Today we’d like to introduce you to Alex Pereira.
Hi Alex, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Carlo Story
Established in 1958, Carlo Upholstery, Slipcovers, and Drapes is a proud family-owned business passed down through generations. What began as a small mom-and-pop shop—with Carlo expertly handling the upholstery and his wife Betty sewing every detail with care—has grown into a full-service custom workroom and showroom serving Orange County and beyond.
In 1984, Carlo and Betty moved the business to Orange County, where it flourished. Their daughter, Alex, joined in 1996, expanding the company’s offerings to include custom-made sofas, chairs, sectionals, ottomans, upholstered beds, and window treatments such as drapes, valances, and woven shades.
Fifteen years ago, Alex officially took over the business and continued to grow it while keeping the same principles her father built it on: quality craftsmanship, fair pricing, and personalized service. Carlo continued to work beside me every day until his death, offering his invaluable knowledge and passion for the craft.
Today, I’m proud to carry on his legacy—helping clients create beautiful, comfortable, and custom spaces that truly feel like home.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
At Carlo Upholstery, Slipcovers, and Drapes, every piece we work on is a labor of love — but like any craft, upholstery comes with its own challenges.
1. Every Piece Is Unique
Unlike mass-produced furniture, each upholstery project is one-of-a-kind. Every chair, sofa, and cushion has its own shape, age, and story — which means we measure, cut, and sew everything by hand for a perfect fit.
2. Craftsmanship Takes Time
Beautiful work doesn’t happen overnight. From stripping old fabric to rebuilding padding and tailoring new covers, it’s a detailed process that requires patience and skill — but the results are worth it. We’re currently in our “Holiday Season” where every client wants their work done by Thanksgiving or Christmas. We live in an instantaneous world and it’s hard for our clients to wait for products!
3. Quality Materials Matter – Tarriffs and Pricing are always changing
We carefully source fabrics, foams, and trims that meet our standards for durability and design. Sometimes suppliers discontinue or delay materials, but we always do our best to find the perfect alternatives. We are currently working with all the suppliers on tarriffs and increased pricing and letting customers know we don’t have the margins to absorb these costs.
4. Keeping the Craft Alive
Upholstery is a specialized trade that takes years to master. We’re proud to continue a family tradition of hands-on craftsmanship but it’s hard to find employees that share that craft.
6. The Balance Between Price and Perfection
We know custom work can’t always compete with big-box prices and often hear I could buy NEW for cheaper. We are providing a true investment in quality and sustainability but NEW is often cheaper but not necessarily better.
7. Carrying On a Legacy
Most of all, we take pride in continuing what Carlo started back in 1958 — but it’s hard to look at costs and make non-emotional decisions on the business when I know what my parents put into it!
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I joined my dad, Carlo, 30 years ago—fresh out of college and ready to help him run the business he had already dedicated 33 years to building. What started as helping organize the store quickly grew into a deep love for design and craftsmanship. I expanded our drapery and slipcover services, added a showroom, and built a diverse library of fabric books featuring everything from timeless classics to transitional and modern designs. Upholstery is a specialized trade that takes years to master. I’m proud to continue a family tradition of hands-on craftsmanship — and we’re always working to inspire the next generation to keep this art alive.
How do you define success?
I think the years in business, client reviews, repeat customers and beautiful furniture we have created defines our success.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.carlohomedecor.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carlohomedecor/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/carlo-home-decor-mission-viejo-3
Image Credits
Alex and Betty Pereira
