Why a Design + Build Firm Makes All the Difference: Inside Our Latest Full Home Renovation

A Renovation is one of the biggest investments you'll make, make it count.

When you’re reimagining an entire home—especially one meant to feel timeless with just the right touch of modern edge—the process matters just as much as the final look. That’s where a design and build firm truly shines. Here’s how our approach brought this transitional renovation to life, seamlessly and beautifully.

transitional cream kitchen, plaster hood, open brass shelves, tile to ceiling

4 Benefits of working with a Design & Build Firm

1. One Vision, One Team
Ever felt like you’re playing mediator between your designer and contractor? With a design and build firm, you don’t have to. From layout to lighting, every detail in this home was imagined and executed under one roof. The result? A cohesive flow from room to room—and zero crossed wires.

2. Time is a Luxury—We Help You Protect It
Juggling permits, schedules, sourcing, and install dates? Not on our watch. We managed the full scope so our client could focus on the fun parts (hello, tile samples and fabric swatches) while we handled the nitty-gritty. It’s full-service design with a built-in project manager.

3. Budgeting with Intention (and Clarity)
Let’s talk numbers—with transparency. Because design and construction work hand-in-hand here, we’re able to approach budgeting more strategically and pivot when needed. Renovations come with surprises, but having one team means we can quickly assess, adjust, and prioritize—so that dreamy cast stone fireplace? Still possible, without losing sight of the bigger picture.

4. Elevated Design That Actually Gets Built
The most beautiful plans in the world don’t mean much if they can’t be executed well. Our team not only dreams up the design but ensures it’s built exactly as intended. This home’s mix of classic millwork, soft neutrals, and modern fixtures? Designed with longevity in mind, installed with precision.

Presenting our Rosehill Project...

A timeless beauty with a nod to today.  This full home renovation is a masterclass in timeless design with a fresh, modern edge. From a serene, neutral kitchen to a hardworking laundry room that’s as beautiful as it is functional, every space was thoughtfully reimagined to reflect both elegance and ease. We walk you through the full transformation—room by room—with takeaways you can implement in your own home. 

Plus, we’re sharing why working with a design and build firm not only streamlines the process, but elevates the result. Spoiler: when design and construction speak the same language, magic happens.

exterior update landscaping and fresh paint on a 2000s home

Kitchen/Dining - Before

Before – tight walkways, underutilized space and dark cabinetry left the client feeling cramped and lacking style.

20230906_165820237_iOS
20230906_165828583_iOS

Kitchen/Dining - After

Timeless, not timid. Classic shaker cabinetry, unlacquered brass, and crisp quartz surfaces come together in a space that feels as elevated as it is livable. Want longevity? Start with a neutral base and layer in texture.

Cabinets Benjamin Moore Dove Wing

Walls Benjamin Moore Dove Wing

transitional cream kitchen, plaster hood, open brass shelves, tile to ceiling
transitional cream kitchen, plaster hood, open brass shelves, tile to ceiling, herringbone floor
transitional cream kitchen, dining table, open brass shelves, tile to ceiling

Living Room - Before

Before – a corner fireplace always poses a design dilemma in creating multiple focal points in a room, as well as limiting your furniture layout.  By removing it and placing one centred on the wall, it opened up the possibilities.

Living Room - After

Soft, streamlined, and serene. A neutral palette allows thoughtful details—like sculptural lighting, layered textiles, and warm wood tones—to quietly shine. Design tip: edit until it feels calm, not cold.

Wall colour: Benjamin Moore Dove Wing

transitional living room cast stone fireplace, floor mirror

Primary Suite - Before

Before – disproportionately short baseboard, bare walls, and a lack of styling made for a less than inviting private space for this client.

Primary Suite - After

Modern coziness, dialed in. Warm, blushy neutrals, tailored bedding, and tone-on-tone millwork create a retreat that feels indulgent yet cozy. Consider artwork as a starting point—then build your palette from there.

