How We Designed a Functional and Beautiful Kitchen in Ottawa

When I meet with homeowners to discuss a kitchen renovation in Ottawa, a big part of our initial conversation is about process. A well-designed kitchen is a significant investment—and when you hire a professional interior designer to bring your dream kitchen to life, it’s important to understand what to expect every step of the way.

Let me walk you through a recent full-service kitchen renovation we completed for a wonderful couple here in Ottawa.

The Challenge: A Kitchen That No Longer Worked

Sharon, the heart of her family’s kitchen, was looking for more functionality. She loved to bake and cook but was constantly frustrated by the lack of organized storage. There was no good spot for her trays, baking supplies, or small appliances.

To make things more challenging, the closed-off layout made it nearly impossible for two people to use the space at once. It was time for a fresh start—something practical, beautiful, and full of character.

Our Full-Service Kitchen Renovation Process

During our first in-home consultation, I introduced our full-service kitchen design process. We handle everything—from space planning and finish selection to contractor coordination and project oversight.

Our design service includes:

• Reimagining the kitchen layout

• Preparing detailed floor plans and elevations

• Selecting all finishes and fixtures

• Obtaining a contractor quote based on the design and scope

• Presenting the reimagined kitchen and renovation budget

We also talked about budget expectations, renovation timeline, and made sure we were aligned in both style and communication. It was a great match.

The Design Direction and Site Visit

A few days later, we met again at their home—this time with one of our trusted general contractors. After answering Sharon and Mike’s questions, we moved into design discussion mode.

Together, we reviewed:

• Flooring, cabinetry, and countertop materials

• Kitchen faucet and cabinet hardware options

• Storage needs and organization priorities

• Appliance plans and integration

• The overall feel they wanted to achieve

We scheduled their presentation for three weeks later, and everyone left excited to see what the new space could become.

Presenting the New Kitchen Design

On presentation day, we started with the new kitchen layout. The biggest transformation? Removing the wall between the kitchen and dining room. This not only brought in natural light but made the space feel much more open and inviting.

By studying the floor plan together, Sharon and Mike could easily visualize how the new layout would improve their daily routines. It also helped them see how the new kitchen would function better for both cooking and entertaining.

We followed that with detailed elevations, which helped explain all the custom kitchen storage solutions built into the design. Then came the materials:

• Cabinet door samples

• Backsplash tile and flooring options

• Countertop finishes

• Kitchen faucet and hardware visuals

Everything was thoughtfully selected to suit their style and support their lifestyle.

Final Budget and Project Launch

We concluded the presentation by walking through the total project cost, which included materials and the contractor’s estimate. Sharon and Mike were thrilled with both the design and the investment—it felt like a home upgrade that finally reflected who they were.

They were ready to begin.

Why Process Matters in Kitchen Renovation

A kitchen renovation is a significant undertaking. It requires thoughtful design, precise planning, and the right team. With a clear process in place and a designer guiding you from start to finish, the experience can be stress-free—and even exciting.

Thinking of Your Own Kitchen Renovation?

Are you dreaming of a more functional, beautiful kitchen? I’d love to walk you through our full-service kitchen renovation process and help you envision what’s possible in your own home.
If you’re still discovering your personal style, you might enjoy this read: 👉 Finding Your Style

Let’s bring function and beauty into the heart of your home—together.

 

Here is what the clients shared about their experience renovating with us:

“We initially contracted with CPI/Marina to renovate our kitchen/dining room area. She paid strict attention to our wishes when we described the scope of the project and we were delighted with her design concept and the products she recommended. She was open to our opinion if or when a change became necessary and paid attention to the smallest detail. She was a joy to work with, and her follow-up once the project was completed was faultless. The fact that CPI has contractors with whom they regularly work was a bonus, as we were assured of their work quality. We are so pleased with our kitchen renovation that we have now contracted with CPI and Marina to renovate our en-suite bathroom.“

~ Mike and Sharon Kelly, Ottawa