When Amanda and her husband Ken sent the striking before-and-after photos of their kitchen, we were instantly impressed. Their story offers a clear example of how thoughtful design and practical choices can transform an older, cramped space into a bright, highly functional kitchen. Here’s the letter they shared about their remodel:
I really enjoy your blog and your knitty-gritty do-it-yourself attitude, so I thought you might be interested in our own kitchen remodel. We live in a little brick house in St. Louis, built in the 1930’s. The kitchen had been redone in the 70’s and the cabinets were kinda shoddy- plus, we needed A LOT more storage. Last summer we took the plunge and decided to tackle it. My husband and I are both graphic designers and very particular about design but the room came together so smoothly, with very little head-butting. The cabinets are IKEA and go all the way to the ceiling to add much needed storage. The wall with the new island was previously empty, so those 12 inch deep cabinets almost double our availability. We also widened the “nook” where the fridge is by two inches to squeeze in an actual pantry. We hired a friend to do the electric, my brother installed the floor and the tile backsplash, and the counters were professionally done but everything else is our own doing! We had NEVER done a project of this scale. Not bad for learning on the fly, right? It adds so much value to our home and we enjoy every minute of using it. Hope you like it! -Amanda and Ken
Below are the photos they sent showing the kitchen before the renovation and the impressive results after their remodel. The before photos reveal a dated layout with inefficient storage and finishes typical of an older 1970s update. The after images highlight a clean, modern aesthetic with abundant storage and improved workflow.
Before the renovation, the kitchen felt cramped and underutilized. Cabinets stopped short of the ceiling, creating wasted vertical space. Countertops were limited, and there was no dedicated pantry, which made organization difficult for a busy household. The original footprint left one wall largely unused, and the overall design lacked cohesive finishes and sufficient task lighting.
After the remodel, Amanda and Ken transformed the same footprint into a well-organized, attractive kitchen that maximizes every inch. Key functional improvements include full-height cabinets that reach the ceiling for extra storage, an added island that provides prep space and casual seating, and a cleverly widened fridge nook that accommodates a built-in pantry. These changes greatly improved both storage capacity and daily usability without expanding the house footprint.
The couple managed much of the work themselves. They brought in a friend for electrical tasks, had family install the floor and tile backsplash, and hired professionals for the countertop fabrication and installation. The collaborative approach allowed them to control design details while ensuring technical tasks were handled safely and correctly. Their experience is a great example of how homeowners can combine DIY effort with selective professional help to achieve a polished result.
Design choices played an important role in the transformation. They selected IKEA cabinets for budget-friendly, customizable storage solutions and chose a light quartz countertop for durability and a refined look. A glass tile backsplash adds texture and visual interest, while thoughtfully placed lighting brightens work areas and highlights finishes. The addition of an island and built-in pantry made a dramatic difference in function, creating more prep space, storage, and an improved kitchen workflow.
Here’s the source list Amanda and Ken shared for readers wanting to replicate some of their choices:
- Cabinets and island table: IKEA
- Flooring: BR111 from Lowe’s
- Lights: Schoolhouse Electric
- Appliances: Fisher & Paykel range; LG microwave, dishwasher, and fridge
- Counters: HanStone quartz in Swan Cotton
- Backsplash: Glass Blox
This St. Louis kitchen remodel shows how strategic planning and smart choices can convert a dated, inefficient kitchen into a beautiful and highly functional space. By maximizing vertical storage, adding an island and pantry, and layering quality finishes, Amanda and Ken created a kitchen that delivers both style and usability. Their project is an encouraging example for homeowners considering a kitchen remodel: with careful decisions and a mix of DIY and professional help, you can significantly upgrade function and aesthetics without a complete home addition.