Legacy Nuances

STORY LORI DAVIS | PHOTOGRAPHY BRITNEY TOWNSEND

Ask designer Brittany Steptoe-Wright about design, and the conversation inevitably turns to sustainability. She believes beautiful design and environmental responsibility can go hand in hand. This philosophy influences the choices she makes throughout a project, from the materials she selects to what happens to them at the end of their life. “I reuse and recycle materials whenever I can,” she says. Brittany studied sustainable development at university and later worked in the renewable energy sector. “After that, I felt it was time to start my own business, so I went back to school and earned a diploma in design,” she says.

In 2016, Brittney launched her firm, BSW Design Inc., after a stint as a design assistant on Property Brothers. “It was a great experience but very long hours,” she reflects. She worked closely with her father and his company, Steptoe Carpentry Inc., to help establish her brand and business. Today, her partnership with her father’s firm offers clients a seamless integration of design and construction.

BSW Design Inc. is a full-service design firm that guides clients through every stage of development, from the initial concept to the completed project. Brittany specializes in legacy homes, estates and equestrian properties. “There’s lots to think about when you are taking care of animals on a daily basis. Small nuances can become a headache if not properly considered, such as water access, stable functionality or even incorporating a dog shower and kibble storage in a home,” explains Brittany, a lifelong equestrian.

Her sustainable approach includes choosing products that can be recycled or responsibly disposed of, while also supporting a safe, healthy home environment. “When I design a kitchen, for example, I consider what will happen to the materials when it’s time to renovate in 25 years,” she says. “We always focus on quality and longevity rather than embracing trends.” This includes choosing low-VOC paint, flooring, adhesives and wood finishes.

After years of creating beautiful homes for others, Brittany and her husband, Justin, purchased a weekend getaway in Cranberry Village. This two-bedroom, 1,200 sq. ft. condominium townhouse was built in the 1970s. “It hadn’t been touched since then, so it was an exercise in imagining what it could be,” says Brittany. She describes it as an “upside-down house” with the bedrooms on the main floor and the kitchen and living space on the upper level. The renovation, completed by Steptoe Carpentry Inc., began in April and finished in October 2025.

Brittany’s love of the British countryside influenced her overall design. The colour palette is earthy, with Benjamin Moore Ashwood the predominant shade, complemented by dark brown, olive and sage accents. “I chose Benjamin Moore Gloucester Sage for the doors and trim as a nod to British design, where darker trim is often paired with lighter walls,” says Brittany.

The kitchen sets the tone for this dramatic yet cosy aesthetic, with a stately solid-oak table taking centre stage. Imported from England, this striking piece was sourced from Farrier Home in Barrie. “It weighs 600 pounds, so it was rough getting it up the stairs, but it’s just stunning,” says Brittany. The table marries the kitchen and living room and doubles as extra space for food preparation. European-sized built-in appliances and gorgeous glass-fronted cabinetry, by Morra Fine Cabinetry, lend a sleek, streamlined feel to the space. Custom shelving, integrated lighting and plenty of drawers make these thoughtfully designed cabinets true showstoppers. HanStone provided the dark, lightly veined soapstone-look quartz counters and backsplash, which features a convenient shelf.

Brittany designed the living room around a rustic wood-burning fireplace, a plush, extra-deep sofa and a huge ottoman. The fireplace is clad in rugged escarpment stone, handcrafted by Brittany’s father. A gallery wall featuring vintage art sourced from a local Collingwood collector, plus antiques and personal touches, adds visual interest to the TV wall. An antique horse bit and mounted golf club pay homage to the couple’s favourite pastimes. 

Downstairs, Brittany transformed the front room into a welcoming guest bedroom. Custom queen-over-queen bunk beds trimmed with vintage ski rails offer plenty of room for friends and family. An antique secretary desk sits on houndstooth carpeting, creating a warm, rustic vibe. In the hall, she incorporated additional storage underneath the stairs by replacing small closets with custom millwork. This clever solution adds drawers, a slide-out closet for coats and ski gear, laundry facilities and a drop zone for keys.

Originally, one large bathroom housed the laundry and served the entire house. Brittany divided the space to accommodate an en suite and a guest bathroom. A 48-inch bathtub, a wall-hung toilet and a pocket door maximized the available space. The tub surround features a Delft tile mural depicting moments that reflect the couple’s life together, adding whimsy and personalization.

Brittany’s custom millwork in the primary suite not only maximizes storage space but also gives the room a sleek, finished look. Built-ins flank the bed, while the opposite wall houses a unique piece with three closets. “They are quite shallow, so we did front-to-back hanging,” Brittany explains. The rich brown cabinetry in Benjamin Moore Otter Brown is beautifully offset by the light walls and sage door and trim.

The en suite shower channels Parisian charm with Yoko tile from Ciot in Moss and Daisy. Brittany describes the pattern as a “staggered waterfall stripe.” “I saw this design during a vacation in Paris and couldn’t wait to use it,” she reflects. Brittany used marble jambs instead of tile to frame the shower, adding an elegant finishing touch. The quartzite countertops in both bathrooms were salvaged from a previous project, a perfect example of Brittany’s commitment to sustainability.

Brittany proves that sustainability and style can coexist in perfect harmony. “Our designs are beautiful, functional and timeless for years to come,” she says. OH