Expressions In Woodcraft

“A furniture show in every issue.”

Volume 12 | Number Two 2024

Jerry Klingerman: Owner, Publisher

Karen Yoder: Publication Coordinator/ Graphic Artist

Meredith Klingerman: Assistant Editor

Published by:

Dutch Country Publishing, LLC

P.O. Box 248

Fredericksburg, OH 44627

Phone 330-275-8097

Fax: 888-892-0728

Send inquiries to: editor@eiwmagazine.com

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This publication and its contents are copyright 2024, Dutch Country Publishing, LLC. Individual copyrighted items, trademarks, etc. contained within are the property of their copyright holders. No part of this publication may be reproduced or redistributed by any means without the expressed, written authorization of the publisher.

If you’re a careful observer of this magazine, you might have noticed that, unlike many other publications, we operate on a pretty lean staff. I’d like to introduce you to them (you’ll see why in a moment.)

First and foremost, there’s Karen Yoder, our Publication Coordinator/Graphic Artist. I’ve said for many years that no one should labor under the belief that they are irreplacable, but Karen might just defy that!

Karen has been with the magazine since it was in the planning stages, and has been involved ever since. She not only is a talented graphic artist, but also does an amazing job of tracking down the ads and all the images in our “Spotlight on Featured Designs” section. Karen is well-known in the furniture community and a true asset to this publication.

Next, there’s me. I’ve been involved in the Amish-built furniture industry for 20 years now. I never imagined doing this, and fell into this niche completely by chance, but it’s been a true joy. I write the articles, do the layout/design work, manage the mailing list and coordinate with the commercial press.

Next there is Meredith Klingerman — my daughter. She’s been listed as assistant editor of this magazine for a long time, actually going back to when she was in high school. Honestly, shes’s the best natural-born proofreader I’ve ever met. Whatever “it” is, she has it. When she was still at home, I’d

print the magazine pages in my office and then lay them all over on the dining room table and kitchen counters.

From there, it was “game on!” as we’d proofread and spar back and forth over style issues, particularly the “Oxford Comma.” (I’m anti; she’s pro. Heavy sigh). I retained full veto power, but she doesn’t back down easily!

More than once Meredith has saved me from either costly omissions or embarrassing faux pas!

These days, after graduating Magna Cum Laude from Cleveland State University with a degree in Psychology and a minor in communications, she’s working for the university. She’ll probably continue her education and earn a Master’s Degree, but right now she’s enjoying a well-deserved break from 17 years of school!

I tell you all this not only to give a well-deserved shout out to our team, but also to introduce Meredith as a writer. As I considered doing a Gen Z marketing/demographic update for this issue, it occurred to me that perhaps this info might better be told by my Gen Z daughter than her Boomer dad!

If you’ve read this far...thank you. I’m thrilled to express my gratitude to both Karen and Meredith and also a “proud papa” to give my daughter her first professional byline!

Bringing fresh colors and a stylish design into the living room is the Madison Collection from Y&T Woodcraft. Shown in Rustic Quarter-Sawn White Oak and SP-10 finish, this collection channels the Mid-Century Modern style in the legs, as well as a clean, almost minimalist approach to the rest of the pieces. The TV stand features sliding doors that reveal a large space for components, board games, etc. —See page 17

Attracting Gen Z: One Gen Z-er’s Perspective On Advertising To Us and How to Get Our Attention

By Meredith Klingerman Assitant Editor

Editor’s note: With this issue, we introduce a new writer: Assistant Editor Meredith Klingerman. In this article Meredith, 23, shares her thoughts about marketing to Gen Zs. As we previously reported, Zers are poised to make a huge impact on virtually every market segment they enter, from housing to furniture. Being part of Gen Z herself, we felt it was appropriate to get her take on this topic.

Gen Z seems to have a mystical aura about it, every time someone brings us up in conversation, especially in the marketing/advertising world. And I don’t blame you! Keeping up with Gen Z’s taste is exhausting! But one thing is a constant: Our dependence on digital platforms. We’re the first “from birth” digital generation, and we use it — mostly our phones.

But here’s wht you as a retailer should know: We do our research. I want to know if something I’m buying is worth it, just like anyone else. I want a product to serve my needs, match my budget and my values.

Since we have always lived in a 24-hour news cycle, information is constantly available to us. If I

Diverse: Gen Z represents the most racially diverse US generation yet. The break down is: 52 percent white, 25 percent Hispanic, 14 percent African-America 5 percent Asian and 5 percent other.

feel like shopping at 2 in the morning I can go online, find what I’m looking for, research the company selling it, and find customer reviews. Reviews are incredibly important to me as a consumer and the more reviews, the better. There’s a huge difference between a product that has 5 stars but only 30 total reviews and one that has 4.6 stars with 7,000 reviews. Even though one product might have a 5-star rating more people tried the 4.6 star

product and gave more honest reviews, so I would be more likely to buy it. But, I would also search the product on Instagram or TikTok to see what people are saying and to see if I can find any additional pictures or videos of the product IRL (in real life), so to speak.

Where to find us online

There are Gen Z-ers on all social media apps. But Continued on page 10

One Gen Z-er’s Perspective Continued from page 9

Any other social media app other than those three probably is too niche — but an honorable mention would go to Pinterest, because it’s where you store ideas/inspiration for your “mood board.”

If you want to advertise to attract Z-ers, the hottest social media is TikTok. Influencers are big for product placement or recommendations. Companies or brands will pay them to give reviews of products that have a similar feel to word of mouth promotion (Full transparency: I deleted TikTok last year because I was spending too much time on it.)

Also helpful is “user gnerated content,” which consists of video ads, pictures and posts. Every platform has its own version of “Reels,” so since Gen Z does a lot of online buying, actually seeing a product in a video being worn or used is more helpful (than simply seeing it in an ad), and feels like it gives you more faith in the product.

