When Amanda and her husband Ken sent over the stunning before-and-after photos of their kitchen, we were floored. Here’s their note:
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 1930s. The kitchen had been redone in the 1970s and the cabinets were pretty flimsy—plus, we needed a lot more storage. Last summer we decided to take the plunge and tackle it ourselves. My husband and I are both graphic designers and very particular about design, but the room came together smoothly with very little head-butting. The cabinets are IKEA and reach the ceiling to add much-needed storage. The wall with the new island had been empty, so the 12-inch-deep cabinets nearly doubled our storage. We also widened the fridge nook by two inches to squeeze in a pantry. We hired a friend for the electrical work, my brother installed the floor and tile backsplash, and the counters were professionally installed; everything else we did ourselves. We had never done a project of this scale before—learning as we went was nerve-wracking but rewarding. It adds so much value to our home and we enjoy using it every day. Hope you like it! —Amanda and Ken
Here’s the kitchen before the major overhaul:
And here’s the same space after their makeover:
The transformation is impressive. They maximized every inch—adding a shallow run of cabinets on a previously empty wall, building an island with additional built-ins, and carving out a pantry by slightly widening the fridge nook. Those thoughtful moves nearly doubled storage and dramatically increased usable workspace without sacrificing style.
What stands out is how well they balanced practical upgrades with refined finishes. The tall IKEA cabinets provide storage that reaches the ceiling, keeping clutter out of sight. The island extends the work surface and creates a social hub for the kitchen. The glass mosaic backsplash and light fixtures add texture and personality, while the quartz counters keep the look clean and durable.
They also took a smart approach to teamwork and outsourcing: electrical and countertop installation were handled by pros, while flooring, backsplash, and much of the installation were done by friends and family. That mix of professional help and DIY labor kept costs down while delivering high-quality results.
Here’s the sourcing list Amanda and Ken shared:
- 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
Overall, this remodel is a great example of how careful planning and thoughtful choices can turn a dated, cramped kitchen into a functional and beautiful space. The couple’s design sensibility shows in every detail—from the efficient storage solutions to the layered finishes. It’s a reminder that even older homes can become modern, highly usable spaces with the right approach and a bit of elbow grease.
What do you think of their update? The blend of form and function here feels both personal and polished, and their backsplash is definitely a showstopper.