At Laurysen, Kristen Weese is helping homeowners reimagine their spaces through thoughtful design, local craftsmanship, and a deep understanding of how people live.
And yet, too many homeowners fail to take it seriously, settling for an underwhelming, often uncomfortable experience. That’s not a problem for those who come to Kristen Weese, the award-winning kitchen design consultant whose reputation is as sound as the company for which she works, Ottawa’s own Laurysen Kitchens.
“A kitchen renovation is one of the largest investments many homeowners will make,” says Weese. “A designer helps ensure that the investment is successful. We look beyond finishes and colours to address workflow, storage, lighting, ergonomics, appliance integration, construction requirements, and long-term functionality.”
Equal parts visionary and pragmatist, Weese imparts, “I often see homeowners underestimate clearances, overlook storage needs, or select beautiful materials that don’t work well together. A designer helps avoid those pitfalls while maximizing both the beauty and value of the finished space.”
Weese has been a mainstay at the 55-year-old, family-owned company since 2023, the year they set sights on her prized reputation. That said, it didn’t take a lot of coercion. “What impressed me immediately was the company’s reputation and commitment to quality,” Weese explains. “Laurysen has built an incredible reputation for craftsmanship, customer service, and design excellence. I also loved that everything is done locally. The fact that we manufacture our cabinetry right here in the region gives us a level of quality control and customization that is hard to find elsewhere.”
With, Weese is proud to add, Canadian-made materials. “I value being able to stand behind products that are made in Canada, especially locally,” she adds. “When you buy Canadian, you’re also investing in the people and businesses that help build our communities.”
The design bug bit the Kingston-born, Stittsville-raised Weese early. As a child, she constantly asked her parents to repaint or otherwise improve her bedroom.
When she came of age, she enthusiastically enrolled in Algonquin College’s Interior Decorating program, specializing in kitchen and bath design. It gave her the foundational skills required to build her dream career. Even better, it introduced her to the singular talents she possessed that would distinguish her in the industry. “One of my strengths is balancing
creativity with technical precision. I love the artistic side of design, but I also enjoy the math, planning, and problem-solving that go into making a space function perfectly. I’m highly collaborative and detail-oriented, and I work hard to ensure clients feel heard throughout the process.”
Ah yes! The client—the root of everything Weese does. “The first step is always getting to know the client. I want to understand how they live, what frustrates them about their current kitchen, and what their goals are for the new space.
“From there, I develop a design concept and present layouts, materials, finishes, and ideas. Once the design is refined and approved, we move into detailed planning, measurements, and technical drawings. Throughout construction, there is ongoing communication and coordination to ensure everything is executed properly. The best part is the final reveal—seeing clients walk into a space that truly reflects their lifestyle and vision.”
Weese’s work is as distinct as it is functional. There’s an earthy quality to it, yet it’s also strikingly glossy. “I’ve always been drawn to natural materials like wood and stone. They bring warmth, authenticity, and timelessness to a space. At the same time, I love creating contrast and visual interest. That’s where darker accents, black metals, dramatic lighting, or an unexpected vintage element come into play.”
Weese’s work is on display at Laurysen’s legendary showroom, located at 183 Colonnade Rd. S. It’s an eye-catching, inspirational emporium, inviting visitors to explore a cornucopia of cabinetry styles, finishes, hardware, countertops, storage solutions, and design concepts. More importantly, they can interact with various products to see how different materials work together in real-life settings. The building is also home to Laurysen’s recently opened Design Experience Centre, showcasing the company’s latest design innovations and product offerings.
Combine Laurysen’s expertise and quality supply lines with Weese’s understanding and elevated eye, and no vision is too complex. “The projects I’m proudest of are often the most challenging,” Weese admits. “I’ve worked on kitchens with difficult structural limitations, awkward layouts, and clients who thought they simply didn’t have enough space. Through thoughtful planning and creative problem-solving, we’ve been able to completely transform how those homes function.”
Making both parties extremely happy.
“My greatest accomplishment is knowing that I’ve helped create a space that functions beautifully and exceeds my client’s expectations. That’s what makes the work so rewarding.”
