--- title: "Moneca Kaiser Design Build (MKDB) — Design-Build Firms | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/design-build-firms/moneca-kaiser-design-build-mkdb-pfvwus-pf~184672750 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~184672750.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "Moneca Kaiser Design Build (MKDB)" category: ["Design-Build Firms"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/5cf393dc0ed16dd8_0465-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "435 St Laurent Blvd, Unit 201, Ottawa, Ontario K1K 2Z6, Canada" latitude: 45.4556 longitude: -75.6544 phone: "(613) 720-7239" website: https://mkdb.ca/ rating: 4.8 review_count: 46 best_of_houzz_awards: 5 followers: 250 last_updated: 2026-09-17 --- # Moneca Kaiser Design Build (MKDB) Original Houzz profile: [Moneca Kaiser Design Build (MKDB)](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/design-build-firms/moneca-kaiser-design-build-mkdb-pfvwus-pf~184672750) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Design-Build Firms - **Location:** Ottawa, ON - **Serves:** Alta Vista, Barrhaven, Beachwood, Bells Corners, Britannia, Center Town, Chelsea, Downtown, Fisher Park, Gatineau, Glebe, Gloucester, Golden Triangle, Hazeldean, Hintenburg, Kanata, Manor Park, Manotick, Nepean, New Edinburg, Old Chelsea, Old Ottawa East, Old Ottawa South, Orleans, Ottawa, Rockcliffe Park, Sandy Hill, Shirleys Bay, Uplands, Westboro - **Houzz rating:** 4.8 out of 5 (46 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 5 awards (2015–2020), for Design, Service. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Houzz Influencer - Recommended on Houzz - 10,000 Ideabook Saves Offering you fully integrated ecological design and construction services to renovate a house into Your Ideal Home- a home that makes your lives and relationships a little easier because it's high functioning, nurturing, flexible and beautiful. You can trust our price and schedule - we take pride in being true to our commitment to you, it's a point of honour. Designing and renovating should be exciting and fun. We're committed to doing all the heavy lifting so you can just enjoy the ride home. Like you, we are Home Makers. Our passion for thoughtful design & excellent craft compliments your passion for a beautiful home to nourish your family and inspire harmony. We will take the time to talk you out of anything we feel is not in your best interests and offer you alternative ways of meeting your needs to ensure your home is of the highest value. Ultimately YOU make the decisions about what you value and we make it happen for you. Visit us at www.mkdb.ca to learn more about how we will see you all the way home! ### Services Provided - Home Remodeling - Custom Homes - Kitchen Remodeling - Home Additions - Kitchen Design - Home Extensions - Bathroom Design - Architectural Design - Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) - Guesthouse Design & Construction - Architectural Drawings - Multigenerational Homes - House Plans - 3D Rendering - Project Management - Design Consultation - Floor Plans - Energy-Efficient Homes - Basement Design - Universal Design - Outdoor Kitchen Design - Laundry Room Design - Green Building - Sustainable Design - Attic Conversion - Space Planning - Lighting Design - Historic Building Conservation - Mudroom Design - Site Planning - Drafting - Home Theater Design - Staircase Design - Landscape Plans - Modular Home Additions - Custom Storage - Outdoor Lighting Design - Custom Renovations - Downsizing - Home Design - Home Renovation Design - Interior Design - Master Planning - Wholistic Home Design ### Areas Served - Alta Vista - Barrhaven - Beachwood - Bells Corners - Britannia - Center Town - Chelsea - Downtown - Fisher Park - Gatineau - Glebe - Gloucester - Golden Triangle - Hazeldean - Hintenburg - Kanata - Manor Park - Manotick - Nepean - New Edinburg - Old Chelsea - Old Ottawa East - Old Ottawa South - Orleans - Ottawa - Rockcliffe Park - Sandy Hill - Shirleys Bay - Uplands - Westboro ### Typical Job Cost CAD 20,000 - CAD 400,000 Fully integrated Architectural and Interior Design Solutions for Your Ideal Home. ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | Moneca Kaiser Design Build (MKDB) | | Address | 435 St Laurent Blvd, Unit 201, Ottawa, Ontario K1K 2Z6, Canada | | Phone | (613) 720-7239 | | Website | https://mkdb.ca/ | | Followers on Houzz | 250 | **Social profiles:** - Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/pages/MONECA-KAISER-DESIGN-BUILD/87474988070?ref=hl - X (Twitter) — https://twitter.com/MKDBstudio - LinkedIn — http://www.linkedin.com/profile/view?id=34032879&trk=nav\_responsive\_tab\_profile - Blog — https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBFIEdu-gLdaNOrMkPCMp6g ## Offers 50% Off Big Picture Consultations _Canada Day Offer Ends July 31st_ (valid through July 2019) ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [Moneca Kaiser Design Build (MKDB)](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/design-build-firms/moneca-kaiser-design-build-mkdb-pfvwus-pf~184672750) - **Website:** https://mkdb.ca/ - **Phone:** (613) 720-7239 ## Credentials **Certifications & Awards** - YWCA Woman of Distinction - 2009 Habitat for