Before & After
A 120-Year-Old Nova Scotia Home Gets a Colourful Facelift
Published on June 27, 2025
Designers Victoria Armour (above) and Natalie Owens of Stil James Studio spent 10 months updating this 120-year-old summer home in Chester, Nova Scotia, with an old world meets maritime vibe. Discover how the designers brightened up the hallway, revamped the dining room, upgraded the kitchen and pulled off a stunning bathroom makeover. Plus, learn how much it all cost.
Brighten Up A Hallway
Major Moves
- Painted out the dark woodwork and ceiling beams
- Updated the passageway with original art, a custom bench cushion and pillows, and a new switch plate
- Added hot pink fabrics on the bench for a pop of colour
What They Spent
Key costs (approximate) included the:
- Art, $2,000
- Fabrics and upholstery$1,500
- Switch plate, $150
Element With The Most Impact: The art is the definitive moment in this space. It’s an original piece called Slowing Down by Karen Bramhill, who is an Ottawa artist.
Related: This young Canadian artist explores Ontario landscapes with colour and connectivity
The hallway, before.
Summarize a Dining Room
Major Moves
- Painted out the dark cherrywood wall panelling and ceiling beams in Benjamin Moore’s Swiss Coffee
- Painted the built-in chest of drawers
- Hired a decorative painter to cover the plaster walls with a custom, hand-painted mural of sailboats
- Added a new chandelier, new window treatments and updated the furniture
What They Spent
Key costs (approximate) included the:
- Furniture and accessories, $8,500
- Custom mural, $5,000
- Lighting$4,000
- Window treatments, $2,000
Biggest Change: The mural is the focal point, bringing visual interest and personality to the space.
The dining room, before.
Breezy Kitchen Update
Major Moves
- Connected the kitchen to the rest of the house by adding in colourful elements and removing the stark, modern edge
- Added wallpaper, textures and a new paint colour
- Replaced the ceiling fan with two whimsical pendants
- Invested in new stools with custom seat cushions
- Installed window treatments
What They Spent
Key costs (approximate) included the:
- Wallpaper, $5,000
- Lighting, $4,000
- Stools and custom seat cushions, $4,000
- Hardware, $1,200
- Window treatments, $1,000.
Element With The Most Impact: The wallpaper, which gives the kitchen cohesiveness and a playful vibe.
The kitchen, before.
Bathroom Makeover
Major Moves
- Installed a new vanity with rounded edges and elegant door profiles that nods to the era of the home
- Added botanical wallpaper in pink hues
- Painted the vanity in Benjamin Moore’s First Light, a soft blush that was pulled from the wallpaper
- Added brass plumbing fixtures, and a marble backsplash and counter for an elevated, timeless look
- Decorated with new mirrors, a sconce and accessories
What They Spent
Key costs (approximate) included the:
- Vanity and marble, $8,000
- Wallpaper, $2,500
- Mirrors, $1,000
- Lighting, $300.
Best Investment: The vanity. It’s a focal point that perfectly balances form and function.
The bathroom, before.
Janet Kimber
House & Home
Natalie Owens and Victoria Armour, Stil James Studio