After purchasing their second home, a couple with three children envisioned something unfussy, layered and full of life. “When our clients bought the house, all the bedrooms opened directly into the living room,” says Victoria Armour, co-founder with senior designer Maja Owens of the design firm, Stil James. “That was never going to work with three teenagers.” The first order of business was privacy: A new wall and pocket doors created a “bedroom wing,” giving everyone space to breathe. With that solved, the team could turn their attention to what really mattered – making the living spaces open, warm and beautifully functional.
Kitchen and dining
“Our client loves to host and always pictured this as a gathering place; people coming and going, golf shoes in the mudroom, the dog on the sofa,” says Armour.
“It needed to be easy to live in, not delicate.” The dining area was moved beside the kitchen to improve flow, and the old dining room was transformed into a cosy sitting space, where the adults could unwind while the kids took over the main room. The result is a natural rhythm: A home that encourages connection but still gives everyone space to relax. Comfort is behind every decision. “Even the kitchen stools were a conversation,” says Owens. “They’re wool-covered, high-backed and surprisingly elegant, but the key is you can sit there for hours without moving.”
Primary bedroom
What was once a large but awkward bedroom was turned into a calm, cocooning retreat. “Before we started, it was full of bulky furniture that somehow made it feel empty,” says Owens. “We needed to balance scale with softness.” The bed, anchored by a custom fabric headboard, became the focal point. “Our client wanted something incredibly comfortable but still elevated. We customized the base to hide the ergonomic platform, so she got form and function.”
Above, a bold chandelier that seemed too big on paper became the perfect punctuation once installed. “The proportions made sense with the ceiling height. It gives the whole space a sense of intention.” A reupholstered reading chair adds a personal touch, its reversible cushion showing off both sides of the textile. “It’s subtle, but it gives the room depth and personality, her version of cosy sophistication.”
Kids’ room
For three teens and their visiting cousins, the goal was casual comfort without clutter. “We wanted it to feel homey and fun, but also in harmony with the rest of the house,” says Armour.
The starting point was a duck-patterned wallpaper, whimsical yet timeless. From there, geometric pillows, wool throws and warm mauve tones added to the layered personality. “Even though it’s technically a kids’ room, the palette is refined enough for them to grow into,” she notes. Black spindle beds and brass sconces add a touch of structure, while rattan nightstands lend texture and a heritage feel.
Mudroom
Some pieces don’t just fill a space, they carry stories. “Our client’s grandfather was a pastor, and she had a church pew from his congregation in storage for years,” says Armour. “We wanted to give it a home.” Painted a rich green and topped with a tailored cushion, the pew anchors the mudroom with quiet sentiment. “It’s the first thing you see when you walk in, and it sets the tone for the entire house – functional, personal and full of heart.”
That green hue became a thread woven throughout the home, appearing in light fixtures, wall tones and subtle upholstery choices. “Colour became our connective tissue,” explains Armour. “Every space speaks to another.”
Primary bathroom
The bathroom channels what the designer calls, “British tailoring meets romance.” Polished nickel hardware nods to classic tradition, while a deep red-framed mirror in an unconventional shape injects personality. “It’s our little wink. The wallpaper pattern even echoes the ottoman fabric from the media room, just in a softer tone. It’s how we keep the home feeling cohesive.”
Basement
In the lower level, the media and games room strike the perfect balance between refinement and relaxation. Wrapped in rich textures and warm tones, the space feels layered and lived in. Custom millwork in creamy hues frame a statement bar clad in forest-green leathered-marble, its veined surface adding a hit of drama and depth. Smooth oak cabinetry grounds the palette, while supple saddle-brown leather stools and tailored plaid upholstery introduce warmth and pattern. The mix of materials – stone, wood and fabric – creates a tactile rhythm that feels timeless and tailored, making this the kind of room designed for lingering.
A home that feels lived in
Nothing in this home feels new for the sake of newness. The mix of vintage finds, art and custom textiles gives each room a collected, storied character. “Anything you could sit on had to feel genuinely comfortable,” says Owens. “That’s the rule. If you can’t picture yourself curling up there for hours, it doesn’t belong.”
The overall effect is layered but intentionally not overly coordinated. “Some pairings are unexpected, but that’s what makes it personal,” says Armour. “Every piece has a story, whether it’s a pillow, a painting or a pew from a church. That’s what turns a house into a home.”