Humanity Donor of Distinction - 1997Ottawa Carleton Home Builders Association Finalist - 2003 Renos \> $100,0002005 Kitchens \>179 sq. ft. - 2005 & 2007 Housing Details - 2012 Renos \>$450,000 - 2002 Honourable Mention Housing Details - **Best of Houzz:** 5 awards (2015–2020), for Design, Service. ## Reviews **Overall rating: 4.8 out of 5 — 46 reviews** ### Reviews **★★★★★ — Michelle Weger, May 2021** > The changes Moneca made to the layout have made it into such a livable space. It’s technically small but it doesn’t feel small because of the layout and the windows. > > The windows are so incredible and I’m so happy that she found so many places to add big beautiful light filling windows. We barely ever use lights before dusk. > > I feel proud of my home which wasn’t the case when we bought it, before the renovations started. **★★★★★ — Mira Johri, Aug. 2019** > My mother passed away a few years back after a long illness. After a period of mourning and adjustment, my father decided that it was time to shift from the house that had been their home for forty years to a condo. The move was a daunting prospect. We are extremely fortunate that Moneca and her team were available to help in the transition. My parents’ home held a lifetime of treasures and memories; Moneca was able to honour my father’s vision, timeline, and budget while ensuring respect for the fundamentals of good design. They worked together to create a worthy home for his retirement and in the process have become fast friends. When I visit my father’s condo, I see him happy and surrounded by his favourite things. He takes pleasure in hosting friends old and new, and has received nothing but compliments on his comfortable and elegant new home. Our most sincere thanks to Moneca – this happy ending is truly a gift. **★★★★★ — User, June 2019** > Moneca and her team have been great at every step of the reno process. We have a 100 yr old house we are renovating. We came to Moneca with a design concept but Moneca quickly envisioned a much better plan. Her team went through every detail during the design phase to maximize the use of space while emphasizing multiple uses for each space. Now we are in the construction phase and they are ahead of schedule and on budget even after discovering some surprises an old house can hide. We feel confident that Moneca and her team are going to deliver what they promised and give us our dream home. **Comment from Moneca Kaiser Design Build (MKDB):** > It is such a pleasure to be working with you and Barbara to design and renovate your property the ideal home for you with a comfortable rental unit. We are so excited to see all of our thoughtful design details slowing coming to fruition with our wonderful team of carpenters on site. Thank you for the privilege of helping you shepherd in your new urban lifestyle! **★★★★★ — elise ONDET, May 2019** > Our project was very last minute, and as I searched for a contractor and interior designer to be able to guide us through our project, I found MKDB. Lucky for us, they were able to take on our project (we contacted them in mid-April, demo started in June!). > Compared to what I hear from other people going through major renovations of their home, we didn't hit any of the snafus - communication with Moneca and her team (and especially Dana) was really easy and straightforward. The only issue we had was that the permits took longer than expected and set the whole project back a month. Probably, Moneca and her team could / should have done a better job with them, but all in all, delays are expected with a reno. > > WHAT I LOVED 1 > We had to write a somewhat long-ish document about how we were envisioning the project and what we wanted our home to look like. After that, I felt like most of my work had been done. Dana and Moneca took possession of our thoughts and wants and turned them into the right choices of interior fixtures, from hardwood flooring to shelves, shades of paints or lighting. It was a last minute project and before we started I had never watched a home reno show so I didn't know much about what I wanted, but it felt like Dana knew! I just nodded to most of the tiles, hardwood floors, plumbing that she presented because they were right. It was such a relief not to have to go to all the stores and agonize over the tiles. I think it also kept us on budget because otherwise I would have been sucked into choosing more expensive fixtures. > > WHAT I LOVED 2 > We were away for most of the reno and Moneca and Dana kept us informed of what was happening. We came back not to a fully renovated house, which was the goal at first, but things were moving quickly already. We really did not have to do any check ups, making sure that everything was according to plan, because Moneca and her team were. That also removed a lot of the stress of a reno > > WHAT I LOVED 3 > Moneca's and Dana's designing suggestions were really helpful. Had we not hired an interior designer who really thought about the flow of people in the house, I don't think our home would be functioning so well for us now. A contractor will tell you they can, and will, but I think that for a maor reno like this, you need someone who can have a global vision. **Comment from Moneca