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Michael London's Revolutionary Design Philosophy: How The Unionville Redefines Luxury Condo Customization in Markham

  • inCAN
  • Jan 6
  • 12 min read

Updated: Aug 31

Renowned interior designer Michael London brings his 20+ years of Markham expertise to TheUnionville, creating a revolutionary approach to luxury condominium design that combines Italian craftsmanship with unprecedented customization options. This comprehensive guide explores how London's vision transforms traditional condo living through personalized spaces, Trevisana kitchen collaborations, and design principles that rival custom homes.

 

Key Takeaways



Local Expertise: Michael London's 20+ years in Markham brings authentic understanding of Unionville's character

Italian Craftsmanship: Exclusive partnership with Trevisana delivers luxury kitchen designs inspired by Hermès

Custom Home Philosophy: Condominium design principles adapted from high- end custom home experience

Personalization Focus: Every element customizable to reflect individual lifestyle and aesthetic preferences

Timeless Elegance: Modern aesthetics balanced with traditional craftsmanship for lasting appeal




The Visionary Behind The Unionville's Design Excellence

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Michael London's approach to interior design represents a fundamental departure from conventional condominium development, bringing the personalization and attention to detail typically associated with custom homes into the sophisticated world of luxury condominium living. With over two decades of experience in the Greater Toronto Area and a deep personal connection to Markham, London brings both professional expertise and intimate local knowledge to The Unionville project.

London's design philosophy centers on the belief that every living space should be a reflection of its inhabitants' unique personality, lifestyle, and aspirations. This principle, which has guided his workwith high-end residential clients and developers throughout Toronto and beyond, finds its most comprehensive expression in The Unionville's Grand Collection, where residents can truly customize their living environment to match their vision of luxury living.

The designer's background includes significant experience as Design Director at Gluckstein Design,where he established his reputation for creating bold, boundary- pushing interiors that seamlesslyblend functionality with aesthetic excellence. This experience in both residential and commercialdesign provides London with a unique perspective on how spaces can be optimized for both daily living and special occasions.

 

The Markham Connection: Home as Inspiration

London's personal connection to Markham extends far beyond professional engagement,representing a genuine understanding of the community's character and the lifestyle aspirations of itsresidents. Having lived in Markham for over twenty years, London describes Unionville as more than justa project location—it represents home, family, and the peaceful suburban lifestyle that defines thearea's appeal.

This intimate familiarity with Unionville's character has profoundly influenced London's designapproach for The Unionville. The serene and peaceful qualities that define the neighborhood have been translated into design elements that create tranquil, harmonious living spaces. From layoutconsiderations that maximize natural light and views to color palettes that reflect the area's naturalbeauty, every design decision reflects London's deep appreciation for Unionville's unique character.


The designer's local knowledge extends to understanding the specific needs and preferences ofMarkham residents, from young professionals establishing their careers to growing families and sophisticated downsizers seeking elegant simplicity. This understanding informs design decisions thatgo beyond surface aesthetics to address the practical realities of how residents will live in and enjoytheir homes.

London's commitment to bringing "a piece of home" into his work at The Unionville reflects a design philosophy that values authenticity and personal connection over generic luxury. This approachensures that The Unionville's residences feel genuinely connected to their location and communityrather than representing generic luxury that could exist anywhere.

 

Customization as the Foundation of Luxury Design



The cornerstone of Michael London's design philosophy lies in his unwavering commitment tocustomization, recognizing that true luxury in the modern era means having the freedom to createspaces that reflect individual tastes, needs, and lifestyles. This principle, which has guided London'swork throughout his career, finds its most comprehensive application in The Unionville's Grand Collection.

 

The Custom Home Approach Applied to Condominium Living

London draws explicit parallels between his design philosophy and the custom home building process, recognizing that the principles of great design remain consistent regardless of the property type. The goal in both contexts is to listen carefully to clients, understand their vision, and create spacesthat feel authentically like home rather than generic luxury accommodations.

This custom home approach begins with comprehensive consultation processes that explore not justaesthetic preferences but lifestyle requirements, entertaining patterns, work-from-home needs, and long-term plans. These conversations inform design decisions that go far beyond surface finishes toencompass fundamental questions about how spaces will be used and enjoyed.

The flexibility to modify layouts represents one of the most significant advantages of London's approach to The Unionville. Unlike traditional condominium developments where layouts are fixed,The Grand Collection offers opportunities to adjust room


configurations, combine spaces, or create specialized areas that reflect residents' specific needsand preferences.

This layout flexibility extends to considerations such as home office requirements, fitness spaces,entertainment areas, and storage solutions. London's experience with custom homes has taught himthat successful luxury living requires spaces that can adapt to changing needs over time, whether dueto family growth, career changes, or evolving lifestyle preferences.

