“Lighthouses are not just stone, brick, metal and glass. There’s a human story at every lighthouse; that’s the story I want to tell.” Elinor Dewire, author of articles and books about lighthouses (https://elinordewire.blogspot.com/). Let me tell you about some of the lighthouses that our replications represent. The Cape Hatteras, NC Lighthouse Cape Hatteras Lighthouse: Photo Credit: lighthousefriends.com Located on Hatteras Island in the Outer Banks in Buxton, North Carolina Made of brick 208’ tall 257 steps… 6 Lighthouse Stories
It seemed like the years stretched out ahead with plenty of time to spare and now suddenly, that time is up and you’re getting ready to send your child off to college. This year I’m joining the ranks of parents who are prepping their kids to live away from home for the first time. As I assemble my own list, I’m looking to make my new college student as comfortable and organized as possible with… Must Haves for the New College Student
At the heart of tea time is the opportunity to relax and share a lovely drink, a few tasty treats and some time with loved ones. What could be better? Tea time can be formal or casual and can serve a large group or just a few people. It is often served mid to late afternoon. We’re taking a look at what to include on tea time tables with a few Amish dining tables to… What to Include on Your Tea Party Table
The popularity of the formal dining room is on the decline, as families are more content to eat and gather together in more casual ways. With conflicting schedules leaving many dining at different times, more homeowners are growing impatient with dining rooms taking up space. Elaborate kitchen islands, outdoor deck tables and living room coffee tables are becoming go-to spots for dining, socializing and entertaining, while the old formal dining room space is being put… Are We Done with Dining Rooms?
Laundry rooms are often small spaces that get a lot of traffic. Create a functional, attractive laundry room with Amish furniture and décor. We have also included a DIY project that will help you reunite socks that mysteriously disappear. Shelves to the Rescue Shelves are friends in laundry rooms. Make use of vertical space or empty corners and hang shelves to help you organize. The Amish Hardwood Aspen Mission Shelf creates a spot to stow… Lost Socks and Laundry Room Solutions
When Lorraine Blais turns a house into a home, magic happens. Lorraine Blais Photo credit: blaisinteriors.com Meeting with us at a home she fully decorated in Citrus County, FL, the interior designer and general contractor with more than 30 years of experience, identified what it takes to make that magic happen. “Turning a house into a home means adding the personal touches that mean something to the people who live there,” she said. “With my… Devoted to Design: A Morning with Lorraine Blais
If you’re like me and can’t get enough of HGTV, DIY blogs, and Pinterest, then you’re yearning to start crafting for the holidays (if you haven’t already). I’m sharing some simple decoration and DIY projects that will get everyone in the holiday spirit. Even if you’re screaming right now that it’s too early to start decorating, keep in mind that researching décor and DIY ideas now can help you save money and time (thus also… Easy Holiday DIY Decor Ideas
Gone are the days when all the solid wood furniture in a room had to match each other and the floor. Mixing wood types and finishes livens up a room and adds interest. Whether you’ve inherited some beautiful solid wood furniture or you’re building your home furniture collection piece by piece, here are some tips on how to mix wood furniture. Identify the Undertones While the finish of each piece in a room doesn’t need… How to Mix Wood Types and Finishes
Wood type and finish contribute directly to the look of and style of custom furniture. Wood type determines the strength, durability and look of the piece. The finish offers protection and enhances the appearance of the wood. Members of our team selected their favorite wood types and stains to offer an up-close look at how these two custom options can complement each other. _______ “What I like most about this table is the linseed oil on… Staff Picks: Our Favorite Wood Types and Finishes
Your beach bag was all you needed for months. Now, with back-to-school events and the holidays approaching, it’s time to properly equip your entryway for the fall and winter. We can help you prepare for extracurricular activities, changes in the weather, and holiday events with Amish-made furniture that will keep your entryway or mudroom stylish, organized, and working for you. With the foyer being the introduction to your home, you want this space to achieve… How to Create a Stylish and Organized Entryway
How many times have you passed that landing or glanced at that small corner and asked yourself, what’s missing there? The character of every home is different, sometimes resulting in unique spaces that look too bare to leave alone, yet remain untouched. Here are nine Amish furniture suggestions that will help transform those misfit, hard-to-decorate spaces. A Long, Narrow Hallway Maintain the look of your long hallway while creating a seamless transition between adjoining rooms… How to Style an Awkward Space
In 1999, Pet Sitters International founded the first Take Your Dog to Work Day in the U.S. to emphasize the importance of the human-animal bond and to encourage employees without pets to rescue and adopt a furry friend from a shelter or rescue program. This year, Take Your Dog to Work Day will be recognized on Friday, June 23. DutchCrafters is a pet friendly workplace, with wagging tails making their way through the office on… Take Your Dog to Work Day
June 5 is National Doughnut Day and with the Amish’s reputation for making the most delicious desserts, we want to introduce you to Amish doughnuts. Sadie Peachey and her brother Nate started The Amish Baking Company in 2007, but the bread and butter, or in the case of Sadie and Nate — the dough — that makes the business has a history that goes back generations. “Before I was born, my grandmother in Pennsylvania would… National Doughnut Day with the Amish Baking Company
Living in a small space doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice style. Whether you have a small home, apartment, or houseboat, we’ve compiled a list of our top 10 furniture pieces for small spaces. Small Space Suggestions Small areas will benefit from the following: Multi-functional furniture. Furniture that matches the scale of the room. Utilizing wall space. Opening up the space with mirrors. Our Top 10 Picks The Amish Turley Hall Seat Bench Here’s multi-functional… Furniture for Small Spaces: Our Top 10 Picks
Now that spring is here, it’s time to start thinking about your plans for summer. Outdoor entertaining is one of our favorite ways to spend the warmer months. A special occasion or just plain relaxing can be taken to the next level with a pretty patio. Prepare your patio for summer parties with our tips below. Get Gardening Start small by choosing pretty planters that will add a personal touch to your outdoor space. Our LuxCraft 24″… How to Prepare your Patio for Summer Parties
