Laura Lancaster, the owner of Sunnyroad Interior Design Center, is a native Houstonian with a Texas-size pedigree for buying, designing, and producing custom-made furniture.
In the early 1970s, her parents established The Shoe Hut, a unique shopping experience selling shoes, accessories, gifts, and even antiques. It was there Lancaster began her career managing the buying of shoes.
Later, she attended Texas Tech and the University of Alabama, majoring in fashion merchandising. It was there she developed a passion for fabric and design.
"I love creating something out of nothing," says Lancaster. "I can see what it will become."
When Mom and Dad Lancaster launched Sunnyroad Interiors on Fondren Road a few years later, they became pioneers on that "fabric and furniture road." They created a family-owned business with design services known for impeccable fabrics, home decor, and custom furniture.
With her passion for fabrics, Laura concentrated on interior design and all that entailed. Her brothers, Jim and Herb, focused on the manufacturing side of the business, founding H. Lancaster, a residential furniture retailer.
In 2008, Rafael O'Neill joined Sunnyroad Interiors. Today, they offer a 19,000-square-foot showroom across from the original location where they invite you to replace and reinvent your style and turn your ideas and inspiration into reality. Their attention to detail sets this family-run business apart from its competition.
The new design center includes services that include full remodeling, new construction, unique home accessories, high-end fabrics and wallpaper, window treatment, pillows, slipcovers, upholstery, and bedding. Custom-made furniture is made in-house, offering a lifetime warranty on any wood frame and a 10-year warranty on flame retardant foam. Each piece is made one at a time in America, right here in Houston.
Lancaster believes in "creating a bond and understanding with the person who walks through the door. She believes that the designer must take the time to question you about need, style, and functionality.
"Everyone is different, so it is especially important to remember that it is their style, not yours." Lancaster says, "If you can dream it, Sunnyroad Interiors can create it."
Sunnyroad recently completed a comfortable coffee bar for customers to enjoy a coffee, latte, or expresso while exploring the various "design" rooms and vignettes. Their showroom offers examples of custom furniture, rugs, pillows, clothing, shoes, wallpapers, fabrics, antiques, gift items, fine art, and accessories that inspire.
