Award-winning kitchen design driven by function
Kitchen Renovation - Kanata, ON
When these clients first contacted us, they were living with a classic builder’s grade kitchen. It looked fine at a glance, but it was not working well for them. The island did not offer usable seating, the layout felt tight, and overall, the space was not living up to the way they used their home day to day.
Our goal from the beginning was clear. Improve function, create better flow, and deliver a kitchen that felt intentional, warm, and personal, all while staying within the existing footprint.
Designing within the constraints
One of the biggest challenges of this renovation was that the kitchen footprint needed to stay exactly as it was. At the same time, the clients wanted meaningful upgrades, including both a speed oven and a wall oven. That meant every inch mattered.
Careful planning allowed us to rework the layout so the kitchen functioned better without feeling crowded. The island needed to remain narrow due to space constraints, but by extending it further than before, we were able to comfortably add seating for four. What had once been a pass-through island became a true gathering spot for breakfasts, casual meals, and everyday connection.
Finding the design “aha” moment
The turning point in the design came when we stepped back and looked beyond the kitchen itself. The clients had previously renovated their staircase in maple, stained a deep, rich brown. That staircase deserved to feel intentional, not isolated.
At the same time, part of the project scope included replacing the flooring throughout most of the main floor. The clients knew they did not want dark flooring everywhere, but we still wanted continuity.
The solution was balance. We selected a medium-toned engineered hardwood for the main floor and echoed the staircase by designing the island in maple with the same stain. That choice grounded the kitchen and visually connected it to the rest of the home. From there, we introduced a beautiful earth-toned green for the cabinetry, adding warmth and depth while keeping the overall palette timeless.
Creating focal points in a modest space
Although the kitchen is modest in size, we wanted it to have a strong visual moment. The range wall became the natural place to do that.
By giving the hood fan breathing room and flanking it with glass cabinets, we created a sense of openness and balance. The warm white herringbone backsplash adds texture and detail without overwhelming the space.
The glass cabinets were a moment of hesitation for the clients. They worried about breaking up the run of upper cabinetry. With a bit of encouragement, they trusted the process, and those cabinets ultimately became one of their favourite features. They lighten the space and add just enough contrast to keep the kitchen from feeling heavy.
Opening up the flow
Another impactful change was the removal of a half wall and decorative column between the kitchen and family room. As soon as those elements came out, the entire main floor felt larger and more modern.
The improved sightlines and flow transformed how the space functions day to day. The kitchen no longer feels separate. It feels connected, open, and much more in tune with how the family lives.
A kitchen that delivers function and wow factor
When the clients saw the finished kitchen and main floor for the first time, they loved it. The space finally worked the way they needed it to, and it delivered the visual impact they had been hoping for when they first reached out.
This project is a great example of what happens when clients trust the process and are open to thoughtful, sometimes unexpected design choices. The cabinet colour, the backsplash pattern, and the mix of finishes all come together to create a kitchen that feels unique to them, not like a catalogue page.
Award-winning design
We were honoured when this project received a 2025 GOHBA Award for Traditional Kitchen (176–250 sq ft).
Recognition like this matters because it reflects the work that happens behind the scenes. Asking the right questions. Listening carefully. Designing solutions that are both beautiful and deeply functional. These clients wanted better storage, improved flow, and a wow moment when you walk into the room. Achieving all of that within the existing footprint made the award especially meaningful for our team.
Why Still Grain stands out
What makes Still Grain truly special is the trust the clients placed in us. Their willingness to embrace colour, texture, and thoughtful contrast allowed us to design a kitchen that feels layered, personal, and timeless.
It is a space designed for real life, grounded in traditional details, and elevated through intentional design. And it remains one of the projects we are most proud of.
