasher) to over €15,000 for high-end equipment.

Technical Constraints

Before diving into aesthetic choices, it's crucial to understand the technical constraints specific to Parisian kitchens.

Electrical

Available power

Older apartments often have limited electrical service (6 or 9 kVA). A modern kitchen with an induction cooktop (7 kW), oven (3 kW), and other appliances may require upgrading to 12 kVA or more.

Check your meter and contact your provider if necessary.

Dedicated circuits

French standard NF C 15-100 requires:

• 1 x 32A circuit for the cooktop
• 1 x 20A circuit for the oven
• 1 x 20A circuit for the dishwasher
• Minimum 6 outlets on the countertop (16A circuit)

Electrical panel

If your panel is outdated (ceramic fuses), plan for a complete upgrade.

Plumbing

Drainage

The sink and dishwasher require drainage to the building's main stack. Moving the sink means creating a drainage slope (1-2 cm per meter) in the floor or through the ceiling below (with neighbor's consent).

Water supply

Cold water is generally available throughout. Hot water may come from a dedicated heater or building-wide system.

Gas

If you want to keep a gas cooktop, regulations are strict:

• Limited-life flexible hose or rigid pipe
• Accessible shut-off valve
• Mandatory ventilation (high and low grilles)
• Extractor fan or vented hood

The alternative: induction cooktop, more flexible and safer.

Ventilation and Hood

Mechanical ventilation

In apartments, mechanical ventilation is often building-wide. You cannot modify it without building approval.

Hood

• Recirculating hood: filters odors and releases air back into the kitchen. Easier to install.
• Extracting hood: vents air outside. More effective but requires ducting (existing or new).

If an unused chimney flue exists, it can sometimes be used for extraction (check with a professional).

Choosing the Right Materials

Your kitchen materials determine its aesthetics, durability, and daily maintenance.

Countertops

Laminate

Most economical. Wide choice of designs (wood, stone, concrete effects). Stain-resistant but sensitive to heat and deep scratches.

Price: €50 to €150/linear meter installed.

Quartz (Silestone, Caesarstone)

Composite of natural quartz and resin. Very durable, non-porous, easy to maintain. Wide color palette.

Price: €250 to €500/linear meter installed.

Granite

Natural stone, each slab is unique. Highly heat-resistant. Requires periodic waterproofing treatment.

Price: €200 to €400/linear meter installed.

Dekton / Ceramic

Ultra-resistant to heat, scratches, and UV. Ideal for open kitchens with sun exposure.

Price: €300 to €600/linear meter installed.

Solid wood

Warm and natural. Requires regular maintenance (oiling) and care with stains and water.

Price: €200 to €400/linear meter installed.

Stainless steel

Professional and hygienic. Visible scratches over time. Perfect for an industrial style.

Price: €300 to €500/linear meter installed.

Cabinet Fronts

Melamine

Most common. Particleboard covered with a decorative layer (wood effect, solid color, etc.). Good value.

Lacquered

Glossy or matte finish, custom colors available. More fragile to impacts but very stylish.

Solid or veneered wood

Authentic and warm. Solid wood is more expensive but more durable than veneer.

Fenix

Matte anti-fingerprint surface, soft to the touch. Micro-scratches disappear with heat. Premium option.

Backsplash

Tile

Classic and durable. Metro tiles remain timeless. Large formats reduce grout lines.

Glass panel

Smooth, easy to clean, modern. Can be backlit.

Stainless steel

Professional, hygienic, but shows fingerprints.

Special paint

Economical solution but less durable. Choose a glossy, washable glycero paint.

Flooring

Tile

Large-format porcelain stoneware, easy to maintain, water-resistant. The most common choice.

Hardwood

Possible in kitchens with sealed or oiled parquet, but watch for prolonged water exposure.

Vinyl / LVT

Wood or tile effect, comfortable underfoot, waterproof. Excellent value.

Layout and Ergonomics

Your kitchen layout determines daily comfort. Good layout follows proven ergonomic principles.

The Work Triangle

The fundamental concept: the three main zones (cooking, washing, storage) should form a triangle with a perimeter no greater than 6-7 meters.

• Cooking zone: cooktop and oven
• Washing zone: sink and dishwasher
• Storage zone: refrigerator and cabinets

These zones should be close but not too close, with counter space between each.

Kitchen Configurations

Linear kitchen

Everything on one wall. Suitable for small spaces (studios, kitchenettes). The triangle is necessarily stretched.

Tip: plan for at least 3 linear meters for minimal functionality.

L-shaped kitchen

Two perpendicular walls. The most common configuration in Parisian apartments. Allows for a good work triangle.

Tip: place the sink in or near the corner to optimize flow.

U-shaped kitchen

Three sides. Very functional if space allows (minimum 2m between parallel sides).

Tip: ideal for large enclosed kitchens.

Island kitchen

A central island adds storage, extra counter space, and potentially a dining area. Requires at least 15m² of space.

Tip: the island can house the cooktop or sink (plumbing/electrical work required).

Open-plan kitchen

Very popular in Paris to visually enlarge spaces. Requires a good hood (noise and odors) and impeccable storage (everything is visible).

