Kitchen renovation in Clayton, MO
Clayton kitchens were built for a different era. Whether you’re in a 1920s Tudor off Wydown Boulevard or a brick Colonial in DeMun, your kitchen probably hasn’t kept pace with the rest of the home. We design and build kitchens that fix what’s not working while respecting the architecture that makes Clayton homes worth preserving.
Why Clayton, MO homeowners choose Aleto
Clayton’s residential neighborhoods are defined by pre-war architecture: dense, walkable blocks lined with brick Tudors, Colonials, and Arts and Crafts homes that were built to last. The kitchens inside them, though, were designed for an era when cooking was kept out of sight. Small footprints, closed-off layouts, and a lack of natural light are common even in properties valued well above a million dollars.
Aleto Construction Group has been renovating homes in Clayton and throughout St. Louis County since 1955. We understand the construction methods behind these pre-war homes, the structural considerations that come with opening up load-bearing walls, and the level of detail that Clayton homeowners expect from a renovation. As a design-build firm, our design and construction teams work together from day one, keeping one point of accountability through every phase of the project.
We’ve earned back-to-back HBA Designer of the Year awards (2023 and 2024), the HBA Remodeler of the Year award, and over 35 industry honors throughout our 70-year history. But what keeps us busy in Clayton is simpler than awards: homeowners who trust us enough to refer their neighbors.
What a kitchen renovation in Clayton can include
Every kitchen renovation is different, but here are the elements we work with most often in Clayton homes:
Layout reconfiguration
Opening up closed-off kitchens common in Clayton’s pre-war homes, improving flow between the kitchen and adjacent living spaces
Custom cabinetry
Maximizing storage in Clayton’s often compact kitchen footprints with floor-to-ceiling cabinetry, built-in pantries, and specialty drawers
Countertops & surfaces
Quartz, granite, marble, butcher block, chosen for how you cook and live, not just how it photographs
Appliance integration
Panel-ready refrigerators, pro-grade ranges, built-in beverage stations that maximize function in tighter Clayton kitchen layouts
Lighting design
Layered task, ambient, and accent lighting to brighten kitchens that often lack adequate natural light in older Clayton homes
Flooring
Premium options that connect seamlessly to the hardwood floors found throughout most Clayton homes
Backsplash & tile
From classic subway to custom mosaics, designed to complement the existing architectural character of the home
Plumbing & electrical
Upgrading aging plumbing stacks, adding circuits, and replacing knob-and-tube wiring common in Clayton’s older housing stock
Kitchen renovation for Clayton’s distinct neighborhoods
Clayton’s neighborhoods each have their own architectural character, and that shapes what a kitchen renovation looks like in practice. Understanding the home you’re working with is the first step toward getting it right.
DeMun & Claverach Park
These are some of Clayton’s most architecturally significant neighborhoods, with 1920s-era Tudors, Colonials, and brick walkups listed on or eligible for the National Register of Historic Places. Kitchens in these homes tend to be small, closed off, and tucked behind formal dining rooms. Opening them up requires careful structural work, especially with load-bearing masonry walls. The goal is a kitchen that feels modern and functional while preserving the millwork, arched doorways, and leaded glass that give these homes their identity.
Moorlands & Davis Place
These centrally located neighborhoods feature a mix of single-family homes, condos, and apartment conversions. Kitchens in single-family homes often have galley or L-shaped layouts that were standard for their era. Space is usually limited, which makes smart storage, efficient appliance placement, and maximizing counter space essential. For condo renovations, we work within building association guidelines and manage the logistics of renovating in a shared structure.
North Clayton & Clayshire
North Clayton offers a mix of pre-war single-family homes and mid-century builds, while Clayshire has a more suburban post-war development pattern. Kitchens in this part of Clayton are often slightly larger than in DeMun or Moorlands, but many still have dated layouts, laminate counters, and basic cabinetry from the 1960s-1980s. A full renovation with custom cabinetry, stone countertops, and updated lighting can transform these kitchens without requiring major structural changes.
