I'm thinking of denying my wife a new kitchen
But remodeling can be fun! Why do you want to go without a new kitchen?
I think we should save money instead.
It is ok to deny your wife a new kitchen to save money. You should have a saving goal and then replace what is broken first.
I was suppose to do that and now we are having a court battle.
Oh my, I hope this court battle comes out cleanly and without any ill will! I hope you can convince your wife that you just want to save, because proper planning is very important for big projects like this.