Kaiser Design Build (MKDB):** > We loved co-creating a kitchen for someone so passionate about feeding her family Elise. You have been a great inspiration and reminder that it's not the kitchen but the cook who really makes us happy. There's a whole movement around this idea but not everyone embodies it the way you do. https://www.slowfood.com/ I've attached a photo of us enjoying the homemade Christmas Yule log you made for us. I wish I had a close up of it, it was so pretty and so yummy. Our vision is to be around for 7 generations so hopefully we will be helping your sons make homes someday too and hopefully you will pass on your baking skills to them too. **★★★★★ — John Gero, May 2019** > Our more than a century old house was looking drab and required a significant redesign to give it more life and curb appeal. We had a great experience working with MKDB in the past for our interior renovations and were excited to work with them again on our new project. > > We hired MKDB to redesign the front of the house and to build and managed the actual renovations. We found the staff to be very knowledgeable, courteous and great listeners. They sat down with us to hear our ideas and came back with a design that truly elevated the look of our home's exterior facade, roofline and front porch, > > They made sure that we were fully aware of the cost of the project and any potential costs that could arise, so that we did not have to worry about additional costs after the project started. Like the previous renovation with them, they came in on time and on budget, just like they promised. > > We very highly recommend working with them. **★★ — Roma, March 2019** > My husband and I rarely write reviews but often read them and they impact our decisions. So to do our part we wanted to share our thoughts on working with Moneca Kaiser Design and Build (MKDB). > > Originally, I set out looking for interior design guidance for a new house we are building that we had just designed. However, MKDB second opinion service caught my eye. I thought that getting a fresh set of eyes on our floor plans and maybe some value adding tweaks could be wise. Unfortunately, that wasn’t the case. > > Moneca offered a two step service, one to critique the existing floor plan and step two to offer solutions. However, after step one (which she originally asked $1,000 for but thankfully we got the 360 degree consult fee of $360 after asking) she said she was unable to provide solutions. This meeting ended up being little more than a sales pitch for her services. I don’t think the MKDB second opinion service should even be offered to begin with if there is the possibility that there are no solutions. Although Moneca speaks to a holistic approach in design, she still offers this service which is not at all inline with this approach she maintains is necessary to create a home design. It's easy to point out what could be better in a home design however providing solutions is another story, > > Ultimately, we spent $5,000 and none of her ideas added value to our situation or feasible with our current plans. She seemed more interested collecting fees and signing us up for a full home design than helping us in our situation to be honest. On a positive note, the experience did highlight how our original floor plan was optimal for us and how thankful we are to have our original home design and build team. **Comment from Moneca Kaiser Design Build (MKDB):** > We are so sorry to hear that you were dissatisfied with the service we provided for your family. Initially, we began discussions about working together on your project from an interior finishing and millwork detailing stand point. As floor plans and fully resolved, functional spaces, are our forte, we suggested another service that we felt would better serve your needs before addressing the finishing and millwork. Working together over about 2 months we exchanged around 50 emails, as this was your preferred way of communicating, and worked together towards some elegant solutions for your project. > > We suggested that together we explore options to either accept the plans, much as they are, or start over - wiser for your journey. You chose to explore the latter option and allow us to take a fresh look at your wish list and come up with some new solutions. > > We offered about a dozen new concepts for discussion culminating in one resolved solution that addressed both your wish list and resolved many of the concerns you had with your existing plan. After working together for a bit on this new plan option, the project scope quickly reverted to working with the former floor plan and looking for ways to elevate it. > > As we explained in our initial consultation and we will reiterate here for the Houzz community, in the hope of illuminating the complexity and importance of comprehensive and elegant design - our biggest problem in working through this second opinion of your existing plans is that they are good. It's really hard to justify changing something that is good, and the solutions are not simple for the same reason. > > Given that, once we shifted our focus to working with you existing plan/footprint, we performed a careful review of the existing plan and offered