About Us
Our Story: A Legacy Crafted by Hand
Ralph’s Interiors was born from the determination of a five-year-old boy. With a stack of newspapers and a clever eye for where people gathered—courthouses, coffee shops, and local businesses—my father began his journey as a young entrepreneur. One of those stops led him into an upholstery shop, and his curiosity changed everything.
The Nine-Year-Old Master
After asking the owner for an apprenticeship, my father spent his afternoons learning to strip furniture, cut fabric, and sew. His breakthrough came at just nine years old when the head upholsterer failed to show up for a deadline. My dad stepped in, telling the crew, "Give me a chance; I know I can do it."
The next morning, the owner was stunned to find the work completed with expert precision by "Ralph the kid." From that day on, he moved to night school so he could master the trade full-time during the day.
A Foundation of Tools and Trust
By the age of 11, my father was ready to open his own shop. His mentor didn’t just give him a blessing; he gifted him a sewing machine, a pair of scissors, and the hand tools that would build his future. Most importantly, he personally vouched for my father with suppliers, ensuring a young boy had the credit needed to succeed.
California Dreaming Since 1978
After teaching his siblings the trade in Pennsylvania and opening shops in Texas and Oklahoma, my father followed his heart to the place where he believed "the craziest ideas are born": California.
In 1978, he opened his first Los Angeles shop. Over the decades, we have moved from Long Beach to Santa Monica, eventually settling in our current home in Culver City.
Carrying the Legacy Forward
Today, as his daughter, it is my greatest honor to continue the trade my father built. We are proud to serve three generations of families alongside renowned interior designers, architects, and contractors.
Our philosophy remains the same: we build high-quality, long-lasting pieces with the kind of craftsmanship that allows them to be passed down through your family, just as this business was passed down through mine.
Whether you’re working with a designer or need us to guide you through the process, we are here for all your furniture needs.
The Next Generation: Continuing the Craft
When I took the reins in early 2001, I never imagined I would still be here decades later. At the time, I thought my passions lay elsewhere. However, over the years, I haven’t just grown the business—I’ve grown alongside our incredible employees and the loyal clients who have seen me through every stage of my life.
From Post-its to Professionalism
When I first started, my father’s "office system" was a bit old-school. He didn’t believe in computers, let alone the internet. A receipt back then was often just a Post-it note that read: "Pillow: $25."
I quickly realized that if I was going to carry this legacy forward, I needed to modernize and educate myself. My wake-up call came when a client called asking to reupholster two Chippendale chairs. I confidently said, "Of course we can!"—then immediately ran to the library to find a book on furniture history so I could identify what a Chippendale chair actually was!
That moment sparked a deep thirst for knowledge. I went back to school to earn my degree in Interior Architecture, which has given me a unique advantage. I don't just see furniture; I understand the history, periods, and structural needs of every piece that enters our shop.
A Recipe for Success
Ironically, my original dream was to be a chef. I spent years pursuing that path, graduating from culinary school with degrees in both Culinary Arts and Pastry. While a medical issue unfortunately cut my professional cooking career short, a dear friend reminded me how fortunate I was to have a family trade to return to—one that I genuinely enjoyed.
With that realization, I decided to give Ralph’s Interiors my all.
Two Decades of Growth
More than 25 years later, this shop has been the backdrop of my life. It has seen me become a "doggie mom," navigate loss, get married, and travel. It has watched me renovate campers and RVs and remodel homes. My own life phases are reflected in the furniture I’ve acquired and created over the years.
Through this journey, I’ve developed a deep passion for textiles, a refined sense of color, and an intuitive understanding of my customers' needs. Each project is a new challenge because I know that every way of living is specific and personal. I finally understand that "special sparkle" my father saw in this craft when he was just a nine-year-old boy.
So, if you ever want to talk about food, travel, or dogs, I’m your person. And if that leads to creating a wonderful piece of furniture together, it would be my honor to provide you with our signature attention to detail and care.
Ralph’s Interiors: At a Glance
- Established: 1978 in Los Angeles (Legacy dating back to the 1940s).
- Leadership: Second-Generation Minority and Woman Owner since 2001.
- Expertise: Interior Architecture Degree graduate 2007, specializing in furniture history, period identification, and structural restoration.
- The Shop Specs: Based in Culver City, serving Los Angeles,Westside, South Bay, The Valley, San Gabriel Valley and beyond.
- Client Base: Working with three generations of families, as well as renowned architects and interior designers.
- Specialty: High-end upholstery with a focus on "lifetime quality"—strong frames and bases designed to be passed down.
- Fun Facts: Dual-degree Culinary & Pastry arts graduate; RV enthusiast; wanderlust, dedicated "doggie and chicken mom"
Call us Now!
Meeting your needs—exceeding your expectations: It’s all in a day’s work for Ralph's Interiors. For timely service, competitive prices, and professional staff, we are your number one choice. We’ve helped clients near and far with our committed customer-first approach. And now it’s your turn.
Email or call us to get started today!