OUR Services
CUSTOM BUILD
We’re the design team who makes sure your new home doesn’t just look good on paper — it lives well in real life. Whether you’re coming to us with a complete set of plans or just a vision, our Custom Build service is designed to guide you from concept to completion. We think through the everyday moments your future home needs to handle:
Where does everything go after hockey practice?
Is your dining room big enough for the way you host?
Will the mudroom still flow when all five of you come in at once?
Because we handle everything — lighting plans, plumbing fixtures, finishes, cabinetry, furniture, window treatments, art and accessories — we can deliver a truly turn-key result. And if you need a builder or architect, we can also bring trusted partners into the process and collaborate with them from day one. When the last box is unpacked, your home is ready to live in, styled and furnished down to the details.
Initial Consult & Walk-thru: $350
Billed hourly based on Scope of Work
RENOVATION
Want to hit reset without starting from scratch? That’s where we come in. Our renovation service takes what’s already there and reworks it from the floor plan up- so your home functions better, flows more naturally, and finally makes sense for how you live now.
We don’t just make things look good. We rethink layouts, solve problem areas, and design spaces that feel intentional and easy to live in. Everything is handled in-house- from spatial planning and design concepts to finishes, furnishings, and final styling, so nothing feels disjointed or overcomplicated.
We work closely with the build team, keep decisions moving, and stay involved through the details that matter most. The result is a renovation that looks great, works even better, and feels like a thoughtful evolution of your home, not a total teardown.
Initial Consult & Walk-thru: $350
Billed hourly based on Scope of Work
JUST LIPSTICK
No walls coming down. No contractors to manage. Just furniture, lighting, and accessories- used really well.
This is our large-scale furnishing service for clients who want their home to work better and look pulled together, without taking on a renovation. We rethink the layout, stretch your budget where it matters, and design rooms using pieces that earn their keep in both form and function. It’s ideal for multi-room or full-home projects where you want real impact, minus the dust.
We handle everything in-house- layouts, sourcing, procurement, and final styling, so nothing feels disjointed or half-done. From the sofa placement that finally makes the room work to rugs that are the right size (a big deal), every decision is intentional. The result is a home that feels cohesive, comfortable, and easy to live in.
INITIAL CONSULT & WALK-THRU: $350
Billed hourly based on Scope of Work
kitchen design
The kitchen is where life actually happens- rushed mornings, backpacks on the floor, late dinners, weekend hosting. When it doesn’t work, you feel it every day. That’s why kitchens are our zone of genius. We design them from the inside out, starting with layout, storage, and flow, then layering in materials and details that feel personal, considered, and built for real life.
Our kitchens are built around Loran Cabinetry, our exclusive in-house cabinetry line and a big reason our kitchens work as well as they do. Loran isn’t about choosing boxes- it’s about smart proportions, thoughtful storage, and cabinetry designed through real experience, not theory. You can hire any designer or buy cabinets anywhere, but Loran only exists within a Stil James kitchen. It’s what allows us to design spaces that function better, feel more intentional, and hold the rest of the home together.
Initial Consult & Walk-thru: $350
Billed hourly based on Scope of Work
Our Process:
Discovery
Every project starts with connection. This is where we get clear on how you live, what you love (and don’t), and what isn’t working in your space. We ask the right questions early & identify priorities. You’ll leave with a clear understanding of our services, pricing, and how our team guides the project from first ideas through final install.
- 1. Initial Intake
- 2. In-Home Consultation or Virtual Meeting
- 3. Design Proposal & Scope of Work
PLANNING
This is where the magic starts to take shape. We develop custom floor plans, source materials and furnishings, and map out every detail—visual and technical—so the entire vision is locked in before anyone swings a hammer. Whether it takes twelve weeks or twleve months, this phase sets the tone for a smooth, high-impact transformation.
- 1. Concept Development & Technical Drawings
- 2. Design Package Development
- 3. Client Presentations
IMPLEMENTATION
This is where planning turns into real progress. We keep everything coordinated, questions answered, and decisions moving. By tracking orders, flagging issues early, and making sure each detail lands as it should, we take the pressure off you and keep the project running smoothly. Simple, thoughtful, and done properly- and yes, it can be fun too.
- 1. Product Procurement
- 2. Construction & Project Management
- 3. Delivery, Install & Reveal
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get started?
It starts with an inquiry through our website. From there, we’ll review your project, make sure we’re the right fit, and book an initial conversation. This first step helps us understand your goals, scope, and timeline — and gives you clarity on our services, fees, and process before moving forward.
You’ll get a sense of our process and some early sparks of design direction. After that, we’ll pull together a custom Scope of Work and Design Concept Presentation that outlines the creative approach, project timeline, and investment to bring it all to life.
Is Stil James the right fit for a kitchen-focused renovation?
Absolutely. Kitchen-led projects- often paired with a dining room, mudroom, or adjacent spaces- are a core part of our work. Kitchens are our zone of genius, and we’ve built our process (and our exclusive Loran Cabinetry line) specifically to support these projects. You don’t need a full-home renovation to work with us.
When is the right time to reach out?
Honestly? As soon as the idea pops into your head. If you’re even thinking about involving us, loop us in early—we can offer insights and ideas that might save you time, money, and a few headaches down the road. It’s much easier (and more fun) to start strong than to course-correct mid-project. So don’t wait—let’s chat.
Do you work with clients outside of Atlantic Canada?
Absolutely. While we’re proudly based in Halifax, we work with clients across the country—from coast to coast. Whether you’re local or long-distance, our process stays the same: thoughtful, collaborative, and tailored to you.
Is there a minimum budget required?
We don’t have a strict minimum, but we do believe in setting realistic expectations from the start. During our initial conversations, we’ll talk openly about your budget and how it aligns with your vision—so we can make sure the end result feels just right.
As a general guide, full-service design projects typically start around $100,000 (not including design fees). That gives us the room to create something thoughtful, functional, and truly elevated.
Can you recommend an architect, contractor and other trades?
Absolutely. When you work with us, you get access to our curated network of architects, contractors, and skilled tradespeople—trusted collaborators we’ve handpicked for their craftsmanship and professionalism. We’re happy to recommend the right fit for your project and coordinate directly with them to keep things moving smoothly. Already working with a contractor? No problem—we’ll establish clear communication from the start to ensure everyone’s on the same page.
What makes Stil James different? How would you describe your style?
Our work is defined by more than a single look. What really sets Stil James apart is the combination of strong aesthetic point of view and the team and systems behind it. We’re built to handle complex projects well. That means dedicated project managers, in-house drawings, established vendor relationships, and the infrastructure to manage procurement, deliveries, and installs without chaos. We’ve designed our process so clients aren’t left coordinating trades, chasing orders, or managing details- that’s our job.
Layered on top of that structure is our design approach: kitchens and interiors that are functional first, personal in feel, and confident in their point of view. We don’t follow formulas or stamp out one “Stil James look.” We design spaces that reflect how our clients actually live — with clarity, restraint, and personality.
And finally, we genuinely enjoy the work. We take the details seriously, but not ourselves. We believe good design can be thoughtful, well-run, and still fun to be part of — and our clients feel that throughout the process.