 

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Material Selection and Finish Customization

The customization options available at The Unionville extend far beyond simple color selections to encompass comprehensive material and finish choices that allow residents to create truly personalized living environments. London's approach to material selection reflects his understandingthat luxury is defined not just by quality but by the ability to express individual taste and style.

Premium finish options span a carefully curated range of materials, each selected for both aesthetic appeal and long-term durability. These options include various hardwood species, contemporaryflooring alternatives, natural stone selections, and custom millwork possibilities that allow residents to create unique architectural details throughout their homes.

Custom cabinetry represents another area where London's attention to detail and commitment to personalization shine. Rather than offering limited pre-designed options, The Unionville provides opportunities for residents to work with skilled craftspeople to create storage solutions that perfectlymatch their needs and aesthetic preferences.

The integration of smart home technology also reflects London's customization philosophy, withtechnology packages that can be tailored to match residents' comfort levels and lifestyle requirements. From basic automation to comprehensive smart home systems, residents can choose the level of technological integration that enhances rather than complicates their daily lives.

Hardware and fixture selections provide additional opportunities for personalization, with optionsranging from contemporary minimalist designs to more traditional styles that reflect classical luxury aesthetics. These details, while seemingly minor, contribute significantly to the overall character andfeel of each residence.


The Trevisana Partnership: Italian Craftsmanship Meets Canadian Luxury

One of the most distinctive aspects of Michael London's vision for The Unionville lies in the exclusive partnership with Trevisana, an Italian kitchen manufacturer renowned for their exceptionalcraftsmanship and innovative design solutions. This collaboration represents more than a simple supplier relationship; it embodies London's commitment to bringing world-class design andmanufacturing expertise to Canadian luxury condominium living.

 

Three Signature Kitchen Collections

The partnership with Trevisana has resulted in three signature kitchen color schemes that serve as starting points for customization while ensuring design coherence throughout The Unionville. These collections, inspired by iconic luxury brands like Hermès, demonstrate how color and material choicescan create dramatically different aesthetic experiences within the same architectural framework.

The first collection draws inspiration from earthy, natural tones that reflect the organic beauty ofUnionville's landscape. Rich browns, warm creams, and subtle gold accents create kitchens that feelboth sophisticated and welcoming, perfect for residents who appreciate classic elegance withcontemporary functionality.

The second collection embraces vibrant blues and complementary accent colors that create dynamic, energetic spaces perfect for residents who enjoy bold design statements. These kitchens serve asfocal points for entertaining while maintaining the functionality required for daily cooking and mealpreparation.

The third collection focuses on contemporary neutrals with strategic accent colors that create timeless sophistication. These designs appeal to residents who prefer understated elegance that will remaincurrent and appealing for years to come.

Each collection incorporates Trevisana's signature design elements, including ribbed- glass uppercabinets that add textural interest while maintaining clean lines, stone- wrapped hoods that serve asdramatic focal points, and innovative storage solutions that maximize functionality withoutcompromising aesthetic appeal.


Italian Manufacturing Excellence

Trevisana's reputation for manufacturing excellence stems from their commitment to traditional Italian craftsmanship combined with contemporary manufacturing techniques and materials. Thiscombination ensures that The Unionville's kitchens not only look exceptional but also perform reliablyfor years of daily use.

The manufacturing process incorporates both traditional woodworking techniques and advancedmachinery to create cabinetry that meets the highest standards for both beauty and durability. Eachpiece is carefully crafted to precise specifications, ensuring perfect fit and finish that reflects the attention to detail expected in luxury environments.

Material selection for Trevisana kitchens emphasizes both aesthetic appeal and practical performance. High-quality woods, advanced composite materials, and premium hardware components are chosen for their ability to maintain their appearance and functionality over time,even with intensive daily use.

Quality control processes ensure that every component meets Trevisana's exacting standards before installation. This attention to quality extends from major components like cabinet boxes anddoors to smaller details like hinges, drawer slides, and interior accessories that contribute to theoverall user experience.

 

Functional Innovation and Design Integration

The Trevisana kitchens at The Unionville incorporate numerous functional innovations that enhance the cooking and entertaining experience while maintaining the clean, sophisticated aesthetic that defines luxury design. These innovations reflect both Italian design sensibility and practicalunderstanding of how modern families use their kitchens.

Storage solutions go far beyond traditional cabinets to incorporate specialized organizers, pull-out systems, and hidden storage areas that maximize functionality while maintaining clean sight lines. These solutions are designed to accommodate everything from everyday dishes and cookware to specialized appliances and entertaining accessories.

Appliance integration ensures that high-end cooking equipment blends seamlessly with cabinetrydesign, creating cohesive visual experiences that don't compromise on


functionality. This integration extends to considerations such as ventilation, electrical requirements,and maintenance access that ensure long-term performance.

Lighting design within the kitchens incorporates both task and ambient lighting solutions that enhance functionality while creating appealing atmospheres for cooking and entertaining. These lighting systems can be customized to match residents' preferences and integrated with smart home systems for convenient control.

Work surface design considers both aesthetic appeal and practical requirements, with materialselections that provide durability and easy maintenance while contributing to the overall designaesthetic. These surfaces are designed to accommodate intensive cooking activities whilemaintaining their appearance over time.

 

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Modern Aesthetics with Timeless Craftsmanship


Michael London's design approach for The Unionville successfully balances contemporary aesthetic sensibilities with traditional craftsmanship values, creating spaces that feel both current and timeless. This balance reflects London's understanding that true luxury transcends temporary trendsto create environments that remain appealing and relevant for years to come.

 

Contemporary Design Principles

The contemporary aspects of London's design approach reflect current lifestyle requirements and aesthetic preferences while avoiding trendy elements that may quickly become dated. Clean lines,open concepts, and sophisticated material palettes create spaces that feel fresh and current withoutbeing overly specific to particular design movements.

Spatial flow considerations ensure that residences feel open and connected while maintainingdistinct zones for different activities. This approach supports both daily living requirements andentertaining needs, creating flexible spaces that can adapt to various uses throughout the day andacross different seasons.

Natural light optimization represents another key contemporary design principle, with windowtreatments, interior layouts, and color selections all designed to maximize the


benefits of natural illumination. This approach not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of spaces butalso supports residents' health and well-being.

Technology integration reflects contemporary lifestyle requirements while maintaining design integrity. Smart home features are incorporated in ways that enhance functionality without dominating the visual landscape, ensuring that technology supports rather than defines the designaesthetic.

 

Traditional Craftsmanship Values

The traditional craftsmanship elements in London's design approach reflect his appreciation forquality, durability, and attention to detail that characterize the finest luxury environments. These elements ensure that The Unionville's residences will maintain their appeal and functionality for yearsto come.

Millwork and architectural details incorporate traditional joinery techniques and proportionalrelationships that create visual interest and sophistication. These details are executed withcontemporary materials and finishes that provide durability while maintaining classical aesthetic principles.

Material quality standards reflect traditional luxury values, with selections based on long-termperformance and aging characteristics rather than just initial appearance. This approach ensures that finishes will develop attractive patina over time rather than simply showing wear.

Construction techniques incorporate both traditional methods and contemporary innovations to ensure structural integrity and long-term performance. This combination provides the reliabilityexpected in luxury environments while supporting the design flexibility required for customization.

Attention to detail in execution reflects traditional craftsmanship values, with careful consideration given to how different elements come together to create cohesive, sophisticated environments.This attention extends from major architectural features to small details that contribute to the overallquality experience.

 

The Psychology of Personalized Luxury Spaces



Michael London's approach to design at The Unionville reflects a deep understanding of thepsychological impact that personalized environments have on residents' daily


experiences and overall quality of life. This understanding informs design decisions that go beyond aesthetic considerations to address fundamental human needs for comfort, security, and self-expression.

 

Creating Emotional Connections

The customization opportunities available at The Unionville are designed to help residents createemotional connections with their living spaces, transforming generic luxury accommodations into homes that reflect personal history, values, and aspirations. This emotional connection is crucial for long-term satisfaction and represents one of the key advantages of London's personalized approach.

Personal expression through design choices allows residents to incorporate elements that reflect theircultural background, travel experiences, artistic interests, and family traditions. These personal touches transform spaces from beautiful but generic environments into meaningful places that tellresidents' unique stories.

Comfort optimization considers not just physical comfort but psychological comfort, with designelements that create feelings of security, tranquility, and well-being. This includes considerations such as sight lines, acoustic properties, and spatial proportions that contribute to overall comfort levels.

Flexibility for future changes ensures that residents can modify their spaces as their needs andpreferences evolve over time. This flexibility provides psychological security by ensuring that homes canadapt to life changes rather than becoming constraints on future possibilities.

 

Supporting Diverse Lifestyles

London's design approach recognizes that luxury living must accommodate diverse lifestylerequirements, from young professionals establishing their careers to growing families andsophisticated retirees seeking elegant simplicity. This recognition informs design decisions that create spaces capable of supporting various life stages and lifestyle preferences.

