Where Our Story Meets Yours.
You’ve probably been thinking about this longer than you’ve been talking about it. You might have just bought the place and already know it won’t work as it stands. Or the house stopped fitting somewhere along the way. Or it’s still a set of plans, and this is your one chance to get it right. Nine years in, we’ve learned the thing you call us about is rarely the job, so we go looking for the real one first.
We start with how your days run, because a house goes invisible the moment it’s yours. That happens in the first month as easily as the twentieth year, and it goes double for a set of plans. If you’re holding them, walk them like a real Tuesday before it’s built. Where your stuff lands when everyone’s in from the car, how you move through it with the house full. We’ve watched a window centred for outside symmetry throw the inside off, and a grand hallway leave the living room too small to sit in. Paper won’t tell you that, and by the time the house does, it’s built.
That’s also why we don’t put our look on your house, and never have. What every project shares is the moment you walk in and feel like the house finally caught up to you.
“What surprised me most was how limited my vision was about the house we lived in. I was open to being challenged, and I was really challenged, and the outcome far exceeded what I had in mind.” — Donna A., Halifax
We carry the heavy part, so you get to enjoy this, and walk in at the end to a home that fits the way you live now. We’re so glad you’re here. Let’s get into this.
Our Journal
Ideas, insights, and behind-the-scenes thinking on design, kitchens, and how homes actually work.
Our Team
Natalie Owens
Founder & creative director
Design advice to live by?
Design a space that feels like who you are at this moment in your life. A lot of our clients fear that if they choose something that’s ‘in’ they are falling prey to design trends. The reality is, much like people, design evolves all the time. There’s a beautiful cross-section between keeping your home up-to-date and also timeless. Oh and splurge on those pieces you love- you won’t regret it when you look at them every day in your home.
The most inspiring part of your job?
People. Our team, our clients, our partners. All of the people in my work life & the creativity they bestow upon me each day. Watching people fall in love with their home for the first time is also pretty special & often emotional for me. Typically when we first meet a client they have little to no connection to their space. As we begin our design concept process, the shift begins to happen. Connection between the person and where they live, is born. It can be quite a magical experience for all of us.
Victoria Armour
co-founder & business director
Design advice to live by?
Have fun. Be curious. Try stuff. Trust the process. Don’t overcomplicate it. In a world where design inspiration is at our fingertips and trends are always changing, decisions can feel overwhelming. By leaning into it and sometimes stepping out of your comfort zone you can end up surprising even yourself. It may sound cheesy, but home design really is as much about the journey as it is the destination (though the destination does make for beautiful pictures!).
The most inspiring part of your job?
It amazes me how I never stop learning, but at the same time am always teaching. I absolutely love it. Everyone on our team brings a unique perspective and the collaboration that happens behind the scenes is incredible. It’s that moment when someone throws out a new idea or comes to a meeting really inspired that you see the magic happen.
Maja Owens
SENIOR DESIGNer
Design advice to live by?
Design a space that makes you feel happy and cozy, a place you can’t wait to get back to. Don’t get too caught up on what’s trendy and what everyone else is doing. Make it your own.
The most inspiring part of your job?
The creative team I get to work with every day and finding different design solutions for those tricky, tight spaces. Watching clients walk in to a newly designed space is a pretty special moment. There’s nothing quite like it when their face lights up and they realize: “we can stay here… this is our home.”
What are you watching, reading or listening to right now?
My husband and I are big fans of true crime. We always have a Dateline recorded and ready to watch. We just finished Black Bird mini series.
sarah macneil
senior DESIGNer & draftsperson
Design advice to live by?
Investing in your home is tantamount to investing in the quality of your life. Don’t postpone addressing the issues that disrupt your daily peace. Every improvement, whether big or small, contributes to your happiness within your living space. Follow what brings you joy and trust your instincts.
The most inspiring part of your job?
Designing spaces tailored to each client’s unique requirements. The beauty of this process lies in the transformation it brings to people’s lives. It’s about more than just creating visually stunning spaces; it’s about making a tangible difference in how people experience their surroundings. Seeing an idea come to fruition, and reflecting on all the hands, and decisions that went into it is also extremely rewarding.
liz jamieson
director of operations
Design advice to live by?
Be friends with designers! As a Project Manager, my strengths lie more in logistics than layout, but being surrounded by talented designers every day has definitely sharpened my eye. My own home (and closet!) are full of handpicked pieces thanks to the stylish influence of my Stil James fam.
The most inspiring part of your job?
The people. I am constantly in awe of what our designers create. They have a vision right from the beginning, and to see it come to life is so inspiring and never gets old!
What are you watching, reading or listening to right now?
I love a good laugh, so I am always cycling through my favourite stand-up comedians. On the flip side, I also enjoy any murder documentary. To me that feels like a good balance, but I’m sure a therapist would disagree.
erin mckinnon
procurement manager & junior designer
Design advice to live by?
Mixing vintage or antique pieces in a room will always be interesting. Even just using artwork – it gives a space warmth and character that you can tell is genuine. Having vintage pieces curated for your space by your design team is a great option.
The most inspiring part of your job?
The team! Everyone is so hard working, and has fun while doing it! A killer team of women is the best type of work place.
What are you watching, reading or listening to right now?
I’ve been listening to some folk-y music lately for that cozy winter vibe! I’ve also been very into the show Nurse Jackie (an oldie) and always re-watching Seinfeld!
kaitlyn scott
project manager
Design advice to live by?
Don’t be afraid to take risks! If there’s anything that I’ve learned since I started working with the girls at Stil James, it’s that life is too short to have boring wallpaper. Designing your space for you and taking those creative risks leads to timeless interiors that you’ll love forever.
The most inspiring part of your job?
Knowing that the work we are putting in is going to translate into something not only beautiful, but also functional. These spaces are going to be lived in and used by our clients every single day for years to come – how special is that?!
What are you watching, reading or listening to right now?
I’m big on podcasts and audiobooks right now! Currently I’m listening to the Housemaid series by Freida McFadden, and whenever a new episode of Canadian True Crime comes out, you bet I’m downloading it right away. (I’m also always in the middle of a re-watch of Grey’s Anatomy…)
hÉloise genest
junior designer
Design advice to live by?
Don’t compromise on quality. Choose fewer pieces, but choose them with intention. Minimize waste and support local makers whenever you can. And vintage- vintage is essential. It asks for more curiosity, more research, but the reward is unmatched. You can’t replicate the quiet beauty of an object that has traveled through time.
The most inspiring part of your job?
Creating a feeling. A well‑thought‑through design can bring a calm so deep it actually awakens the mind. I try to slow time for my clients—through details that invite them to pause and appreciate the mind behind the design.
What are you watching, reading or listening to right now?
Two of my top “forever subscriptions” on YouTube: The Local Project for the beauty of architecture, and the series “Dirt” from Huckberry. It’s people and nature focused but beware, it will make you hungry.
