Cabinet Effects: Bespoke Craftsmanship Redefined

Founded in 2009 out of their garage in Waterloo, Ontario, Brian and Leti Thiessen launched Cabinet Effects. The custom cabinetry studio, now in St. Clements, specializes in kitchens and baths across the Waterloo region and Southwestern Ontario. The company delivers bespoke cabinetry paired with personalized design solutions that transform the most important spaces of a home. Brian, who began his career as a furniture designer, now leads design and sales, while Leti focuses on client experience and operations.

The name itself carries meaning. For founders Brian and Leti, “it was like naming a kid,” Brian jokes. They wanted something that defined who they are and what they do—and realized it’s the effect their work has on people and their homes that truly defines their business.

An Intimate Approach

Cabinet Effects is intentionally small, with about 10 team members, allowing them to remain deeply involved from the first conversation to final installation. This hands-on approach means each space is built to last and thoughtfully designed. 

By managing every step in-house, the team ensures consistency and quality throughout the project. “It’s very invasive, what we do—we’re in people’s kitchens, the place they’re in three times a day. We want to make it the best experience possible,” says Brian. That commitment to both craftsmanship and client care is what has set Cabinet Effects apart for more than 15 years.

A Trusted Cambria Partner

That excellence extends to their partnership with Cambria. Their first use of the product came when a client requested a Cambria design for a kitchen island, while the perimeter countertops were sourced from a different brand. A large error on a perimeter countertop caused problems. “It was like pulling teeth to get that countertop serviced, and we ended up having to pay to replace it,” Brian recalls.

On the Cambria-topped island, the story was different. Though there was a small imperfection, Cambria acted immediately, replacing the surface without hesitation. “From that experience, we knew Cambria would stand behind their product the way we stand behind ours,” Brian says.

Today, Cabinet Effects is a proud Cambria Premier Partner. Visits to Cambria’s Minnesota headquarters have even shaped their approach to their business. “Visiting the Cambria facilities inspired changes in our own shop, and people are often struck by the operations and cleanliness,” Leti says. 

Standout Kitchens

A Happy Place: After 15 years in business, Brian and Leti finally completed a kitchen of their own. A striking full-height backsplash in Brittanicca Gold Cool creates the focal point, paired with Hermitage on the island for contrast. They wanted the space to feel warm, inviting, and not flashy. “It’s our happy place,” Leti says.

A Vision in Green: Cabinet Effects realized a client’s vision for a rich, traditional kitchen with Sherwin-Williams Pewter Green cabinetry and hand-finished wood flooring. The island is clad in Inverness Frost™ with a carved edge, while on the surrounding countertops, Charlestown™ provides contrast and balance.

A Shift to Warmth

Cabinet Effects is seeing homeowners move away from the cool minimalism of years past. “People don’t want cold, minimal spaces anymore. We’re seeing a shift toward more character and warmth,” Brian notes. 

With that, bold choices are making their way into homes. In one recent project, Cabinet Effects installed deep burgundy cabinetry paired with Cambria’s Remington Steel™, creating a moody, speakeasy-inspired setting that contrasted beautifully with lighter spaces in the home.

The Art of Lighting

Cabinet Effects emphasizes the importance of lighting, which to many is an afterthought. “We’re not just going to add on the same under-cabinet lighting to every project—we’re intentional with each one, because it’s important to highlight the finished design,” Brian says.

As a Canadian company, Brian and Leti know the long winters can bring limited daylight, which makes intentional lighting even more important—ensuring that kitchens remain warm, bright, and inviting even when natural sunlight is scarce.

Relentless Improvement

On a poster in their shop, two bold words define the company’s mindset: Relentless Improvement. It’s a reminder that every project can be elevated, every detail refined, and every client experience made better.