The Beveled Edge

A CUT ABOVE: The Beveled Edge celebrating 25 years in business
By Shelly T. Hudson

In 2011, you might be hard-pressed to identify an industry that’s been relatively unchanged by technology in the last century. A shining example of how expert craftsmanship and old-fashioned customer care still make all the difference, however, is Norton and Vicki Canterbury’s art glass studio, The Beveled Edge. As many “mom and pop shops” have made way for superstores and big box warehouse chains, The Beveled Edge operates in much the same way as they did in 1986—all custom, all hand-crafted.

Fresh out of the Marine Corps in 1983, Norton took an apprentice position at a stained glass overlay franchise to make ends meet. Three years later, he opened his first studio. Since then, Norton has occupied locations in both San Clemente and San Juan Capistrano, with the Canterbury’s settling the business in Laguna Niguel in 2000- where it’s still going strong.

What’s the secret behind The Beveled Edge’s 25 years as a successful, family-owned business? It’s actually no secret at all. Norton and Vicki personally work with each and every customer, guaranteeing their workmanship for a lifetime. When customers approach the Canterburys with a project, the wheels are set in motion for the creation of a one-of-a-kind, fully-custom art piece. While the Beveled Edge specializes in traffic-stopping entry doors, they also design and install elaborate windows, cabinet doors, shower systems and table tops. Each piece of glass is completely hand-crafted.

The design process is collaborative every step of the way. Once Norton and his customer formulate a concept, Vicki creates a full-scale template of the design. After the final design and color scheme are approved, the project is fabricated right at the shop. With 140 years of combined experience among the crew, precision craftsmanship is the standard. The Beveled Edge’s customers enjoy knowing that they are working with the owners of the business directly and that their projects are executed with expertise from conceptualization to installation.

Although most of The Beveled Edge’s business is residential—and from satisfied repeat customers—the Canterburys work frequently with designers and local businesses. Their sophisticated stained glass installations are displayed throughout the area and stunning examples can be seen at the Dana Point City Council offices and JSerra High School’s chapel.

An entryway designed and installed by The Beveled Edge sets a home apart from the rest of the neighborhood, providing distinctive curb appeal and a beautiful exterior focal point. Many larger homes have dark, uninteresting foyers and front entries. The Beveled Edge’s leaded glass designs offer style and flair, allowing natural light to flood the space.

Norton says that the majority of his residential entry projects utilize the homeowner’s existing door(s), translating into an eco-friendly, cost-effective solution. The Beveled Edge will transform any door—even metal and fiberglass doors primarily used in new construction—into functional works of art. In fact, many doors are designed utilizing an existing motif from the home that’s incorporated into the pattern. For example, the curves of a favorite iron table or the geometric shapes of an art deco chandelier may provide the inspiration for the final product. One customer even surprised her golf aficionado husband with a stained glass version of himself on the fairway!

By all accounts, Norton Canterbury is a lucky man. This year, he celebrates 30 years of marriage with Vicki and 25 years in business with The Beveled Edge. He has made his home in Laguna Niguel since 1986 with his wife and three children: Jaime, a professional distance runner residing in Arizona, Jeremy, a senior art degree candidate at UCSB and Paige, a sophomore and track athlete at Dana Hills High School. While many of us might consider slowing down after 25 years, Norton is as eager and enthusiastic about his business as ever. Maybe that’s his edge.

“The Beveled Edge’s creative talent and superior craftsmanship were spectacular at enhancing the beauty of our home’s entryway. The final product improved the look of our entry by 1000%. The full-scale template of the new door and windows was extremely helpful in visualizing the final design. Norton & Vicki are both congenial and a pleasure to work with. We congratulate them on their 25 years in business.” —Tom and Trishia Wood, Laguna Beach

27931 Cabot Road, Suite B • Laguna Niguel • 949.582.1035
TheBeveledEdge.com