Work-from-home considerations have become increasingly important in luxury residential design,with dedicated office spaces, video conferencing capabilities, and acoustic considerations thatsupport professional activities. These features must be


integrated seamlessly with residential design to create spaces that work for both professional and personal activities.

Entertainment and social requirements vary significantly among residents, with some preferring intimate gatherings and others enjoying larger social events. Design flexibility allows residents tocreate spaces that match their social preferences while maintaining the sophistication expected inluxury environments.

Health and wellness considerations increasingly influence luxury design decisions, with features suchas fitness spaces, meditation areas, and wellness-focused lighting and air quality systems. Thesefeatures support residents' physical and mental health while maintaining design integrity.

Privacy and security needs vary among residents based on their professional requirements, family situations, and personal preferences. Design solutions must accommodate these varying needs whilemaintaining the open, welcoming character that defines luxury living.

 

Investment Value and Market Positioning



The design excellence and customization capabilities that Michael London brings to The Unionville contribute significantly to the development's investment value and market positioning within the competitive luxury condominium segment. These design features appeal to sophisticated buyerswhile supporting long-term property value appreciation.

 

Market Differentiation Through Design

The level of customization and design sophistication available at The Unionville provides significantmarket differentiation in the competitive Greater Toronto Area luxury condominium market. These features appeal to buyers who might otherwise consider custom homes while providing the convenience and amenities of luxury condominium living.

The partnership with Trevisana and the resulting kitchen designs create a unique selling propositionthat distinguishes The Unionville from other luxury developments. The combination of Italiancraftsmanship and Canadian design sensibility appeals to sophisticated buyers who appreciate bothquality and aesthetic excellence.


Michael London's reputation and design expertise add credibility and appeal to The Unionville's marketing position. Buyers recognize the value of working with established design professionals who have proven track records of creating exceptional luxury environments.

The comprehensive nature of the customization program ensures that The Unionville can competeeffectively with custom home alternatives while providing advantages such as maintenance-freeliving and luxury amenities that are difficult to replicate in standalone properties.

 

Long-Term Value Considerations

Design quality and customization capabilities that allow residents to create truly personalized environments are likely to maintain their appeal over time, supporting long-term property value appreciation. The timeless design principles that guide London's work ensure that The Unionville's residences will remain current and appealing for years to come.

The flexibility to modify and update spaces as needs change provides additional long- term value byensuring that residences can adapt to evolving lifestyle requirements. This adaptability protectsresidents' investments while maintaining the relevance of their living spaces.

The quality of materials and craftsmanship incorporated into The Unionville's design ensures thatresidences will age gracefully while maintaining their luxury appeal. This quality provides both immediate satisfaction and long-term value protection for residents' investments.

The reputation and market positioning established through exceptional design quality createsustainable competitive advantages that support long-term market appeal and value appreciation.

 

Conclusion: Redefining Luxury Condominium Design


Michael London's vision for The Unionville represents a fundamental reimagining of what luxury condominium living can be, bringing the personalization and quality typically associated with custom homes into the sophisticated world of high-end condominium development. This approachrecognizes that true luxury in the modern


era means having the freedom to create spaces that authentically reflect individual tastes, needs,and lifestyles.

The success of London's design philosophy at The Unionville demonstrates that sophisticated buyers are willing to invest in developments that offer genuine customization and design excellence.The combination of Italian craftsmanship, local expertise, and comprehensive personalization options creates a unique value proposition that appeals to discerning buyers while supporting long-terminvestment value.

For prospective residents, The Unionville offers an opportunity to work with a renowned designprofessional to create living spaces that truly reflect their vision of luxury living. The comprehensivecustomization program ensures that each residence can be tailored to match individual preferences while maintaining the design coherence and quality standards that define luxury development.

As the luxury condominium market continues to evolve, developments like The Unionville will serveas models for how to successfully combine design excellence with personalization opportunities. Michael London's vision for The Unionville sets new standards for luxury condominium design whiledemonstrating that true luxury lies in the ability to create spaces that feel authentically like home.



 

References


[1]                Michael        London        Design.       (2025).      "Residential        Portfolio." https://www.michaellondon.design/

[2]    Designlines Magazine. (2018). "Trevisana Kitchens: Toronto Condo Essential." https://www.designlinesmagazine.com/spaces/trevisana-kitchens-toronto-condos/

[3]     YouTube. (2025). "Michael London's Design Vision for The Unionville Grand Collection."https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oxS7b2PjWyk

[4]  YouTube. (2023). "Michael London delivers an outside the box approach to interior design."https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z8HHJdgG2RY

[5]    LinkedIn. (2025). "Michael London - Principal at Michael London Design Inc." https://ca.linkedin.com/in/michael-london-764a58126

 
 
 

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