One of Don Silva's fondest childhood memories was visiting his grandfather's furniture factory with his father. The rich smell of wood, the colorful bolts of fabric and the textured feel of fine leather is what first attracted him to the family business. But it was the tradition and quality that has held his attention for more than three decades.

One-at-a-time...all under one roof... has always been the cornerstone of the National Upholstering philosophy. In 1918 Frank E. Silva began building a long, labor-intensive tradition of creating fine upholstered furniture. The first sample piece was made in his backyard shed and the company quickly grew to a major furniture manufacturing player in the 1920s.

In 1965, Franklyn Silva took over the business and continued the tradition of his father. Until the early 1970's, National's furniture was sold to fine furniture stores. As the industry changed, fine furniture became marketed through showrooms in design centers to interior designers and architects. Upon Franklyn's retirement in 1983 Don Silva became the third generation president and began an aggressive design and marketing campaign.

The company introduced a series of private label lines and began specializing in fine leather pieces, which has enhanced its reputation worldwide. Don's first significant success was the creation of the Western Collection in 1989. With the supple leathers, rich colors and comfortably elegant designs it became an enormous hit with his affluent consumers and celebrities across the country. After nine years it is still a strong seller.

In the spring of 1997 Don unveiled his second labor of love, the Parisienne Collection, a magnificent reinterpretation of classically designed French Club pieces.

National Upholstering, now four generations, maintains an uncommon pride in the perfection of its furniture offerings, defining quality and value in yesterday's, today's, and tomorrow's marketplace.

"It may be the feel of seasoned leather, the inviting comfort of a well-worn sofa, or the timeless appeal of a grandfather's smoking chair that attracts us, but it is the quality of the piece that endures."