April 23, 2025

Inside an Edenshaw Home: Designing Spaces for Modern Lifestyles

Every one of our developments tells a story. From the thoughtful finishes that go into each suite to the community-focused amenities that bring neighbours together, we are committed to building homes that reflect the evolving needs of our residents.

We sat down with Emma Watkinson, our in-house interior design expert, to discuss all things design and lifestyle in our Edenshaw communities.

1) What key design principles define the interiors of Tanu, Westport, and Alba, and how do they reflect modern lifestyles?

Tanu

The design concept here is all about creating a moody, sophisticated, and elevated atmosphere. We wanted to evoke a sense of luxury, with features like antique brass finishes, dark textured wallpaper, and corridors highlighted by soft lighting near each suite entrance, adding to that intimate, moody vibe. The dark wood tones throughout give it a refined, elegant touch, making the overall feel more sophisticated and elevated. That’s really the core design principle — to achieve that sense of understated luxury.

Westport

Westport, on the other hand, has a very different vibe. The key principle for this design was to create an airy, bright, and spacious atmosphere, with soaring ceilings that add to that sense of openness. Light wood tones, silver accents, and an overall fresh aesthetic dominate the space, creating an inviting and uplifting feeling. Even in places like the gym, we’ve used white rubber flooring to reinforce that bright and airy ambiance.

Alba

Alba sits somewhere between the two. It’s sophisticated, with a balanced mix of rich tones and lighter, airier elements. The exterior has more curvilinear shapes, and inside, we’ve used a combination of deep, rich hues and lighter elements to create a modern, elegant yet warm atmosphere. It’s a beautiful blend of both worlds, modern and earthy, sophisticated and inviting.

All three buildings exude a refined, modern elegance that reflects contemporary living. None of them are traditional, but they all have a sense of timeless style and quality. When we talk about modern lifestyles, we’re thinking about smart home features, cutting-edge appliances, and amenities that cater to the needs of today’s residents — whether it’s gorgeous party rooms, expansive gyms, pet-friendly spaces like dog runs, or coworking areas that cater to people working from home. These are spaces designed with the modern lifestyle in mind, and that was definitely a priority during the design process.

Westport, in particular, caters to a younger, on-the-go lifestyle. Its proximity to the Go Train makes it ideal for commuters, with a bright and vibrant atmosphere that matches that lifestyle. Tanu, on the other hand, is more suited for end-users, with a richer, more intimate feel.

Both buildings also emphasize a connection to the environment. Tanu’s location in Port Credit means it brings in natural elements, reflecting the earthy, park-like surroundings. The design of the building complements its environment, making it feel more grounded and homely.

Alba, as mentioned, is the best of both worlds — blending that earthy, grounded feel with a bright, modern aesthetic. It’s a beautiful, contemporary design that combines both functionality and style. The curvilinear features of the building make it visually intriguing, adding to its overall appeal.

Finally, the exterior design of Westport is another standout. The architects did an excellent job blending the building into its surroundings. Instead of placing a stark, ultra-modern tower in the middle of Port Credit, they used a red brick façade that ties it back to the existing architectural context, helping it feel like a natural part of the neighbourhood. It’s a thoughtful, well-executed design that respects its location while still making a statement.

2) What are some standout features—such as spacious layouts, smart home technology, or community-focused amenities—that elevate these living experiences?

Smart Home Technology

All three of our projects are designed with smart home technology throughout, creating a truly connected living experience. For residents who opt for these upgrades, you can enjoy features like automated lighting, motorized blinds, a comprehensive alarm system, remote thermostat control via your phone, video calling access for visitors, and lockers for secure deliveries. These standout features set us apart from other developers and elevate the living experience in a way that’s both modern and practical.

Spacious Layouts

The floor-to-ceiling windows across all our projects enhance the feeling of openness, making every room feel brighter and more expansive.