Solutions for Small Parisian Kitchens

Gaining counter space

• Fold-down or retractable counter
• Cutting board that fits over the sink
• Rolling cart that slides under the counter

Optimizing storage

• Tall cabinets up to the ceiling
• Drawers rather than cabinets (better access)
• Interior fittings (spice drawers, cutlery trays, rotating shelves)
• Magnetic backsplash for hanging utensils and spices

Visual expansion

• Light colors (white, light wood)
• Handle-free fronts (push-to-open)
• Continuous countertop (no visual break)
• Mirror or reflective glass backsplash

Appliances

Appliances represent a significant investment and affect your daily life for 10-15 years minimum.

Built-in vs Freestanding

Built-in

Integrated into cabinetry, offering a sleek kitchen and optimized space. Slightly more expensive but adds value.

Essentials: oven, cooktop, hood, refrigerator, dishwasher.

Freestanding

More economical, easier to replace, but breaks visual harmony. Best for separate kitchens or tight budgets.

Essential Equipment

Cooktop

• Induction: most efficient, fast, safe. Requires compatible cookware (magnetic base). Uses less energy than traditional cooktops.
• Ceramic: less expensive than induction but slower and less economical.
• Gas: cooking precision appreciated by serious cooks. Installation constraints in Paris.

Our recommendation: induction is the best choice for a Parisian apartment.

Oven

• Multifunction oven: convection, natural convection, grill. The current standard.
• Steam oven: healthy cooking, crisp vegetables. As a supplement or combination.
• Pyrolytic oven: self-cleaning at high temperature. Convenient but energy-intensive.

Hood

• Telescopic hood: discreet, integrates into an upper cabinet
• Under-cabinet hood: economical, mounted under a cabinet
• Decorative hood: visible, designer (stainless steel, glass)
• Ceiling hood: very discreet, for islands

Key criterion: extraction rate (300-700 m³/h) suited to kitchen size.

Refrigerator

• Combination (fridge + bottom freezer): most common
• American (side-by-side): large capacity but bulky (rarely suited to Paris)
• Built-in: hides behind matching cabinet front

Recommended volume: 100-150L per person.

Dishwasher

• 60 cm: standard capacity (12-14 place settings)
• 45 cm: compact, for small kitchens or couples
• Drawer: very compact (6 place settings), can be installed at height

Recommended Brands by Tier

Entry-level

Beko, Candy, Indesit, Whirlpool: functional, 2-year warranty, 7-10 year lifespan.

Mid-range

Bosch, Siemens, Electrolux, Samsung, LG: reliability, good performance, extended warranties available.

High-end

Miele, Gaggenau, Sub-Zero, La Cornue: excellence, durability (15-20 years), premium after-sales service.

Energy Consumption

Energy labels range from A to G. Prefer:

• Oven: A+ minimum
• Refrigerator: A or B (highest long-term consumption)
• Dishwasher: A minimum

The initial investment in an energy-efficient appliance pays for itself over 5-7 years.

Frequently Asked Questions

What budget should I plan for a kitchen renovation in Paris?

The price of a kitchen renovation in Paris varies considerably by tier. Budget renovation: €800-1,200/m², with melamine cabinets and basic appliances. Mid-range: €1,200-2,000/m², with quartz countertop and brand-name appliances. High-end: €2,000-3,500/m² and up, with custom kitchen and premium equipment. For a 10m² kitchen, expect €8,000 to €35,000. Don't forget to add electrical and plumbing work if needed (an additional €2,000 to €6,000).

How long does a kitchen renovation take?

A complete kitchen renovation typically takes 3 to 6 weeks of actual work. Typical timeline: 1 week of demolition and preparation, 1-2 weeks of technical work (electrical, plumbing, flooring), 1-2 weeks of cabinet and countertop installation, then 3-5 days of finishing (backsplash, painting, touch-ups). Note delivery lead times: a custom kitchen requires 4 to 8 weeks of manufacturing after ordering. Plan your project 2-3 months ahead.

Do I need an architect for my kitchen renovation?

An interior designer is not required but highly recommended, especially for Parisian kitchens. Their expertise helps optimize available space, respect the work triangle, coordinate various trades, and avoid costly mistakes. In small kitchens, every centimeter counts: a professional can create custom solutions you wouldn't have imagined. Their fee (5-15% of the work budget) is typically offset by savings achieved and increased property value.

Can the sink or cooktop be relocated?

Yes, but with constraints to consider. Moving the sink requires extending water supply (relatively simple) and especially drainage (1-2 cm per meter slope required). If the distance to the main stack is significant, pipe diameter must increase. Moving a gas cooktop is more complex due to strict regulations (certified professional intervention required). Induction cooktops offer more flexibility: simply plan the 32A electrical circuit in the right location. In all cases, have a professional assess the situation before committing.

Transform Your Kitchen into a Living Space

Renovating a kitchen in Paris is a demanding but rewarding project. Between the technical constraints of older buildings, material and equipment choices, and space optimization, professional guidance makes all the difference.

A specialized interior designer creates the optimal layout, selects the right materials, coordinates tradespeople, and ensures impeccable execution. Your kitchen becomes a true living space, functional and elegant, where cooking and entertaining are a pleasure.

Hauss Paris connects you with interior designers expert in Paris kitchen renovation. Imagine your new kitchen, free and with no obligation.