Category: Older

Move Over Man Cave, Here Comes the She Shed

Leah Meldman 19/08/2016

Move over man cave! The she shed, sometimes referred to as “shedquarters,” is taking center stage with its ability to create a backyard escape. Take your staycation to the next level with our ideas for these gorgeous getaways. We’ve rounded up our top picks to create a she shed to suit your hobbies and style. The Reading Retreat One of our favorite ways to stake your claim in the backyard is to turn your shed… Move Over Man Cave, Here Comes the She Shed

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Mid-Century Modern Style Furniture

Leah Meldman 16/08/2016

Chic style that is also fun and functional? Count us in! There’s a reason mid-century modern style is here to stay. As its name suggests, this simple style that makes a statement hit the scene in the middle of the 20th century, between the mid-1940s to 1970. Postwar America craved a no-frills aesthetic for the modern era. Pared-down forms became a practical way to accommodate smaller homes and a more fast-paced lifestyle. This lightweight design… Mid-Century Modern Style Furniture

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Our Favorite Furniture: Part I

Beth Rice 11/08/2016

The DutchCrafters store in Sarasota, FL sits warm and bright, with colorful poly wood chairs lining the entryway.  Tucked inside, under the gentle glow of the showroom lights, sits a collection of custom made furniture that speaks of home. More than a store full of items, the DutchCrafters showroom offers an experience that we have perfected after years selling furniture online.  Furniture specialists answer your questions, and colorful wood samples and fabric books add to… Our Favorite Furniture: Part I

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8 Ways to Get Organized for Back to School

Beth Rice 08/08/2016

It’s time for new shoes and lunch boxes once again.  As lazy summer days come to an end, we’re energized with new ideas to get you organized and ready for the first day of school. From pre-school to college, solid wood Amish furniture can make the morning routine a little easier, the homework time more interesting, and the organization helpful for all ages. Greeting the Day Children thrive on routine. Set up a spot for… 8 Ways to Get Organized for Back to School

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Transition a Child’s Room to a Teenager’s Room

Leah Meldman 04/08/2016

It seems like just yesterday your little one was running around with dolls or action figures, perfectly content with their pint-sized bed covered in stuffed animals. But, in the blink of an eye, your precocious child became a tenacious teenager. Help your teenager transition into the next phase of their life with an updated bedroom that suits their needs and tastes. Upgrade Their Slumber Whether they are entering middle or high school, you’ve probably noticed… Transition a Child’s Room to a Teenager’s Room

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Modern Ways to Use a Jelly Cabinet

Beth Rice 28/07/2016

Even though jelly is most often kept in the refrigerator these days, the jelly cabinet remains a favorite furnishing. One look at an Amish jelly cabinet and the reasons are clear.  It’s both beautiful and useful for storage, even without the jelly. The First Jelly Cabinets The creation of the jelly cabinet grew out of need. During the 19th century, as pioneers perfected the practice of stewing fruit to create jams and preserves, they produced large… Modern Ways to Use a Jelly Cabinet

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Six Ways to Enjoy your Outdoor Wooden Furniture this Summer

Beth Rice 21/07/2016

Outdoor wooden furniture is durable, affordable, and can transform an outdoor space into a fun gathering spot for many different activities with family and friends, or a place to relax when when you need some “me-time.” From the porch to the yard, to your pool deck and patio, we’re taking a look at ways to enjoy your outdoor wooden furniture on nice, long, sunny days. On the Porch The porch provides a gathering place for… Six Ways to Enjoy your Outdoor Wooden Furniture this Summer

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How to Create an Eco-Friendly Outdoor Dining Space

Leah Meldman 14/07/2016

Dreaming of backyard bliss that will allow you to truly appreciate Mother Nature? Creating an eco-friendly outdoor dining space where you can gather with family and friends, or enjoy some “me” time, is a simple task that takes just a little bit of planning and Poly lumber. The first step is visualizing exactly what you want your outdoor space to do for you. Are you the life of the party that loves hosting a get-together… How to Create an Eco-Friendly Outdoor Dining Space

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Country Glam

Leah Meldman 07/07/2016

Blur the line between modern and rustic with a trend we’ve got our eyes on. Country (or Farmhouse) Glam allows you to balance your love for the intricate and elegant while still paying homage to the heartland. It’s a delicate balance that takes some practice, but with the right tips, you’ll have it mastered in no time. Country Glam is all about unexpected juxtapositions; think a strand of pearls paired with your favorite t-shirt. Channel… Country Glam

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Dad’s Favorite Chair

Beth Rice 16/06/2016

A special relationship exists between a boy and his dog, a teen and his first car, and of course, Dad and his favorite chair.  The chair he jumps up from to cheer on his favorite team, the seat where he enjoys a fresh cigar after a long work day, and the only place just right for his Sunday afternoon nap is his sanctuary. What links Dad to that one special chair? The Construction Marcel Breuer… Dad’s Favorite Chair

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Amish Wooden Toys for Summertime Fun

Beth Rice 10/06/2016

I was recently in the grocery store line and watched, with the gentleman in front of me, as a young child ahead of us became frustrated with his mother’s cell phone.  He scowled as he pushed a flurry of buttons on the device. His mother asked him what was wrong, and he cried that the game wouldn’t work, with a little stomp of his feet. The gentleman shook his head.  Once the boy and his mother were… Amish Wooden Toys for Summertime Fun

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10 Uses for Wagons and Wheelbarrows

Debra Gingerich 06/06/2016

Wooden wagons and wheelbarrows may seem like a thing of the past; however not only are they still useful for gardening, they also make great wedding, party and home accents. Read on for new and trending ideas for using wagons and wheelbarrows on the big day and beyond. The Big Day 1. Flower Girl Wagon A wooden goat wagon makes for a memorable flower girl entrance! You have the perfect flower girl in mind, but she’s only been walking… 10 Uses for Wagons and Wheelbarrows

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Urban Chicken Coops

Leah Meldman 25/05/2016

Raise Chickens, Raise the Bar Has your longing for a rural past been cooped up now that you live in the city? Urban chicken coops continue to be more and more popular as cities adapt to this fast-growing trend. Even in our own backyard, laws have been adjusted to accommodate the desire to domestically raise chickens. After more than 1,000 people petitioned for the legalization of these backyard chickens in Sarasota, FL, where our corporate headquarters… Urban Chicken Coops

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Poly Furniture Spring Cleaning

Debra Gingerich 19/05/2016

With summer right around the corner, we’re all ready to shake off the cold of winter and get the grill fired up for some homemade barbecue. If you’re like most people, your poly furniture has sat outside all winter, accumulating some dirt and grime along the way. Now is the time to get everything ready for another beautiful outdoor season and here are a few tips to get you started. General Cleaning and Maintenance If… Poly Furniture Spring Cleaning

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Accent Tables as Design Statements

Debra Gingerich 09/05/2016

Accent tables, whether used to hold a drink, set a magazine or prop up your feet, can also accessorize a room or communicate your design style. Changing your accent tables can turn a tired room into a furniture fashion statement. Here are some ideas for using accent tables to make a room pop. Different Textures Usually people don’t think about texture when they are designing a room, but it is often what adds excitement and… Accent Tables as Design Statements

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