NEW: Richard Tubb Interiors to close in December amid owner’s retirement

Home design lovers will be saddened to learn that Birmingham’s own Richard Tubb has announced his retirement and the closure of the long-standing Richard Tubb Interiors storefront in Pepper Place in December.

After over 50 years in the interior decorating business, Richard is ready to retire and continue to the next phase of his life.

50+ years in the business

Everyone knows that Richard Tubb is a fantastic designer of space, but his greatest talent is his endless love for people.

When Bham Now spoke to Richard, it was clear that his heart was full of love for the Birmingham community and the mentors that guided him.

“I grew up in the furniture business, not ever knowing that I would be going into interior design. I ended up with a mentor, Clarence Brooks, a well known designer in Birmingham, who came to my house and told me I had a talent.

I think I have a talent, but more than anything I care and I have a real desire to help people to have everything. I want to make people happy. I think that is the reason that I have been successful. I’ve loved it.”

Richard Tubb, Owner, Richard Tubb Interiors

Richard has a long-standing legacy in The Magic City, with his designs, fabrics and eye for detail having touched the homes of so many Birmingham families.

“It just thrills me to know that some peoples’ house was just a house before, and now that house is emotional and that house is a home, and that means so much to me.

I’ve been around for so long that people have stopped me in the grocery store. They might stop me on the street and say, ‘Thank you. Thank you for making my house a home.'”

Richard Tubb, Owner, Richard Tubb Interiors

A Birmingham trailblazer

Richard got his start in Birmingham’s design community over 50 years ago with his business partner at the time, Bill Whisenant. According to Richard, gaining experience at Cobb Lane with Bill was paramount to his success in the coming decades.

“Bill and I opened this flower shop in Cobb Lane, which at that time was a very famous place to to eat. We actually lived in the business, so everything in there was for sale too. We did flowers, interiors and some and also some catering. It was a really exciting time. Years later, he went his way and I went mine, and that’s how I came across the Dr. Pepper building.”

Richard Tubb, Owner, Richard Tubb Interiors

Decades ago, Richard opened up shop in the former Dr. Pepper bottling plant, a lonely and mostly empty building at the time. Over the years, the area now known as Pepper Place expanded to house award-winning restaurants, salons and other independent designers.

“Richard was one of the first designers in Birmingham to actually open up his own shop. His store became an institution for not only general clients to come and shop, but for the other independent designers in town.

There wasn’t a whole lot before he opened up, and he was one of the first tenants in Pepper Place so I think they owe a part of their popularity to his store.”

Sam Kehl, Retail Manager, Richard Tubb Interiors

Richard Tubb Interiors is closing this December

Richard Tubb Interiors in Pepper Place is set to close in December, so make sure to stop by this Fall for any of your last-minute furniture and design needs before it’s gone.

Want to share your fond memories of Richard Tubb Interiors + its legacy in Bham? Tag us @bhamnow and let us know!