Clayton-Specific Considerations
Clayton’s compact lots and dense neighborhoods mean renovation logistics require planning. Material deliveries, dumpster placement, and crew access are all tighter than in suburban communities. Older homes may also present challenges like knob-and-tube wiring, lead paint in pre-1978 construction, and aging plumbing that should be addressed during a renovation. Our team handles the City of Clayton permitting process and coordinates all inspections so you can focus on the design decisions, not the paperwork.
What our clients are saying…
“Aleto made our dream home come true and they made the four months renovation period smooth, pleasant, and seamless. Mike was a dream contractor – he kept in communication with us every single day. We received daily updates and he responded immediately to any and all messages we sent him. They hired the best workers, they worked with the best companies, and we could not be happier with our finished project. We recommend Aleto 100%.”
Mary – Houzz Review
Featured kitchen project
A kitchen that reflects the home’s true potential
HBA 2024, Kitchen of the Year
A cramped, one-cook kitchen expanded into a gathering space with custom inset cabinetry, a spacious island with breakfast bar, glass cabinetry, a beverage refrigerator, and stunning quartz countertops. Meticulous millwork honors the home’s historic character while bringing the kitchen into the present.
View this project →
Frequently asked questions
How much does a kitchen renovation cost in Clayton?
Costs depend on scope, materials, and the size of the kitchen. In Clayton, a cosmetic refresh can start in the mid-five figures, while a full renovation with structural changes and custom cabinetry typically ranges from mid-five figures to well into six figures. The age and condition of the home’s infrastructure (plumbing, wiring, subfloor) can also affect the total investment. We provide a detailed estimate before any work begins.
Can you open up a small kitchen in an older Clayton home?
Yes. This is one of the most common requests we get in Clayton. Many of the pre-war homes in DeMun, Claverach Park, and Moorlands have kitchens that were designed to be separate from the living and dining areas. We assess the structural requirements, determine which walls are load-bearing, design appropriate headers and supports, and handle permitting through the City of Clayton.
How long does a kitchen renovation take in Clayton?
Most kitchen renovations take six to twelve weeks for construction. Older Clayton homes with structural modifications or custom cabinetry with longer lead times may take additional time. We build a detailed project timeline before construction begins so there are no surprises along the way.
Do I need permits for a kitchen renovation in Clayton?
If the work involves electrical, plumbing, or structural changes, permits are required through the City of Clayton. Most kitchen renovations involve at least one of these. Our team handles the entire permitting process and coordinates all required inspections.
Can you renovate a kitchen in a Clayton condo?
Yes. Condo kitchen renovations in Clayton involve working within the building association’s guidelines for construction hours, noise, material deliveries, and common area usage. We’ve handled condo renovations before and manage these logistics alongside the design and construction work so the process goes smoothly for you and your neighbors.
More Home Renovation services in Clayton, MO
Renovating more than just the kitchen? Explore our other services available in Clayton, MO:
Whole home renovation
Transform your entire living space — updating layouts, finishes, and systems so everything works together.
Learn more →
Bathroom renovation
Convert dated bathrooms into spa-like retreats with custom tile, modern fixtures, and intelligent layouts.
Learn more →
Additions & dormers
Room additions, second stories, dormers, and sunrooms that look like they’ve always been there.
Learn more →
Ready to renovate your Clayton, MO kitchen?
Your kitchen should be the best room in your house, not the one you’re constantly working around. Tell us what’s not working, and we’ll take it from there.
A UNIQUE PARTNER FOR YOUR UNIQUE VISION
For new construction, renovation, simple repurposing, or grand reimagining, Aleto brings decades of experience and creativity to every project, large or small. You have something special in mind, and we have a knack for helping you bring your vision to life with all the quality, personality, and professionalism it deserves.
We’re a family-owned company with creativity in our DNA. Curious? Get to know us a little better.
Quick Links
Connect With Us
(314) 352-0507
