For Leon Williams, a home is much more than just a structure—it’s a blank canvas and the space where he perfects his lifelong craft.
As the owner and designer behind Interior Exterior Designs, Inc., Leon has spent more than four decades beautifying home interiors across Southern California with a level of precision and artistry that remains a cut above in today’s design landscape.
“It's been an incredible, rewarding journey, being able to bring our clients’ ideas and dreams to life.”
Founded in 1984, the company has built a reputation for design-build, furniture grade custom cabinetry that balances timeless design with superior craftsmanship.
To Leon, home is defined as much by how something is made as by how it looks once it’s finished.
“Our relentless efforts are related to not just higher-end designs we're able to come up with, but also the precision and pride with which we fabricate each and every project–one at a time.”
That pride was instilled early on. Leon trained for four years in the early 1980s at a custom shop called Supreme Cabinets in Santa Fe Springs, under the observant eye of the owner, Charlie Sanford.
“I was reminded by Charlie that there is only one way to do the trade, and that ‘it's either done right or wrong.’ There was no middle ground.”
As Charlie often told Leon, "If it's not installed tight, it's not right."
“Charlie was a good and patient teacher,” Leon recalls, “but there was not much grace, and he didn't sugarcoat it every time I fell short.”
That meaningful mentorship became the foundation of his business philosophy.
“With this stern method of teaching, along with what I believe is a God-given artistic talent, our relentless efforts to give our best in quality, integrity, and making sure our customers walk away feeling satisfied were successful."
From that foundation grew a love for the craft that guided his career.
“I fell in love with the trade because I was an artist and have always stayed true to the craft.”
Because of that devotion, it has become harder for Leon to witness how the cabinetry industry has transformed over time, including a dramatic shift from small, specialized shops to mass-produced options that seemingly value speed and cost over quality.
Today, consumers are inundated with choices from big-box retailers and global showrooms offering ready-made solutions.
“The production aspects and filling the lower pricing needs have somewhat taken over the industry. It's heartbreaking because it's not much of a craft anymore. It's more about who can put together a cabinet at the lowest price. Our trade is slowly becoming a dying artform.”
Though tempting to follow down that path, Leon has remained steadfast in his commitment to true custom work
“I just can't give in to the global push to give folks a box that is considered a cabinet to put your things in.”
Instead, his team focuses on old-world techniques and furniture-grade construction.
“We have held true and never cut corners, giving our clients more of an old-world, precision-driven, furniture-grade joinery, meaning our projects last longer than the clients will even be in their freshly remodeled home.”
For Leon and his team, quality is non-negotiable, and the difference between custom craftsmanship and mass-produced materials is apparent.
“Our company slogan is ‘For those who know the difference.’ Most people really don't know the difference, but when you see or experience custom design, it's really tough to go backwards to lower quality options.”
In recent years, a growing number of clients have come to appreciate that difference.
“Over the last 5-6 years, our company has experienced a push toward higher caliber options.”
Many new clients arrive cautious, influenced by past disappointments or renovation horror stories.
A visit to the Interior Exterior Designs showroom often changes that narrative.
“We encourage our hopeful clients to come in with their sketches and or plans that they've already started. Here, they can see the enormous amount of architectural detail, woods, and finish samples we have available.”
The consultation process with Leon’s team is collaborative and personal.
“Whether here or in their home, we spend time bouncing ideas off of each other. I like to hear all of the ideas and desires that the client is hoping for.”
From inspiration photos to hand-drawn plans, Leon guides clients step by step.
“Once we get a game plan penciled out, I usually will draw up a top view, showing what will be included, then bid that idea or other options.”
No project is too big or too small for Leon and crew.
“We do a lot of kitchens, but we’re often doing multi-room projects, like entertainment centers, home offices, bathroom cabinets, simple to luxury closets—pretty much anything that needs to be built. We are true craftsman-woodworkers and can build anything that is shown to us!”
That dedication has paid off.
“We strive for referrals and push hard to please every client. 80% of our yearly volume is from repeat clients.”
Still, Leon looks ahead with a mixture of pride and concern.
“I'm concerned with the art of custom cabinetry falling further into a long-lost craft. It is one that struggles to find qualified individuals with the ability to handle the precision it takes to build custom cabinets and furniture.”
For homeowners who believe that their home should be built with intention and integrity, Interior Exterior Designs, Inc. delivers a lasting legacy of craftsmanship.
Visithttps://www.interior-exteriordesignsinc.com/ for a quote today.