Stephanie Laney's Woodlands home exemplifies a transitional Spanish style - an aesthetic that the professional interior designer carried throughout the house. "It's the driving force," says the lead designer at Surfaces USA.


ABOVE Natural Calcutta marble in "Calcutta Manhattan" tops the home's island and counters. "It's a very rare piece of marble; I waited nearly a year for the right piece to speak to me - to have the art-like value I was looking for. This one did!," says the homeowner. Calcutta Manhattan marble is available from Surfaces USA. To visually expand the room, Laney used the same marble that served as countertops in the backsplash area. "It makes it feel deeper," she explains. RIGHT Silver-mirrored candlesticks add height and shimmering dimension to the tabletop.

But this transitional Spanish abode isn't chained exclusively to one overarching style. Laney notes that, while primary elements should coordinate with the overall look and feel of a home, you can (And should!) add distinctive accents from other styles to update your space.


RIGHT The kitchen's distinctive tongue-and-groove wood ceiling is reminiscent of the past, balancing the more-modern lighting. BELOW The kitchen built-in offers convenient landing space while also organizing cookbooks and trinkets.

Case in point: the industrial-style table in Laney's butler area of the kitchen and the more-modern lighting she selected to illuminate the table and sink sections of the space. Both "work" in the room as supporting characters to the star of the show: the home's Spanish roots.


LEFT The glass-topped dining table is the focal point of a very "squared" space. "The light, the table, the windows, they're all very angular." The open, clean space also offers plenty of room to spread out to play games. "I painted the French doors black because that accent color draws in the appliances and brings the space together." The contrasting color is repeated in the room's picture frames and pillows." ABOVE The industrial table was custom made for this space. "I was looking for something with a lofty, industrial style for a butler area. It provides extra serving and landing space and it's great decor when not in use." The kitchen floor's traditional travertine tile flows through the remainder of the house, with one exception - the tile size is different in each distinct space.

The designer also ensured that the home would be welcoming to future residents. "As a designer, I am conscientious that my aesthetic is not someone else's. That's why I incorporate some expected elements into my home - like the build in and the glass-framed cabinets near the sink that can be used for display areas."


LEFT "This faucet is so unique," says Laney. "I selected it as an art piece. It's totally different from what surrounds it, with its Old-world design and contemporary finish." ABOVE A faux succulent plant is illuminated by dramatic lighting. "I love this," says Laney. "Lighting should always be artwork. Use it because you love it, not because it matches. This piece is very unique with gorgeous crystal detail and nickel-gauge accents."

Same Great Surfaces New Local Owner
Surfaces USA in Castaic is now owned by the company's on-site interior designer Jen Brown. Stop by and say "hi" while taking advantage of the store's free design services and wholesale pricing. 775-9404