viable options for all 3 stories. The solutions were aimed at eliminating any wasted space, refining traffic flows and door swings, providing new/better storage opportunities, addressing your concerns about the master suite layout which disturbed a resting partner if the other wanted to dress, improving your kitchen triangle, too long in our opinion, which then presented an opportunity to add a shower to the powder room. The list of improvements/solutions continued. All of this was achieved while keeping within the existing building envelope or suggesting very modest modifications that would not extend your permit application process for construction. > > Through all of this, our solutions illustrated to you and provided you with greater clarity around what you value and what you couldn't live without. We are only too grateful that at least it has allowed you to move forward with your existing plans with confidence. > > This exploration of options is exactly what the Second Opinion service is for and this was truly the advantage you gained from utilizing this service. > > You said you were initially drawn to our work because of the smart and elegant designs - should you see any features or finishes that appeal to you we would be happy to supply you with their specifications at no additional charge. > > In the end, our services allowed you to feel happy with you choices and move forward into the build justified and confident. Please let us know if we might be of further service to you as you move forward. Perhaps when you come around to furnishing we can offer some ideas from our travels... > > We wish you the very best with your new house construction and we hope your home brings you happiness as your family continues to grow. **★★★★ — Ken Richardson, Nov. 2018** > We are delighted with our renovation - it truly transformed our livingspace - and we very much appreciated the open design-first approach. **★★★★★ — Anne MacIsaac, Nov. 2018** > We hired Moneca to do a major renovation for us, with a main floor addition for a new kitchen and a complete redesign of the main floor of our 1940s home. New windows, roof, siding, climate system and a new, relocated back deck were part of the reno. Moneca and her whole team were trustworthy, reliable, and professional. We were extremely impressed with their skill and meticulous attention to detail. We actually started out with another designer, but pricing concerns late in that process led us to ask Moneca for a second opinion. She reassured us on the price, but suggested a very different layout that made so much sense that we had to switch. Moneca’s people were very organized and helped guide us through the whole process, by narrowing down fixture choices and even giving advice on furnishings. They started on schedule and got us back into the house on time. We are thrilled with the result and highly recommend Moneca and her team! **★★★★★ — stephen hicks, Aug. 2017** > Moneca and her firm got me out of a major snafu that was happening on a project I was doing. I am very grateful for the expedient way she can make things happen. I was building a two story addition that was stopped until Moneca and her crew came along. **★★★★ — Jane Gurr, Aug. 2017** > "Moneca has great ideas that we benefited from, she's a dedicated expert who helped us articulate our thoughts, protecting us for wasting time on unworkable ideas and potentially expensive mistakes. One of her great strengths is though not her home, she brings a commitment to the success of the project that one associates more with the client than the supplier - invaluable." **★★★★★ — munimooni, Aug. 2017** > Moneca Kaiser Design Build's philosophy resonated perfectly with our vision for small-home living. Moneca and her team listened carefully to our priorities and were able to quickly turn out a highly functional design, without having to increase our home's original square footage. We especially appreciate that the seamless flow and unity of the whole home was considered. Nothing feels awkward or disjointed, as can happen with renovations that focus solely on only one part of the house. Some of our ideas were challenged - where compromises should not be made, which resulted in a relaxing and versatile space that can easily accommodate the needs of our family, as well as guests. We are so pleased with the outcome, that we enthusiastically recommend MKDB to our family and friends. **★★★★ — Selena Arvai, July 2017** > I would highly recommend working with Moneca and her team to solve any space issues or concerns with home flow, etc. She really took the time to get to know our family and our needs and helped us design a space that works for a busy family of four. ## Selected projects - [Ottawa Interior Design for a Modern Home in New Edinburgh](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/ottawa-interior-design-for-a-modern-home-in-new-edinburgh-pj-vj~5734028) - Location: Ottawa, ON - Photos: 9 - Description: Sometimes even a new home is missing those finishing touches to make it really great. This family of 5 needed custom storage solutions to integrate seamlessly with their modern esthetic and decorating. Their bathroom was surprisingly dated for a new home and the house wasn’t quite fitting and they wanted to explore new furnishings throughout. With twin girls on the way and a toddler ready to welcome them, it was important to make this house into the home this young family needs. We added integra… - [A Modern Love: The Main St. Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/a-modern-love-the-main-st-residence-pj-vj~445468) - Location: Ottawa, ON - Photos: 16 - Description: This beautiful 1940’s Bungalow was consciously renovated to respect the architectural style of the neighborhood. This harmonious kitchen renovation was featured in The Ottawa Magazine: Modern Love – Interior Design Issue. Here’s a few things they noted about this urban transformation. Modern Love: After moving into a 1940s bungalow, a design-savvy couple commits to a creative renovation that gives them space while respecting the character of the neighbourhood. This dining room allows the homeown… - [A House on the Greens: The Manotick Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/a-house-on-the-greens-the-manotick-residence-pj-vj~3965125) - Location: Ottawa, ON - Photos: 7 - Description: This mature professional couple felt it was time to renovate this house into the home they longed for. The longed to be able to enjoy culinary freedom with a truly supportive kitchen and welcome family and friends. They planned to stay in this wonderful home, very near the river and backing onto a golf course because of its proximity to nature. They thought they would need to add on but we were able to work within the existing footprint and reclaim lost space to create an inviting spacious and v… - [A Diplomat’s Residence in the heart of The Glebe, Ottawa](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/a-diplomats-residence-in-the-heart-of-the-glebe-ottawa-pj-vj~5734035) - Location: Ottawa, ON - Photos: 9 - Description: When their 13 year old daughter first saw their new 100 year old house she thought “Great, I’m going to live in the ugliest house in the Glebe!” The home owners are world travellers and love to entertain but their house just wasn’t accommodating their innate elegance and graciousness. With a careful eye to thoughtfully designed custom millwork to tie this Victorian home together we added a custom white oak wall unit that stretches the full length of their living room. It provides ample storage a… - [A Classic/Minimalist Restoration of a 1900’s Glebe Town House in Ottawa](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/a-classic-minimalist-restoration-of-a-1900s-glebe-town-house-in-ottawa-pj-vj~5734015) - Location: Ottawa, ON - Photos: 4 - Description: Restoring the interior detailing of the 1900’s Glebe townhouse in such a way as to feel as if it had always been there, but with a modern interpretation that pays tribute to the vernacular and creates a very accommodating old world elegance. This was a challenging project for all, because the kitchen was in very good condition and not bad, just not suited to this homes vintage and architectural details. It truly speaks to the value of fine design as being one of the most sustainable, green pract… - [A Little Black Dress for the Kitchen](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/a-little-black-dress-for-the-kitchen-pj-vj~445683) - Location: Ottawa, ON - Photos: 5 - Description: This was a challenging project for all, because the kitchen was very nicely done just not well designed or suited to its occupants. It truly speaks to the value of fine design as being one of the most sustainable practices we have. We donated the uppers and shipped the rest off to our shop to refinish them in an eco-friendly material, opened up the wall a little and voila! - [Mid Century Modern Renovation in Bells Corners Ottawa](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/mid-century-modern-renovation-in-bells-corners-ottawa-pj-vj~2159959) - Location: Ottawa, ON - Photos: 5 - Description: This 1980’s split bungalow was originally built with little thought to user experience in the kitchen and living space. Even working alone in the kitchen was challenging and awkward with the tight layout reminiscent of a space ship or something where space is at a premium. This active family of 5 with kids from 10 -16 years old needed a home where the kids can pitch in with making meals and cleaning up, a landing spot for their hockey gear and more connection with their lovely yard. They were fe… - [A Home That Loves You Back, The Glebe Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/a-home-that-loves-you-back-the-glebe-residence-pj-vj~5734026) - Location: Ottawa, ON - Photos: 5 - Description: This beautiful Glebe home was featured in All Things Home and the Ottawa Citizen, here is some of what they had to say about this project. It’s all in the details. At least that’s true for design expert Moneca Kaiser, owner and lead designer at Moneca Kaiser Design Build. She explains that every square inch—not foot—of the interior of a home should add value in quality of life and return on investment. Kaiser has had many clients switch designers for that very reason. Attention to detail. Just t… - [Gut, Renovation & Seamless 2 story Addition of an Old Ottawa South Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/gut-renovation-and-seamless-2-story-addition-of-an-old-ottawa-south-residence-pj-vj~1955539) - Location: Ottawa, ON - Photos: 9 - Description: Our clients asked us if we would build the design a local architect had done. The answer was yes, if the design is fully resolved, which it was not. After they saw our concepts they decided to walk away from a considerable investment and start over with us and here’s why. It’s a fallacy that not renovating the existing house and merely adding onto it saves money. The problem as you can see from this example is that it devalues the whole project i.e. 1. Renovating the Existing House is Often Esse… - [Young Family’s Home in Rideau Gardens, Ottawa](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/young-familys-home-in-rideau-gardens-ottawa-pj-vj~5747794) - Location: Ottawa, ON - Photos: 7 - Description: Like many of our clients, they value the location, walkability and the dynamics of the urban jungle over a two car garage and walk in closets. Transforming this 1,200sqft, 2 story house, into a home where their family thrives, required every sq inch to add value to their lives. Rather than adding on we developed all two floor and the basement into a vibrant welcoming space which allows this family to live a little more lightly and in harmony with their values. - [Backyard Tea House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/backyard-tea-house-pj-vj~445944) - Location: Ottawa, ON - Photos: 9 - Description: We don’t usually have a dreamy place, a place for reflection. Rooms always have a purpose: the kitchen is for preparing food, the bedroom is to sleep in. But a backyard pagoda or tea house, now there’s a room where you leave time and purpose at the entrance and let daydreams and reflection take hold. And that nourishes the soul as much as the kitchen feeds the body. Sustainable home renovations are not only about the house, but about the property as a whole. This harmonious backyard design was f… - [Backyard Retreat](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/backyard-retreat-pj-vj~533008) - Location: Ottawa, ON - Photos: 4 - Description: This is a beautiful back yard shed/garage design we created and built in Ottawa that combined the clients need for a storage space and a natural relaxation space. Instead of using a fiberglass hot tub for this backyard spa, we sourced a beautiful wood hot tub and retrofit the stairs to lean a little more towards the clients preferred style. - [Spider & Rain](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/spider-and-rain-pj-vj~445970) - Location: Ottawa, ON - Photos: 8 - Description: We hope you love our beautiful Ottawa suburban backyard oasis that helps alleviate stress and re-install a sense of calm and harmony in your day. This pergola was designed to shade in the summer and let the light in throughout the winter months. - [Ottawa Magazine: Forward Thinking](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/ottawa-magazine-forward-thinking-pj-vj~2197534) - Location: Ottawa, ON - Photos: 3 - [Ottawa Magazine: The Philosopher Queen](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/ottawa-magazine-the-philosopher-queen-pj-vj~2197400) - Location: Ottawa, ON - Photos: 2 - [Classic New Kitchen in this Ottawa Home Renovation in Rideau Gardens](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/classic-new-kitchen-in-this-ottawa-home-renovation-in-rideau-gardens-pj-vj~6448497) - Location: Ottawa, ON - Photos: 8 - Description: It's amazing this family of 4 with kids in elementary school managed at all with a kitchen that was really more of a corridor, with three doorways and a makeshift work station. They also desperately needed a powder room and mudroom solution and hoped to be able to integrate it into their main floor that already had a bit of a tight layout. Their beautiful backyard was difficult to access because of its extreme grade changes which prevented them from really enjoying it so they also wished for a w… [See all 16 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/design-build-firms/moneca-kaiser-design-build-mkdb-pfvwus-pf~184672750) ## Ideabooks - [Outdoor Ideas for Historic Home](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/119340045/list/outdoor-ideas-for-historic-home) — 13 ideas - [A Historical Home Renovation](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/45639728/list/a-historical-home-renovation) — 52 ideas - [Cork Flooring](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/114900491/list/cork-flooring) — 6 ideas - [Closed in front porch](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/114614605/list/closed-in-front-porch) — 7 ideas - [built in seat in kitchen - Glebe Reno](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/96839997/list/built-in-seat-in-kitchen-glebe-reno) — 28 ideas - [32 Pretoria tiles](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/8424035/list/32-pretoria-tiles) — 7 ideas - [42sim pendant](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/94515595/list/42sim-pendant) — 2 ideas - [Banquettes](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/90063089/list/banquettes) — 8 ideas - [Modern Warm Kitchen Renovations](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/87961061/list/modern-warm-kitchen-renovations) — 