When Amanda and her husband Ken sent the before-and-after photos of their kitchen, we were immediately impressed. Their thoughtful renovation transformed a dated 1930s kitchen into a highly functional, stylish space. Below is the note they shared about the project:
I really enjoy your blog and your take-no-nonsense, do-it-yourself approach, so I thought you might be interested in our kitchen remodel. We live in a small brick house in St. Louis that was built in the 1930s. The kitchen had been renovated in the 1970s and the old cabinets were pretty flimsy. We also desperately needed more storage. Last summer we decided to take the plunge and redo it ourselves. My husband and I are both graphic designers and pretty particular about design, but the room came together smoothly with very little disagreement. The cabinets are from IKEA and extend all the way to the ceiling to add much-needed storage. The wall where we now have an island had been empty, so the 12-inch-deep cabinets we added nearly doubled our storage capacity. We also widened the fridge nook by two inches so we could squeeze in a proper pantry. We hired a friend to handle the electrical work, my brother installed the floor and tiled the backsplash, and the countertops were professionally fabricated, but the rest was DIY. We had never tackled a project of this size before, so it was a big learning curve—but well worth it. The remodel added a lot of value to our home and we truly enjoy every minute we spend in the kitchen. Hope you like it! —Amanda and Ken
Here’s the kitchen before their major overhaul:
And here is the same space after their makeover:
The contrast is striking. What makes this remodel successful is how they maximized every inch of space without compromising style. Small changes—like extending cabinets to the ceiling, inserting 12-inch-deep cabinetry along an otherwise unused wall, and widening the fridge area to create a pantry—added enormous storage and functionality. The new island, flanked by additional built-ins, expanded workspace and helped define the kitchen’s layout, turning an underutilized area into a central hub for cooking and gathering.
Their choices in materials and finishes tie utility and aesthetics together. Clean, modern cabinets and a sleek countertop make the kitchen feel open and cohesive, while a glass tile backsplash introduces texture and visual interest. By combining professional help for the more technical elements (electrical work, countertop installation, and tiling) with their own hands-on effort, Amanda and Ken saved money and maintained control over design details.
This project is a great example of a realistic, high-impact kitchen renovation: plan storage carefully, use tall cabinets to exploit vertical space, and add an island to increase both function and seating. A few well-placed upgrades—plus thoughtful finishes—can dramatically improve daily life in a compact home from the 1930s while increasing overall home value.
Here’s the source list Amanda and Ken provided for key elements in their kitchen:
- Cabinets and island table: IKEA
- Flooring: BR111 from Lowe’s
- Lights: Schoolhouse Electric
- Appliances: Fisher & Paykel range; LG microwave, dishwasher, and refrigerator
- Counters: HanStone quartz in Swan Cotton
- Backsplash: Glass Blox
What stands out most is how the couple blended function and form. They chose durable, attractive finishes that look high-end without feeling out of place in their charming older home. The design is efficient and attractive, and the result proves that thoughtful planning and a willingness to learn can turn a tired kitchen into a beautiful, practical space. We’re especially taken with their backsplash and the clever pantry solution—small, intentional choices that make a big difference.
Overall, Amanda and Ken’s kitchen remodel is an inspiring case study for anyone looking to modernize an older home. With a clear vision, smart storage strategies, and a mix of professional and DIY labor, they achieved a cohesive, inviting kitchen that maximizes every square inch.