Elevated Apartment Living

STORY EUNICE N. YIDANA | PHOTOGRAPHY JASON HARTOG

As seen in the London Spring 2026 issue.

Sunlight pours through floor-to-ceiling windows, bouncing off soft neutral finishes and thoughtfully layered textures. In this 1,358 sq. ft., two-bedroom model suite at Candela, design does more than impress at first glance – it invites. This is apartment living that feels intentional.

Located in London’s forward-thinking West 5 neighbourhood, Candela is a luxury, environmentally conscious rental community developed by Sifton Properties. The model suite was designed and decorated by Sifton designer Gabi Brown, whose approach prioritizes livability as much as visual appeal.

“Good design is about listening and understanding what your resident is looking for in their space,” says Gabi. That philosophy is evident throughout the two-bedroom apartment, where open-concept living and high-quality finishes combine to create a space that feels both polished and personal.

The kitchen anchors the suite with clean-lined cabinetry from Verbeek Kitchens, paired with HanStone Antello quartz countertops supplied and installed by Progressive Countertop. A kitchen island encourages gathering, while energy-efficient appliances from London Major Appliances support modern living. Details matter here.

A Moen Align pull-down spray faucet in brushed stainless adds function without fuss, and a porcelain tile backsplash from Centura London provides subtle texture and durability.

Bathrooms carry the same elevated sensibility. Tiled showers and porcelain flooring create a spa-like feel, complemented by quartz countertops and chrome fixtures. “Kitchens and bathrooms are very important to people,” Gabi notes.

Premium materials are used throughout and finishes are cohesive and understated. Walls are painted Sherwin-Williams Lunar Lite by HD Painting, offering a warm, adaptable backdrop for furniture and art.

Furnishings in the model suite were sourced from Urban Barn and Structube, with accessories and artwork from Urban Barn and Homesense. The mix demonstrates how a well-designed space doesn’t require extravagant spending. “People realize they can have a beautifully designed space on an affordable budget,” Gabi explains.

Candela’s shared spaces extend the same thoughtful design language used in the private suites. Residents are welcomed into a lobby that feels more like a boutique hotel than a traditional apartment entry. Chic seating, a large-scale plant and layered textures create an inviting first impression, while porcelain flooring and wall finishes from Centura London and FloorSource establish durability without sacrificing style.

Custom art from Celadon Art adds personality and visual interest, complemented by linen drapery from Covers Designers’ Edge, designed by Willi Van Deven, which softens the space and adds a rich texture. Gabi describes the lobby as intentionally moody yet warm – a space that feels comfortable whether residents are passing through or pausing to connect with neighbours.

Adjacent to the lobby, the residents’ lounge functions as an extension of the home, with furnishings from Austin & Taylor Home Furnishings Inc. Designed for flexibility, the space accommodates dining, movie nights, meetings and casual gatherings. An amenity kitchen features a Silestone Eternal Noir quartz countertop from Progressive Countertop, paired with a custom dining table by Fingerprint Woodworking. Soft seating, a television and a six-foot Dimplex electric fireplace create a relaxed atmosphere, while a custom wool area rug from Sacwal Flooring Centres adds warmth underfoot. TORLYS RigidWood laminate flooring ensures durability.

Additional amenities include a well-equipped fitness room, an outdoor patio furnished with the CabanaCoast Skye Collection from Barbecues Galore, an indoor pet wash, storage lockers and underground parking available for rent.

The design process at Candela was extensive. “Decisions are very hands-on,” says Gabi. The team collaborated with architects Tillman Ruth Robinson to plan the building and the spaces within it. Operations Manager Lana Macfarlane notes that the goal from the outset was to deliver upscale suites filled with light while responding to evolving market needs. “There’s a team that reviews everything – from light bulbs to faucets – to maximize energy efficiency.” Custom light fixtures from The Lighting Shoppe, along with expansive windows and sliding doors, further enhance brightness and warmth across both private and shared spaces.

Designed to appeal to residents at many stages of life – from urban professionals and young couples saving for their first home to retirees looking to downsize – Candela offers a polished, low-maintenance alternative to traditional homeownership without compromising style or comfort.

For Brown and the team, the most rewarding part of the process comes after people move in. “When we run into a resident and they’re excited to show their space to family and friends, we know they feel like this is their home,” she says. “To me, that means we’ve done our job by creating a space where they feel safe and comfortable. That makes us very happy.” OH