Wall colour: Sherwin William Reticence

blush bedroom with abstract art pink green purple
blush bedroom with abstract art pink green purple
pink bathroom, white vanity
A peek into the ensuite which carries a consistent colour palette for flow

Ensuite - Before

Before – Builder grade tile and cabinetry make for a space that lacks personality and thoughtful touches.

Ensuite - After

Pretty meets practical. Wall-mounted lighting, a custom vanity, and polished nickel accents make this petite bath feel elevated without trying too hard. Don’t underestimate the power of a soft blush wall—it flatters every skin tone.  Bring your sconces down to flank your mirror for the best lighting for getting ready in the mornings.

Wall colour: Sherwin William Reticence

Vanity: Benjamin Moore Simply White

pink bathroom, white vanity
pink bathroom, white vanity
pink bathroom, white vanity
vertical textured subway tile shower, shower niche, glass shower enclosure
vertical textured subway tile shower, shower niche
A Custom sized niche allows for ample space for various products - add quartz shelf bases for an elevated look.

Kids Bathroom - Before

Before – more builder basic choices which just don’t elicit a lot of joy for most! 

Kids Bathroom - After

Classic cabinetry with a twist. A moody green vanity anchors the space while playful art and a curvy mirror add just enough personality. Mix metals for a layered look that reads curated, not matchy-matchy.

Wall colour: Benjamin Moore Dove Wing

Vanity: Benjamin Moore Essex Green

kids bath, boys bathroom, green vanity, irregular mirror, subway tile halfwall
green vanity, timeless bathroom, colourful bathroom, green vanity, subway tile half wall

Laundry Room - Before and After

Before – before embarking on a reno, it’s vital to understand your needs and how you live in a space.  This client didn’t utilize the laundry sink and instead prioritized more storage space, so we deleted the sink to create lockers for garage entry into the house for her boys and lots of laundry product storage as well.

Laundry Room - After

Cabinetry with purpose. Floor-to-ceiling storage conceals clutter beautifully—proof that even hardworking spaces deserve high design. Bonus points for perforated panels that let air flow while keeping things tidy.

Cabinetry: Benjamin Moore Newburg Green

Wall colour: Benjamin Moore Dove Wing

custom vent holes in cabinetry locker blue laundry mudroom combo
custom vent holes in cabinetry locker blue

Games Room - Before

Before – underutilized space meant this room wasn’t a real destination spot in the house. 

Games Room - After

Performance, but make it pretty. A deep sectional invites lounging, while the low-profile built-in keeps consoles and clutter out of sight. Pro tip: custom millwork can double as both storage and a visual anchor.

Wall colour: Benjamin Moore Dove Wing

basement games room, sectional and coffee table styled, two TVs

Exterior Facelift - Before

Before – While the structure had great bones, the contrasting trim and patchy lawn distracted from the home’s potential curb appeal. A strong base is everything—especially outside.

Exterior Facelift - After

Neutral refinement that blends and elevates. A cohesive paint palette, simplified trim, and refreshed landscaping let the architecture shine while adding instant sophistication. Design tip: when in doubt, soften the contrast and let texture do the talking.

Trim Colour: Benjamin Moore Cedar Key

exterior update landscaping and fresh paint on a 2000s home
exterior update landscaping and fresh paint on a 2000s home
exterior update landscaping and fresh paint on a 2000s home
emtek door hardware gold

From the first design concept to the final styling detail, this renovation is a true reflection of what’s possible when form and function come together under one roof. By pairing timeless foundations with modern accents, we created a home that feels elevated yet entirely livable. If you’re dreaming of a seamless, start-to-finish renovation, this project is proof positive that working with a design and build team can bring your vision to life.

If you liked this blog entry, catch more timeless interior tips in a previous blog we did here.

If you need help with your renovation plans, check out our interior design consulting or are looking to hire a renovation contractor for the work itself, visit our renovation page on our site and book a Free Discovery Call below to get started today!

Once again, thank you for your love and support, and be sure you’re following along on IG where we share more pretty pics and behind the scenes processes as well!  @juxta.interiordesign

Be well!

Meghan

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