A 70s Time Capsule: From Dated Bones to Dream Home

August 28, 2025

This 1970s remodel was more than a facelift — it was a complete rebuild from the studs out to create a modern home that’s comfortable, safe, and efficient for modern living. Other contractors had quoted the cheapest route to a remodel, but at Juxta we knew that all the new systems would require proper insulating and air sealing in order to make them worthwhile. Doing it right would save the clients money in the long run.

We converted the outdated broiler heater system to forced air and cleverly ran venting to eliminate bulkheads in the main living spaces altogether – an impressive feat in a 4-level split floorplan! Because the existing 2×4 exterior walls couldn’t meet today’s insulation code, we used a hybrid approach: in areas where space wasn’t an issue, we furred out walls for batt and poly; in tighter rooms like the ensuite, kitchen, and bathrooms, we used closed cell spray foam. Every choice was about offering the best value to our clients, ensuring they weren’t investing hundreds of thousands into a beautiful remodel only to face a system failure in a few years.

Every mechanical system in this home was rebuilt. Now, the homeowners not only have a million-dollar view, a large lot, and a pool, but also a house designed for their life today — layered with their personalized selections throughout.

If you’re in the market for a home, think fixer upper, then think Juxta.

Exterior: From Dated to Distinguished

The original exterior was tired — weathered siding, dated railings, and overgrown landscaping hiding the home’s potential. We gave it a full facelift with new siding, fresh paint for the brick (colour matched to the siding to help the home feel larger), modern glass railing, and clean-lined garage doors. What was once dated is now a fresh, cohesive, welcoming entry.

Entryway, Mudroom and Powder Bath

What was once dark and closed in is now open and welcoming. The entry sets the tone for the rest of the house with streamlined finishes, warm wood tones, and thoughtful lighting.

After:

The previous owner had set up a hair salon off the entry which was no longer required. We added built-in cabinetry, seating, and durable finishes to create a hardworking mudroom that organizes daily life with ease.

The adjacent bathroom was gutted and rebuilt without the shower since there are no bedrooms on this floor, resulting in more space in the mudroom. With a powder-blue vanity, quartz counter, and updated fixtures it’s fresh, functional, and integrated into the home’s overall design rather than feeling like an afterthought.

Kitchen, Dining, and Living: Opening Up the Heart of the Home

This was the most dramatic transformation. Originally, the main floor was dominated by a hulking stone fireplace that cut the house in half and completely blocked the lake view. It extended into the basement family room, raising the question of whether it was structural.

Imagine the clients’ delight when we confirmed it could be safely removed. With the fireplace gone, the main floor opened up completely — and the view became the star.

But we didn’t stop there. The original layout had no windows to the lovely side yard from the dining area, which left the space feeling closed in. We deleted one original window and rethought the entire wall: adding a new window to the dining area for natural light, then designing a centered fireplace and added a new window to flank it for symmetry. The result is a balanced focal point and far more sunlight streaming in from every direction.

After:

The rebuilt layout now features:

A spacious kitchen with custom cabinetry and quartz countertops.
A large island with seating and brass lighting overhead.
Continuous LVP oak flooring that unifies kitchen, dining, and living.
Windows that maximize both light and views.

What was once dark and choppy is now bright, balanced, and seamlessly connected.

Main Bathroom: A Fresh Spin

After:

The dated double vanity and worn tile were replaced with a joyful, modern palette. Rosy cabinetry against a lighter blush wall, quartz counters, and brass accents create a bathroom that’s as stylish as it is practical. Behind the scenes, plumbing and waterproofing were upgraded so it performs beautifully, not just looks it.

Primary Suite: Two Bedrooms Become One

We transformed two small bedrooms into a spacious, luxurious primary suite. The reimagined layout includes a walk-in closet, a private water closet, and a spa-inspired ensuite with a walk-in shower.

After:

A design highlight is the arched niche above the vanity — a detail that looks effortless but required careful coordination during the framing stage. We accounted for cabinet height, tile thickness, and quartz backsplash dimensions early on, ensuring the quartz counter tucks seamlessly into the niche. It’s a small moment that speaks volumes about planning and precision.

Boys’ Room: Personal and Playful

When we looked at the original layout, it was clear the room wasn’t working hard enough. A young boy — or even an older one — doesn’t need two full closets, so we rethought the footprint. By removing one closet, we created space for a custom built-in desk that can evolve over time: a colouring station now, a homework spot later.

After:

We also leaned into playful design with a bold colour-blocking moment. The blue-violet tone appears not only on the vanity but also repeated on the doors, giving the room a cohesive, youthful energy without feeling theme-y. With warm toned floors and clean-lined millwork, the space feels fresh, personal, and flexible for years to come.

Basement Family Room: Light, Bright, and Modern

Once weighed down with paneling and carpet, this space is now airy and inviting. By reworking finishes, upgrading insulation, and introducing new lighting, we transformed it into a family hub — perfect for movie nights or cozy weekends by the fire.

After:

Notice – no bulkheads! We planned our venting paths creatively so that no unsightly bulkheads were in any living spaces.

A Home Rebuilt for Modern Living

Every detail of this remodel, from insulation strategy to fireplace removal, was about building a home that works long term. Cosmetic upgrades alone would never have delivered the safety, comfort, and efficiency this family needed. By starting with a thorough design phase and carrying it through construction, we delivered a home that’s timeless, functional, and entirely personalized.

This is the Juxta approach: investing wisely in systems and design so that your renovation isn’t just beautiful today — it’s built to last.

Which is your favourite room transformation in this home? We would love to hear from you!

For more timeless interior inspiration, be sure to check out this blog post where we dive into even more thoughtful design ideas that blend beauty with livability.

If you’re planning a renovation and could use expert guidance, explore our Interior Design Consulting Services — or if you’re looking to partner with a trusted design-build team to bring your vision to life, fill in our contact form or book a Free Discovery Call to get started.

As always, thank you so much for your support — it means the world. Don’t forget to follow along for all the behind the scenes on Instagram @juxta.interiordesign.