DIY Kitchen Remodel: Amanda and Ben’s Complete Rebuild

Right after our own major kitchen renovation wrapped up, Amanda and her husband Ben completed theirs — and their project was a total transformation. They gutted the entire space and rebuilt it themselves, tackling everything from demo to custom cabinetry. This is a clear example of what careful planning, skill, and a lot of hard work can achieve in a home kitchen remodel.

Amanda described the original room as a typical 1990s oak kitchen with almond appliances: a boxed-in, dated layout that lacked flow or personality. They made a deliberate decision to remove everything and start fresh, creating an open, light-filled kitchen that suits modern living.

After stripping the space down to the bones, they reconfigured the layout to improve circulation and maximize usable workspace. One of the defining choices was to open up the room by removing a non-structural wall, which immediately created a more inviting and functional footprint. The new arrangement improves sightlines and connects the kitchen better to the rest of the home.

The couple did every step themselves without hiring contractors. Ben led the structural changes and built the custom cabinets, while Amanda coordinated finishes and selections. Their hands-on approach included installing hardwood floors, fitting their own wood countertops, and putting in the marble tile backsplash that now reads like a refined focal point.

Custom Work and Material Choices

Doing the cabinetry themselves allowed Amanda and Ben to design storage specifically for how they cook and live. The handmade cabinets give the room a tailored, high-quality feel at a fraction of what pre-built custom options often cost. They also included glass-front display cabinets, which add visual lightness and an opportunity to showcase dishes or glassware.

For surfaces, they selected rich wood counter tops that introduce warmth and texture to the space. Wood counters pair beautifully with the new hardwood floor, creating a cohesive natural palette. For contrast and a touch of elegance, Amanda and Ben installed a marble backsplash behind the range area — a classic surface that catches light and elevates the overall design.

The combination of wood counters and marble tile gives the kitchen a layered, intentional look: rustic warmth paired with refined stone. Small details like quality hardware, finish choices, and the glass cabinet doors pull the whole design together.

Before and After: The Result

The end result feels open, bright, and much more functional than the original 1990s layout. The marble backsplash and glass cabinets provide the finishing touches that make the space feel complete, while the custom cabinets and wood counters reflect the time and care invested in every step. Amanda summed it up simply: the room now feels much more open, and the finishes really make it sing.

What Stands Out

There are several standout features in this remodel that are useful to note for anyone planning a DIY kitchen renovation:

• Gutting the kitchen and starting from scratch can unlock layout possibilities you might not have considered.
• Custom-built cabinets allow storage configurations tailored exactly to your needs, often for less cost than off-the-shelf high-end options.
• Coordinating hardwood floors with wood countertops creates a unified aesthetic that feels warm and timeless.
• Adding glass-front cabinets and a marble backsplash introduces visual interest and elevates the overall design.

Amanda and Ben’s project is a great example of how a committed DIY approach, combined with careful material choices, can turn a dated kitchen into a modern, functional space with lasting appeal. If you’re considering a similar renovation, take inspiration from their thoughtful design decisions and the way they balanced craftsmanship with elegant finishes.

Note: Amanda has a blog with more photos and a detailed budget breakdown of the project for anyone who wants to dig deeper into the process and costs. Congratulations to Amanda and Ben on a beautifully executed kitchen remodel — it’s an impressive transformation and a rewarding result for a fully DIY effort.

P.S. — We recently announced a giveaway winner. Check the site announcements to see the result.