St. Petersburg Kitchen Remodel – 1960s Home Transformation

Full Structural Reconfiguration + Luxury Quartz Waterfall Island

Project Type: Full Kitchen Renovation

Home Type: 1960s Block Home

Location: St Petersburg, Florida

Budget Range: $85,000 – $95,000

Flooring: 48x48 Porcelain Tile

Countertops: Cambria Quartz

Timeline: 6 Weeks

The Challenge

The homeowners in St Petersburg had an outdated 1960s kitchen with:


  • Closed-off layout
  • Wooden walls
  • Old style cabinets
  • Formica countertops
  • Limited countertop space
  • Poor lighting


They wanted a modern, luxury open-concept kitchen suitable for entertaining, while increasing long-term property value in their local market.

Our Solution

1. Full Demolition & Structural Opening


We removed:


  • All cabinetry
  • Existing flooring
  • Soffits
  • Non-load bearing divider wall


This allowed us to create an open-concept layout connecting the kitchen and living space.

2. Wood panels and Drywall



All existing wood panel walls were removed and replaced with new drywall finished to a Level 5 smooth finish, creating a modern, high-end appearance ideal for contemporary lighting.

3. Large Format Flooring


We installed:


  • 48x48 porcelain tiles
  • All common areas which was over 1000 sqft of tiles
  • Leveling system for flatness
  • Rectified edges with tight grout joints


This created a seamless, high-end look.

4. Cabinet Installation


  • White Shakers cabinets
  • Soft-close hardware
  • Built in fridge panels
  • Island with cabinets on both sides

5. Premium Countertops


Material: Cambria Quartz – Ella

  • Double waterfall island
  • Extra small waterfall at the end of the stove wall
  • 3 cm slab – 3 slabs total
  • Full-height quartz backsplash
  • Mitered edges for seamless finish
  • Very soft, light gray veins
  • Clean white background
  • Minimal contrast
  • Modern / luxury but subtle

6. Lighting & Electrical Upgrade



  • Recessed LED can lighting
  • Pendant lights over island
  • New dedicated appliance circuits

7. Final result

✔ Modern luxury aesthetic

✔ Increased natural light

✔ Large entertainment island (seats 4)

✔ Dramatically increased home value

✔ Functional layout for long-term living


The transformation dramatically improved the flow between kitchen and living areas, created a statement island ideal for entertaining, and elevated the overall design standard of the home to match modern St. Petersburg luxury properties.


The client’s home appraisal increased significantly after completion.

8. Client Testimonial


⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

We recently completed a full kitchen remodel with Step Up Home Improvements in St. Petersburg, FL, and the experience was outstanding from start to finish.

Our home was built in the 1960s and the kitchen had wood panel walls, outdated cabinets, and a very closed-off layout. The team completely transformed the space into a modern open-concept design with 48x48 porcelain flooring and a beautiful Cambria quartz waterfall island.

What really stood out was their attention to detail. The drywall finish was perfectly smooth, the tile installation was level and precise, and the quartz edges were seamless. You can tell they specialize in higher-end renovations.

The project took about six weeks as promised, communication was consistent throughout, and the work area was kept clean and organized.

The finished kitchen feels like a luxury space and has significantly increased the value of our home. If you’re looking for a professional remodeling company in St. Petersburg or Tampa Bay that delivers quality work and keeps their word, Step Up is a great choice.

— A.T.


Planning a kitchen remodel in St. Petersburg or Tampa Bay?