For many, buying a model home would mean that the normal "decorating and designing" stage could be skipped, if not in its entirety, than at least in part. But when the Fender family purchased their Westridge model home, only one thing would remain from the builder's original concept: the Chinese slate flooring.





ABOVE: In the living room, Chinese slate provides a neutral, easy-maintenance flooring option with visual interest to spare. "Hortencia, the owner of Bella Venezia, gives us a lot of decorating and design direction," says the homeowners. "She's very helpful and we love everything we've ever purchased from her. It's high-quality and creates a timeless look." The space's furniture and accessories were selected from Bella Venezia 254-2246 INSET: An oversized rug unifies the seating area and adds a layer of coziness in the living room. Old World gets comfortable when sofa seating combines refined wood bolsters and deep-set cushions.

The reasoning for the remodel was as good as the results - the family craved a comfortable Old World look, one where elements retained a European feel without the presumptive stuffiness that usually comes with it.

A tarnished golden paint palette relaxes when in the company of over-stuffed pillows and 4-year-old friendly furnishings that are sharp on style, but not on corners.

The home, from top to bottom, is a study in balance, fusing modern conveniences with time-tested ambience. The result is a space that is distinctively Old World - and a perfect fit for a casual Southern California lifestyle.

ABOVE & INSET: A room with a view! The formal dining room's refined seating is the best place to see the star of the show - the atrium. GG Collection tableware from Bella Venezia brings everyday elegance to the space.

LEFT: Holiday floral arrangements are the essential final touch to your living space. By bringing the bounty of nature inside, not only is there ample opportunity to enjoy Mother Nature's blossoms but the collection of flowers also serves as a focal point in your decor. Highly textured arrangements, like this one from Charmaine's Bouquet Canyon Florist, bring gorgeous dimension and eye interest, as well as sweet fragrance, to your space. Holiday arrangement orders can be placed now. 297-3100

RIGHT: The granite-topped kitchen island was expanded to increase work space. The stone was selected from Surfaces USA. INSET: The kitchen nook's bright, streaming sunrays can filter through espresso reed blinds on too-warm days. RIGHT INSET: The entryway's dramatic, glistening pendant light illuminates the room with the help of well-placed sconces, brightened by simple battery-fueled lights. (This solution is especially brilliant when running electricity would be too costly or troublesome.).


Quick Kitchen Upgrades
If you have been thinking about updating your kitchen there is still time to do so before the turkey hits the oven. A new countertop and backsplash is the perfect fix to update your space. Surfaces USA can help with design consultation with their in-house designer Jen Brown; material selections including granite, quartz, and marble; and their in-house fabricators/installers. Surfaces has a full-service showroom open to the public and they are the only slab yard in the Santa Clarita Valley. Stop by the showroom and let them help you transform your space. Surfaces USA 775-9404