Community-Focused Amenities

Our amenities, too, reflect a community-focused approach. We’ve created spaces for modern lifestyles, like large, beautiful communal workspaces that cater to those working from home, as well as pet-friendly amenities. With so many people owning dogs these days, having a pet spa and dog run is an essential touch. For those who love to host, we’ve designed large gathering areas, including party rooms and outdoor spaces with BBQ areas, perfect for entertaining friends and family.

At Alba, we’ve also introduced a creative workshop space where residents can indulge in hobbies like painting or gardening without worrying about making a mess in their homes. This space gives people the freedom to be as creative as they want while keeping their condos neat and tidy. Additionally, with so many families moving into condos, we’ve made sure to include dedicated kids’ rooms. These spaces are thoughtfully designed with custom furniture and playsets to provide a safe and fun environment for children.

The design of these buildings is not just about creating beautiful homes—it’s about fostering a sense of community. We’ve focused on creating spaces that encourage interaction and bring people together, making sure that each building truly feels like home.

3) How do these projects balance quality craftsmanship with functionality to meet the needs of today’s homeowners?

Every aspect of our designs is carefully and thoughtfully considered because we hold ourselves to a high standard of craftsmanship. We never compromise on quality—none of our projects feature low-grade materials or finishes. We believe that people who move into an Edenshaw home should feel special and proud of their space. Our goal is to create a product that not only reflects our pride in craftsmanship but also instills that same pride of ownership in our residents.

Functionality is also a key focus for us. We work closely with our designers to develop custom storage solutions that maximize space without compromising on style. In the bathrooms, for example, we incorporate custom vanities with thoughtful touches like built-in niches for toilet paper rolls or pull-out drawers for hair products. We’re always thinking about the needs of the resident and how to make their daily life easier—like medicine cabinets tucked behind mirrors for added storage. These small, upgraded features make a big difference in creating a space that truly works for our residents.

Kitchens are similarly designed with custom cabinetry that maximizes storage, even in smaller spaces. Whether it’s a 500-square-foot condo or a larger unit, we push the limits of what can be achieved in terms of storage and layout. The key is not compromising on quality for convenience. We make sure that even in smaller spaces, our residents can live comfortably and have enough room for everything they need without feeling cramped. Every detail is designed with the user in mind, ensuring that even the smallest space feels open, functional, and beautifully crafted.

4) From your perspective, what sets Edenshaw projects apart from other developments in terms of design and craftsmanship? What makes an Edenshaw project an Edenshaw project?

One of the key differentiators between Edenshaw and other developers is the way we approach the design and experience for our residents. If I were a prospective buyer walking into an Edenshaw home, the first thing I’d notice is the exceptional quality of the finishes. Everything feels current—nothing is outdated. From the design to the materials, every element is on-trend, right down to the lighting. We take great care in how each space is illuminated, incorporating custom cabinetry lighting, undermount LED lighting in both the bathrooms and kitchens. These thoughtful details aren’t upgrades—they’re part of our standard package, which sets us apart from many other developers, where these features often come at an additional cost.

Even the flooring is carefully chosen—luxury vinyl is the standard, not laminate. These choices elevate the overall aesthetic and feel of the home, creating a luxurious, modern living space. This attention to detail ensures that when someone walks into an Edenshaw home, they immediately understand the difference in quality and design.

Another standout feature is our commitment to 24/7 concierge service, which is something we take pride in. While many developers are moving towards virtual concierge services, we maintain a full-time, in-person concierge and security staff. This adds a level of personal touch and convenience that’s hard to find elsewhere.

We also empower our residents with state-of-the-art smart home technology. This allows them to control everything from temperature settings to energy efficiency—all from the palm of their hand. This smart technology makes their home more energy-efficient, while giving them full control, which is a unique feature in condo living. It brings the convenience of a detached home into a condo, enhancing the overall experience and reinforcing that sense of pride in ownership.

