Our History

When Steve Shedd, founder of Steven-Thomas Antiques & Interiors, took his first swing in his first at-bat for “Europhon” in the Series A Italian Baseball League, he never dreamed of what was to follow.

The ball traveled over the fence for a home run.  More remarkably, on his next three consecutive swings, he hit a double and two additional home runs.

“To say I was on cloud nine would be an understatement.” says Steve.  “The fans went crazy. By my fifth at-bat our fans were shouting ‘Fuori campo!’ (Home run!).  When I fouled the first pitch off in that fifth at-bat, there was dead silence followed by sporadic booing. At that moment, I knew I was in for a long season!” 

During these seasons in Italy, Steve learned Italian and developed an interest in the import/export business.  With an MBA in marketing and finace from USC earned in the off season and encouragement from a family of entrepreneurs (Steve’s father, Milton Shedd, was founder and chairman of Sea World in its first 15 years), Steve saw an opportunity in exporting Italian antique furniture to the Southern California public.

The public response was tremendous.  After five years building a foundation, Steve brought his brother-in-law, Thomas Silk, to share the running of a growing business.

With experience managing Gallo Wine Company’s distribution center in Ventura County, Tom brought to the partnership key operational know-how.  Fluency in Italian by both partners and commitments to share in the overseas buying lead to an optimal development of buying resources throughout all parts of Europe, an essential ingredient to their success.

In 1980, their 18,000 square foot showroom was built on the 55 Freeway, just five minutes from the John Wayne Airport and South Coast Plaza.  Expansion in 2000 added 32,000 square feet of warehouse, showroom and restoration facilities.

Today Steven-Thomas employs a team of 35 woodworkers, restorers, designers and operations colleagues to service a business which draws from a growing worldwide clientele who are looking for fully restored, quality antique furniture, in a variety of desirable classic European styles, accented with unique accessories.

We invite you to pay us a visit, and see what the “Best kept secret in Orange County” is all about.