Case Study
The Graceful Living Kitchen Renovation in Stittsville
A Traditional Kitchen Renovation
Location: Stittsville, ON
Style: Traditional
Timeline: Design (Jan 2026 – March 2026) & Construction (March 2026-June 2026)
Scope: Kitchen renovation (151 sq ft)
Standout Features:
- Aging-in-place design
- Stained solid oak cabinetry
- Quartz countertops with furniture-style island edge
- Full-height backsplash
- Custom hood vent façade
- Integrated storage and organization
- Extended and stained existing structural beam/bulkhead
The homeowners had lived in their Stittsville home for most of their lives, and they wanted to make sure it would continue to work for them well into the future.
With aging in place at the centre of the design, the renovation focused on making everyday tasks easier without compromising the character of the home. The result is a kitchen with a more thoughtful layout, more accessible storage and a warmer, more cohesive material palette.
- Reworked the kitchen to better support the homeowners as they age in place
- Converted base cabinetry to drawers and incorporated pull-outs throughout for easier access
- Worked existing structural and mechanical elements into the design rather than removing them
- Added dedicated beverage storage and additional pantry storage
- Integrated the central vacuum toe sweep and heat supply into the cabinetry
THE BEFORE
The existing kitchen had laminate flooring, laminate countertops and cabinetry that did not provide the level of accessibility or organization the homeowners wanted for the long term.
The Solution
The new design focused on accessibility and ease of use throughout the kitchen.
Where possible, we converted base cabinets to drawers, making everyday items easier to reach.
A hand towel pull-out was added with space for dish soap and cleaning supplies, while the pull-outs around the cooktop keep cooking essentials within easy reach.
The island also received dedicated organization through a pegboard system for dishware and a tiered cutlery insert.
We also added a pegboard system for dishware and a tiered cutlery insert on the island for dedicated organization.
Additional pantry storage was created where an existing closet had been located. A beverage centre and display cabinet were incorporated into the cabinetry, giving the kitchen dedicated space for items that previously had to be accommodated elsewhere.
Lastly, the existing central vacuum toe sweep and heat supply vent were integrated into the cabinetry toe kicks, keeping both functional without interrupting the design.
The Challenge
The kitchen had existing structural and mechanical elements that could not simply be removed.
A structural beam ran through the space, while a bulkhead near the cooktop concealed plumbing from a previous renovation.
The beam and bulkhead were extended and clad in stained wood to coordinate with the cabinetry, turning existing constraints into intentional architectural details.
The homeowners had also previously raised the floor of their sunken living room to better accommodate a family member with accessibility challenges. This created an issue with the existing patio door, where the new floor height resulted in improper drainage at the ledge.
Materials
We developed the material palette to create a warm, timeless feel that complements the home’s character.
- Stained solid oak cabinet doors, with stained wood carried onto the existing beam and bulkheads
- Quartz countertops throughout, including a beveled edge on the island to give it a more furniture-like appearance
- Full-height tile backsplash at the sink and cooktop
- Champagne bronze cabinet hardware and fixtures
- 4 1/4-inch-wide solid white oak hardwood flooring throughout
- Custom heat supply vents finished to match the hardwood flooring
- Dimmable under-cabinet lighting for task lighting at the work surfaces
- Recessed downlights, small pendants and puck lighting integrated throughout the kitchen
- Allison Suspension Chandelier over the dining area
The “Aha” Moment
The island was the one part of the design the homeowners weren’t sure about.
They wanted enough room to cook comfortably, move through the kitchen and host family and friends, but they weren’t convinced an island would leave enough space to do all of that.
The design process changed their minds.
By working through the layout and considering how they would actually use the kitchen day to day, the island went from a concern to one of their favourite parts of the finished space.
The Result
The finished kitchen gives homeowners the calm, spacious feeling they always wanted.
One of the biggest shifts came from thinking about the kitchen as a collection of distinct activities rather than one continuous workspace.
Cooking, cleaning, making coffee, serving and entertaining each have their own place now, making the room feel organized without feeling overly defined.
The final result is a kitchen designed for how the homeowners live today and for the years to come. With their family visiting often, upcoming weddings to host and a desire to remain in the home long term, the space was designed to accommodate both everyday life and the occasions that bring everyone together.
See It in Person at RenoTour
For more information, please visit
RenoTour
Presented by the Greater Ottawa Home Builders’ Association (GOHBA)
This Stittsville kitchen will be open to the public as part of GOHBA’s RenoTour on
October 18 from 10 AM – 4 PM.
Stop by for a guided tour of the renovation and meet the ARTium Design Build team on site to learn more about the project or chat about a renovation of your own.
Can’t make it in person? Explore the project from home with our project video and virtual Matterport tour.