Edenshaw also stands out for its dedication to the arts. We are deeply committed to incorporating original artwork in every development, including commissioned pieces from indigenous artists. Each of our buildings features unique, original artwork throughout the common areas. This dedication to supporting local and indigenous artists is a core value we pride ourselves on, bringing a special and personal touch to each of our projects.

Finally, our attention to detail extends to the styling and decor of each building. We carefully curate everything—from the furniture to the accessories, even down to the coffee table books. Each piece is selected with care, and we use top-of-the-line designer furniture brands to ensure every space feels thoughtfully styled and beautifully finished. It’s these thoughtful touches that truly set us apart, creating a living experience that is both luxurious and uniquely Edenshaw.

5) Can you share any personal insights or favorite details from Tanu, Westport, or Alba that truly capture the essence of design and craftsmanship?

Tanu

For Tanu, one of my favorite details is the layout of the amenities on the ground floor, all of which face toward the beautiful courtyard. This thoughtful design creates a serene, picturesque environment, whether you’re working out and gazing out onto the courtyard or enjoying the amenity terraces. It also offers a seamless indoor-outdoor feel, allowing you to open the doors and flow between spaces, which is perfect for hosting gatherings. The connection to nature and the flow of the space truly enhances the overall experience.

Westport

At Westport, there’s a design element that I particularly love: the use of wooden slats, or “fins,” that appear throughout the building. These aren’t traditional columns but sleek, strip-like pieces of wood that create a consistent design language. This feature is especially prominent in the amenities, like the heavy doors separating the party room from the lounge, and even in the screens used to partition spaces. It adds a level of warmth and texture, creating a sophisticated and cohesive aesthetic throughout the building.

Alba

As for Alba, it’s still under construction, but I’m really excited to see the final result. The curvilinear exterior is such a standout feature. It’s unlike anything we’ve done before, with a curved facade that elevates the entire architectural design. It’s a bold move that takes our design to the next level, making it a true architectural phenomenon.

Another design element in Alba that really stands out is the “nests” created from beautiful, strong wooden pillars. These nests surround seating areas or dining tables, adding an organic, grounded feel to the space. It’s a striking architectural feature that offers a sense of privacy while maintaining an open, airy atmosphere. The floor-to-ceiling wood slats create an inviting, intimate environment while still allowing the space to feel connected and open, making it the perfect blend of design and functionality.

6) How do these homes align with your design philosophy, and what do they say about the future of interior spaces?

Design Philosophy

Our homes reflect our design philosophy by seamlessly blending practicality and functionality with beauty. We believe that spaces should not only be aesthetically pleasing but also highly functional, ensuring that every element serves a purpose. At the core of our design philosophy is a commitment to crafting communities and prioritizing craftsmanship. This is especially evident in spaces like Alba, where the amenity areas are designed to flow into one another, creating one large, open hosting space rather than compartmentalizing areas. This open, interconnected design fosters a sense of community, which is central to our approach.

Craftsmanship is key to everything we do—whether it’s choosing the best vendors, tradespeople, or collaborators to bring our vision to life. We ensure that every project is built with the highest quality materials and executed with meticulous attention to detail.

Future of Interior Spaces

As the market evolves and lifestyles change, we always keep the end user in mind. We understand that family dynamics and individual needs are constantly evolving, and we design our spaces to adapt to those shifts. Our units are never cramped or poorly laid out—they’re thoughtfully planned to provide spacious, well-organized living. Our designs stay current with emerging trends, innovative technologies, and future-forward materials, always ensuring that our homes are relevant and functional.

We also understand that not every trend is worth pursuing. We carefully evaluate whether a design or technology is truly valuable and will stand the test of time before incorporating it into our homes. If something feels like a passing trend, we wait to see how it evolves before deciding if it aligns with our long-term vision. This careful balance of innovation and timelessness ensures that our spaces remain cutting-edge without sacrificing quality or longevity.

For more information about these projects, visit Westport and Alba.