A Carefully Planned Kitchen Remodel in Affton, MO That Honors History While Creating Space to Gather

Older homes have a certain charm that’s hard to replicate—but they also tend to come with layouts that no longer fit how families live today. This kitchen remodel in Affton, MO is a perfect example of how thoughtful planning, smart engineering, and intentional design can completely transform a small, historic home without losing its character.

Built in 1935, this 1,600-square-foot single-family home made excellent use of its limited footprint. However, like many homes of that era, the interior felt segmented and closed off. Each room had a defined purpose, but the kitchen in particular felt isolated from the rest of the living space—something that simply doesn’t work for modern lifestyles.

Affton itself is a small, unincorporated community in South St. Louis County with a rich local history. Named after Johann Aff, the area’s first postmaster, Affton is known for landmarks such as the Oakland House Museum and its proximity to Grant’s Farm. Once the ancestral home of Ulysses S. Grant and later developed by the Busch family, the surrounding area reflects deep Midwestern roots. Remodeling a home here means respecting its past while preparing it for the future.

Existing Photos from this Affton Kitchen Remodel

Completed Kitchen Remodel in Affton MO

Defining the Vision for This Affton Kitchen Remodel

The homeowners came to us with a clear objective: make the kitchen bigger without making the house bigger. They wanted a more open, functional layout that allowed for cooking, gathering, and everyday living to flow naturally together.

The most obvious solution was to remove the wall separating the kitchen from the adjacent living room. In theory, it sounded simple. In reality, this being a nearly 90-year-old home, it required a deeper dive.

At some point in the home’s history, the attic above the kitchen had been finished and converted into an office space. That change introduced a few complications. The wall slated for removal housed HVAC ductwork supplying the upstairs office and also served as a structural support wall. Removing it meant the load above had to be properly redistributed.

When “Just Removing a Wall” Isn’t So Simple

Before any demolition could begin, we brought in architectural and structural professionals to evaluate the load paths and determine the best solution. With engineered drawings in hand and approvals secured from St. Louis County, we designed a plan that included a properly sized structural beam and support posts at each end.

Of course, structure was only part of the equation. HVAC ducts needed to be rerouted, electrical had to be reconfigured, and carpentry work had to be precise to maintain clean sightlines once the space opened up.

Once everything was approved and coordinated, the wall came down—and just like that, the kitchen and living room began to feel like one cohesive space.

Navigating the Challenges of an Older Home

As is often the case with homes built in the 1930s, much of the interior construction was plaster rather than drywall. While plaster offers durability and sound resistance, it also requires a more delicate approach during demolition and repairs. Careful planning helped us preserve surrounding surfaces and minimize unnecessary damage.

Flooring also presented a challenge. The wall that divided the kitchen and living room separated two different floor systems. Once removed, it became clear that a continuous flooring solution was necessary to visually unify the space.

That’s where we uncovered another common issue in older homes—the floor was nearly one full inch out of level from one side of the room to the other. Left unaddressed, this would have caused issues with cabinetry installation, appliances, and long-term performance. To solve it, we used self-leveling compound to float the floor and create a perfectly flat surface. Once finished, the fix was completely invisible—but absolutely essential.

Designing a Small Kitchen That Lives Bigger Than It Is

Even though this was a relatively small kitchen remodel in Affton, MO, the design phase involved multiple iterations. When space is limited, design decisions carry more weight. Every cabinet, appliance, and walkway needs to earn its place.

We evaluated several layout options before landing on the final plan. Appliance placement was critical, especially the refrigerator location, which needed to feel accessible without interrupting traffic flow. Seating was another priority, as the homeowners wanted a place for casual meals and conversation.

The solution came in the form of a peninsula with integrated seating and a sink. This allowed the kitchen to remain open to the living area while still defining the workspace. It also created a natural gathering spot—perfect for morning coffee, homework sessions, or entertaining friends.

To enhance both function and atmosphere, we layered in recessed lighting and under-cabinet lighting, ensuring the space felt bright and welcoming at all times of day.

Cabinetry and Finishes That Make a Statement

For cabinetry, we specified Waypoint cabinets, which offer an excellent balance of customization, durability, and value. The homeowners selected the 410F Shaker door style, a timeless choice that works beautifully in both historic and modern homes. Matching five-piece drawer fronts added a touch of refinement and visual consistency.

To give the space personality, we chose Painted Navy for the cabinet color. The deep, rich tone adds depth and contrast while still feeling classic. Paired with Sutton cabinet hardware in a satin nickel finish, the result is polished without being overly formal.

Quartz Countertops That Deliver Beauty and Value

Countertops often set the tone for the entire kitchen, and this project was no exception. The homeowners selected Calacatta Elysio quartz, which features a crisp white background accented by soft gray veining. It delivers the high-end look of natural stone with the added benefits of durability, consistency, and easier maintenance.

Many visitors are surprised to learn it’s not marble or quartzite—a testament to how far engineered surfaces have come. Best of all, it fit beautifully within the project’s budget.

To help make those selections possible, the homeowners utilized Thompson Price’s promotional financing options, allowing them to prioritize the finishes they loved without compromising elsewhere.

From Demo to Done: A Well-Orchestrated Build Process

Demolition always feels like the longest phase, and this project was no exception. We installed dust containment walls and took extra steps to protect existing areas of the home, minimizing disruption throughout the process.

Framing followed and took several days, particularly due to the coordination required around the new structural beam. Because of the beam’s placement, HVAC ductwork had to be rerouted alongside it to continue serving the upstairs office efficiently.

Once framing was complete, electrical and plumbing rough-ins began. Old wiring was removed, new circuits were run for updated lighting and appliances, and plumbing was reworked to accommodate the new sink location.

Per St. Louis County code, the sink drain was upgraded to a 2-inch line, and new shutoff valves were installed. Since there was no longer a wall behind the peninsula sink, venting required a creative solution. We installed a loop vent concealed within a cabinet void, finished with a matching back panel so the solution remained completely hidden.

A Clear Timeline from Start to Finish

This kitchen remodel in Affton, MO took approximately ten weeks from demolition to completion:

• Weeks 1–3: Demo, framing, structural beam installation, HVAC, plumbing, and electrical rough-ins
• Week 4: Rough and framing inspections approved
• Week 5: Drywall installation and plaster repairs throughout the home
• Week 6: Painting
• Week 7: LVT flooring installation and cabinet installation
• Week 8: Countertop templating and finish carpentry
• Week 9: Countertop installation and tile backsplash
• Week 10: Appliance installation, trim-out, final inspections, and professional cleaning

New LG stainless steel appliances completed the kitchen, offering modern performance that complements the updated design.

Small Kitchen, Big Impact

While the footprint may still be modest, this kitchen now feels open, connected, and highly functional. It’s a space that supports everyday living while making room for gathering—proof that a well-planned kitchen remodel doesn’t require a massive addition to make a meaningful difference.

Why the 4P Design Process Matters

Projects like this succeed when two things are true: the right team is aligned, and the plan is solid from the start. That’s exactly what our 4P Design Process delivers—Perfect Plan, Perfect Products, Perfect Price, and a Perfect Project.

By coordinating design, engineering, product selection, budgeting, and construction from day one, we help eliminate surprises and deliver true peace of mind.

When you’re ready to begin your own kitchen remodel in Affton, MO, contact Thompson Price Kitchens, Baths & Home. We’d love to help you transform your space—thoughtfully, beautifully, and with confidence.