In 1983, Mitch Katz saw a frustrating gap in the automotive world: if drivers wanted leather seats, their only option was to pay a premium at the dealership for limited styles—or settle for factory cloth. So he and his sister Lesley launched Katzkin with a clear mission: deliver high-quality, custom automotive leather interiors at an affordable price.
What began in Montebello, California has since grown into a national network of more than 2,500 professional installers. “Great craftsmanship shouldn’t be limited by geography,” says the Katzkin team. “Whether you’re in Tennessee or Texas, you deserve access to premium leather interiors.” Over four decades and more than three million transformed vehicles later, that vision is still driving everything they do.
The Art of the Luxury Makeover
Katzkin’s approach to automotive interiors goes far beyond aesthetics. “A true luxury makeover is about transforming how you experience your vehicle every single day,” they explain. Rather than applying a leather overlay, Katzkin replaces every piece of cloth—from the seats to door panels—with leather precisely engineered for each vehicle’s unique dimensions.
Personalization is at the heart of the brand. With over 3,000 patterns and 120 colors and materials to choose from, options range from sleek factory-style designs to bold, high-fashion statements featuring diamond quilting, contrast stitching, and even tooled leather. “Luxury is getting exactly what you envision—not settling for someone else’s idea of premium.”
Seamless, Personal Design
The journey begins with Katzkin’s online design tool, where clients can select their vehicle’s make and model and start exploring possibilities. But this isn’t a do-it-yourself experience. An Interior Specialist reaches out directly to understand each customer’s lifestyle, preferences, and goals.
“We provide realistic renderings so you can visualize exactly how your interior will look,” they say. After final approval, Katzkin manufactures the custom interior—typically within 48 hours—and ships it to a local authorized installer. Installation takes one to two days, all backed by a 3-year/36,000-mile national warranty.
Excursion Elegance, Crafted in Every Stitch
This recent local project, an Excursion in Lebanon, demonstrates the level of artistry Katzkin is known for. The build featured rich mahogany leather with ivory inserts, brought to life with the brand’s exclusive TekStitch diamond quilting—a proprietary process that creates three-dimensional precision patterns with functional durability.
From hand-selecting hides to executing over 200 custom-cut pieces, every detail was crafted with care. “Our seamsters—many with decades of experience—create stitchwork that machines simply can’t replicate.” The final product took one to two weeks from start to finish and resulted in an interior that’s both functional and stunningly bespoke.
Built for Beauty—and Life on the Road
Katzkin doesn’t believe in choosing between elegance and practicality. Their materials are engineered to outperform factory specs, resisting heat, UV rays, scuffs, and wear. From their Suedezkin microfiber—crafted from recycled content—to Katzkin XT, a thick, water-resistant leather built for rugged use, everything is tested to handle real life.
“Our Barracuda leather, for example, combines architectural perforation with contrasting colors for a sophisticated yet durable finish,” they note. “We never compromise beauty for durability—we engineer solutions that deliver both.”
Premium Craftsmanship, Nationwide
Even if you’re far from Katzkin’s California roots, the experience is consistent. Whether you’re upgrading a brand-new ride in Nashville or restoring a classic in Lebanon, the process is the same: personalized design, fast production, and certified installation by a trained pro near you.
“These aren’t typical auto shops doing side work,” the Katzkin team clarifies. “Our installers are specialized craftspeople with the right tools and training to ensure a factory-level fit and finish.” Customers can also access Katzkin installations through partners like AutoNation and CarMax.
Trending Now: Everyday Luxury
According to Katzkin, the biggest shift in auto styling is a move toward everyday luxury—designs that reflect individual personality, not just high-end aesthetics. “People want contrast—two-tone looks, accent stitching, diamond quilting—even in work trucks and family SUVs.”
Custom embroidery, heated and ventilated seating, and mixed materials are on the rise, along with a demand for sustainable materials and smart integrations. “We’re seeing more crossover between automotive and fashion or home design. People want their car interior to feel as curated as their living room.”
A Legacy of Craftsmanship
At the heart of Katzkin’s success is a team of artisans—pattern makers, seamsters, and quality specialists—many of whom have been with the company for decades. “These aren’t just employees—they’re craftspeople who know their work becomes part of someone’s daily life.”
Looking ahead, the company sees mass customization and deeper OEM collaboration as the future of automotive interiors. But their core values remain unchanged: “We’re a 40-year-old American manufacturing success story built on craftsmanship, service, and style.”
Whether you drive a brand-new SUV or a ten-year-old truck, Katzkin believes you deserve to love your interior. And they’re here to make sure you do.
Katzkin Leather – Love Your Drive
Katzkin brings handcrafted luxury to vehicles of every kind—backed by decades of experience and made for real life.
Get Started: katzkin.com
Customer Design Tool: Customize your ride at katzkin.com/design
Nationwide Installation: 2,500+ certified shops coast-to-coast
Warranty: 3 years / 36,000 miles nationwide
Materials: Sustainable, premium automotive-grade leather, Katzkin XT, Suedezkin microfiber suede
Customization Options: 3,000+ patterns, 120+ colors and materials
Popular Features: Heated and ventilated seating, contrast stitching, diamond quilting, embroidery
OEM Partners: Ford, Jeep, Ram, Mopar, AutoNation, CarMax
Founded: 1983 in Montebello, California– transforming more than 3 million vehicles in 40 years
Follow: @KatzkinLeather on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube