Renovating a kitchen is more than just a design project — it’s the start of a new chapter in how a family lives, cooks, and gathers together. From choosing the perfect layout to finding kitchen cabinets that balance beauty, quality, and function, every detail tells a story. That’s why we love hearing from our customers who’ve turned their kitchen dreams into reality with The RTA Store.
In this special Q&A, we sat down with Emma Jo Wassink, AKA EmmaJWassink, who recently transformed her kitchen using our ready-to-assemble Catalina Toffee Kitchen cabinets. She shares what inspired her design choices, what she learned along the way, and how her new space makes everyday life a little brighter.
Why did you choose the Catalina Toffee cabinets in particular? What drew you to that style and color?
I wanted something warm and timeless that still felt modern, and Catalina Toffee was exactly that. The finish has this beautiful depth to it. The tone is rich without feeling dark, and the brushed glaze really brings out the wood grain. I also love the beveled, recessed door style. It adds dimension without being fussy, and the craftsmanship honestly speaks for itself. It’s the kind of finish that looks custom in person, which is exactly what I wanted for our kitchen.
How was your experience assembling and installing your kitchen cabinets?
Honestly, way better than I expected. We did it ourselves over the course of a few weeks, and it turned into a full family project. My husband and I treated some of it like DIY date nights after the kids went to bed, and our kids even helped build the base kitchen cabinets. The instructions were clear, and once we got into a rhythm, it came together fast. It was actually kind of fun seeing everything take shape piece by piece.
What’s your best piece of advice for someone planning their own kitchen remodel with ready-to-assemble cabinets?
Don’t overthink it, just get started. Everything comes clearly labeled and boxed, so staying organized is the easy part. Take your time on the details and follow each step in order; it all starts to make sense once you dive in. And make it fun! Turn it into something everyone can be part of. We’ll never forget how our whole family (even our three-year-old) helped build this kitchen together.
If you could do one thing differently in the process, what would it be (if anything)?
Honestly, I don’t think I’d change anything. The process went smoothly, and the end result turned out exactly how I pictured it.
What helped make the DIY process easier?
Having everything pre-labeled and packaged made a huge difference… you can just open a box and start assembling without the chaos. And The RTA Store designers were so helpful with layout planning. There were several small trim pieces and fillers I wouldn’t have even known we needed, but they thought through every detail ahead of time, which made installation so much smoother.
How did the kitchen cabinet quality and fit compare to your expectations?
They exceeded them. You can tell the construction is high-quality from the moment you start assembling. The dovetail drawers, the solid wood frames, the soft-close hinges, everything fits precisely.
What was your favorite part about working with The RTA Store?
The design process was seamless. I had questions upfront about layout and sizing, and their team was so quick to help and patient with my endless “what if we did this instead?” emails. It felt like they genuinely cared about helping us get it right, not just get it done.
How has your new kitchen changed how you use or feel about your home?
It completely changed how we live in this space. Our old setup was stark, cramped, and super limited on storage. We literally used our coat closet as a pantry. Now, everything has a place, the layout actually makes sense, and it feels warm and inviting instead of chaotic. It’s easily our favorite room in the house now.
What inspired your kitchen makeover, and how did you envision the finished space?
We built our home five years ago and had to cut the dream kitchen from the original plan to stay on budget. So this remodel was five years in the making. I wanted it to feel calm and intentional, bright but cozy, modern but not cold. The Catalina Toffee kitchen cabinets really anchored that whole vision. They bring so much warmth and texture to the space.
What do you love most about your new kitchen now that it’s complete?
The functionality. The rollout drawers, pull-out trash, and divided storage make cooking and cleaning so much easier. But also, the glass-front uppers where I keep my cookbook collection… they add such a nice mix of style and personality. Every time I walk in, it just feels us.
At The RTA Store, we believe every kitchen has a story — and it starts with you. Hearing real experiences from our customers helps others see what’s possible, from first sketch to final screw. Emma’s renovation reminds us that choosing the right kitchen cabinets isn’t just about style — it’s about creating a space that feels like home.
If you’re planning your own kitchen transformation, take inspiration from her journey and explore our wide selection of kitchen cabinets to start building the heart of your home.
Check out Emma on IG and TikTok: @EmmaJWassink
