Meet Deslaurier’s newest secret weapon, Kristen Weese

How long have you been in the industry?

I have been in the industry for 4 years now.

I went into interior decorating right out of high school in 2013, graduating from that program in 2015. While in school I worked part time at urban barn selling furniture and helping clients with their interior design needs, and also worked with John from HDD Ottawa and Susan at SO interiors.

It wasn’t until I graduated that I decided I wanted to specialize in kitchen design.

The kitchen is the heart of the home & I love helping my clients create a space that mirrors their lifestyle and personality. Whether it is hosting cocktail parties or rounding up children for nightly family dinners, I want them to make the most of their kitchen.

Once I decided kitchen design was my passion, I studied kitchen and bath design from 2015 – 2016. Deslaurier welcomed me as a co-op student from kitchen and bath in 2016 and hired me on full time right out of school.

How would you describe your personal style?

I would say my personal style is more eclectic then anything & I prefer to use raw materials in my space.

I tend to get drawn to certain pieces and find a way to make them work within my space.

I love integrating old/vintage pieces into my newer designs. I love high contrast design & the use of black metals in light airy spaces to give it depth and that “wow” factor.

Why did you get into kitchen design?

I’ve always had a passion for design from a young age…I was constantly annoying my mother with wanting to rearrange/repaint my room as my personal style was evolving with age.

I have always been drawn to natural stone. I got into kitchen design when I realized I needed to do more than interior décor. I loved all the calculations and detail it takes to plan out a kitchen design that is both beautiful and functional.

How do you find inspiration when you help a customer design a space?

Finding inspiration is at a fingers touch these days. From searching the web for inspiration or asking fellow colleagues/friends, but I find most inspiration is found from just collaborating with clients and discovering their needs.

There is no better inspiration than simply learning about who my clients are and how they plan to use their kitchen.

What is the thing you most enjoy about your job?

Seeing a satisfied customer at the end of the design processes when all of their needs and wants become reality is a feeling you cant beat. But turning a house into a home for all to enjoy is by far my favorite part.

You can completely transform someone’s life by giving them a space that functions and benefits them in every aspect.

I enjoy turning dull outdated spaces into beautiful functioning living spaces.

When you are not designing kitchens – what do you do in your spare time? What are your favorite things to do for fun?

When I’m not designing kitchens I love to spend time with my beloved Great Dane Winnie & Lady friends whether it be a night out on the town for dinner & drinks or staying in for a wine & charcuterie night.