3 ideas - [Modern flat door wood kitchen inspirations](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/76250301/list/modern-flat-door-wood-kitchen-inspirations) — 45 ideas - [Our Friends](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/84872665/list/our-friends) — 7 ideas - [Fire place with TV wall](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/81841119/list/fire-place-with-tv-wall) — 15 ideas - [bathroom vanity ideas](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/76588074/list/bathroom-vanity-ideas) — 33 ideas - [Gate/ Fence Bays](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/115692660/list/gate-fence-bays) — 7 ideas - [Details Inspiration](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/76595666/list/details-inspiration) — 4 ideas - [Modern Shaker galley kitchens](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/76250986/list/modern-shaker-galley-kitchens) — 20 ideas - [Home Office Inspirations](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/75905136/list/home-office-inspirations) — 33 ideas - [Home Office Sheds](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/75909001/list/home-office-sheds) — 16 ideas - [Pantry Inspirations for Kelly](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/75906111/list/pantry-inspirations-for-kelly) — 18 ideas - [tea house for Maria](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/70456443/list/tea-house-for-maria) — 13 ideas [See all 54 ideabooks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/mkdb) ## Community Q&A **Q: Love the floor. What is the wood and the color?** *(in Photo Questions)* A: it's actually a bamboo floor that we had custom colored in a white wash, you have to be careful that it doesn't lean pink though, we had to do a few samples till we were happy with it. The floor came out of Montreal from http://www.duro-design.com/ they do custom stained corks as well and are great to deal with. **Q: Island dimensions** *(in Photo Questions)* What is the dimension of the island including the overhang? And what is the depth of the overhang? Thank you! A: Hi Andrea, Great Question! I find it is always important to think about the scale of your kitchen and ensuring the island isn't too wide will help with that. This island was 30" wide. This is smaller than what most people do, which is 36". These clients had a small foot print and with the narrow space we choose to keep the island more narrow to keep good traffic flows around the island. **Q: Counter stools** *(in Photo Questions)* I love this design, and kitchen. Where are the counter stools from? A: Thank you! This is one of our favorite jobs as well. The stools were purchased by the clients. **Q: Why did this small kitchen cost $150000-$200000?** *(in Photo Questions)* A: Thanks so much for pointing this out! It was well under a quarter of that amount and we will check into this area for all our projects. We take a great deal of pride in being respectful of budgets and offering exponential value. **Q: Any info to share about counter - what thickness, etc.?** *(in Photo Questions)* And where could I find metal grid like at window - like it. :) A: A stainless steel countertop can be fabricated in many thicknesses. It really depends on your kitchen, layout and style which thickness works best for you. For this one we did 1 1/4" thickness. The clients wanted a more polished look for their countertop, but stainless steel countertops can also come brushed as well. The grid was custom made to fit their window; I would suggest contacting you local metal fabricator. **Q: What color to paint cabinets** *(in Design Dilemma)* We have always had stained kitchen cabinets and we have always built our homes except for this house. We completed renovating the bathrooms and now it's time for the kitchen. This new house's kitchen is small and has dark oak cabinets plus brown-black granite (IMO - ugliest granite I've ever seen) which does not match the cabinet color and was poorly installed. I've decided to go with painted cabinets and a stained center island. I picked out my back splash first to determine the kitchen color scheme. I feel in love with Artistic Tile's Granada Smoke. It's hard to tell from this picture but there is blue in the gray. The creamy looking part is Blanco Antico granite. Plus gray glass. Countert top? Granite was too busy and hard to match. And, believe it or not, we could not find a quartz that would match. It was either too creamy colored or too white. Our fabricator has about 6 different lines of quartz in his showroom. So the counter top we chose is Calacatta Quartzite. The movement in the quartzite was smoother and the gray and blue in the quartzite matches very nicely with the tile. My dilemma is what color to paint the cabinets? Having painted cabinets will be very new to us but I do like the look. I'd like to tie in the color of the back splash. I just don't know if off-white cabinets will look like dingy. Would it be okay to go lighter than what's in the tile? Do I need to match it? Thanks in advance! A: Gorgeous choice. Here are some ideas from our design portfolio that might help you along. --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-09-17.*