What matters to us

Learn what Gen Z values! In its article titled, “Gen-Z 101: A Marketing Guide To Connecting With The Next Generation Of Consumers” Forbes describes Gen Z as “socially aware,” placing emphasis on supporting brands that are transparent, authentic and sustainable. Gen Z has started their own push for supporting local businesses as well. This is great news for the Amish-built furniture industry because it falls precisely into those categories: local, sustainable and authentic.

Key things that matter to Gen Z in making purchasing decisions include:

• Transparency Again, we do our research!

• Sustainability

• Supporting local

• Authenticity — “An honest review of…”

• Price

• Making our voice heard with our consumer power

• Brand-consumer engagement

>>> See page 12 for accompanying Infographic for this story the apps that have the best reach and biggest audience are going to be TikTok, Instagram and X (previously known as Twitter). These are the new “big three” for young folks. And, even thought it might be effective for attracting other (read: older) generations, I would not really bother with Facebook for reaching Gen Z.

Would you like some “snark” with your fries?

It’s common now to see companies interact in the comments of posts about/related to their product, and Gen Z eats it up.

It’s important to be mindful about what your social media rep is saying, though. Humor (but not trying too hard) usually plays well. Generally, a positive reaction to the poster’s content or an invitation to visit your store for a solution to the issue presented by the poster is what I see most brands/companies doing. Considering the exchange here, where Wendy’s International uses humor to deflect a poster’s negative comment.

— Meredith Klingerman

Eco-minded

Gen Z is also very eco-minded and thinks about the long term impact of their choices. Small, daily actions like reusable cups and bags are good choices to avoid single-use items. And as Gen Z-ers start to think about purchasing items for our apartments or houses, we bring this mindset of sustainability with us. Instead of buying something that’s not made to last and just like everyone else has, we’re starting to look for items we’ll only have to buy once and that truly capture our style. Smaller, local brands are often able to make customizations and finer quality items.

Interact on Social Media

Where brand-consumer engagement is concerned, we want you to literally engage with us. That means actually reading and reacting to the things we post on your socials. (See sidebar) It takes so little time, but means so much for Z-ers to believe that someone is actually listening.

Above all, remember this: We’re not going away. Gen Z is now 40 percent of the US consumer base, and the first Z-ers turn 30 next year. If you want to sell to us, learn where we hang out, how we shop and, maybe most importantly, what matters to us.

The status of stain: New colors; new generations of buyers reveal that beauty is in the eye of the beholder

Henry Ford once famously said that you could have any color Model T car you wanted: as long as it was black. The same could almost be said for Amish-built Furniture, back in the early days of its popularity. Colors such as Fruitwood, S2 and a handful of others were the core of color choices. As we’ve recounted on other occasions, 40- and 50-something Baby Boomers, flush with cash and time (it was the 90s, after all) were so impressed with the quality of the furniture they were discovering down the gravel lanes in Holmes and Wayne Counties, that they didn’t really care about the colors or designs. Now, times also were different in one other major respect: The “country” look was still very much in vogue. This was the heyday of Longaberger baskets and other collectibles that, quite frankly, didn’t stand the test of time. The furniture, of course, did. Most of what was built and sold 30 years ago probably is still in use, either by the original purchasers or their children or grandchildren.

ending, the leading edge of the Millennials is now heading into their mid-40s, and the oldest of the Gen Z folks coming up right behind them is now 29-ish. Move those goalposts a year or two in either direction, and you have 20 years’ worth of “Power Buyers” or those who soon will be. That’s a huge group!

Add to that the fact that people start buying their first homes somewhere around age 30 (home ownership is a major goal for Gen Z) and you’ve got a strong wave of people across those two age groups that are buying homes, and, of course, buying furniture. That’s a good thing!

“Young shoppers can never make up their minds on colors. They love the idea of the trendy colors, but when we explain that what they are buying will be around long after those trends have moved on, they tend to go for the core colors.”

— Blaine Neupert, President, Don’s Home Furniture, Inc.

We know that both demographic groups want value for their money, so the quality of Amish-built furniture speaks loudly to them. But the challenge with these groups is to tick the other boxes that go into their purchasing decisions. Fortunately, our industry is very well-poised to address those decision points.

But if those Baby Boomers’ grandkids are shopping for new Amish-built furniture today, are they going to be choosing those same colors or designs?

We’ve talked at length about the Millennials, and we’re just beginning our in-depth examination of the next generation, known as Generation Z, or “Gen Z,” (see page 8) but as different as those generations might be on paper (they actually don’t like each other!) they do have one thing in common: The quality of the furniture they buy is important. But so is the style. Quickly, consider that between those two demographic groups, they encompass a large swath of power buying years: Depending upon what year you count as each successive generation’s beginning and

So, with that in mind, let’s talk about two main things: the current status of stain preferences, and how younger people are making buying decisions.

What retailers are telling us

Of course, boots-on-the-ground retailers already are seeing these folks in their stores, so we reached out to our readership to get their take on these topics. We received some thoughtful, in-depth responses, and for that, we are grateful.

The good news is, younger folks are showing up inside retail furniture stores that sell Amish-built furniture. Given the fact that the 25-45 crowd begins every single buying decision — and we do mean every buying decision — online, that’s a great sign.

But again, what motivates them is different. One retailer, who hails from the Pittsburgh, PA region, spoke to the “disposability factor,” both in terms of the costs, and the environment. “The younger consumers we see, and we see more and more of them, want to skip the ‘disposable’ phase. The thinking is that buying junk is a waste of money and bad for the environment.”

This is where you have the “sustainability” chat with young people. Wood is a highly renewable resource! Amish-built furniture is constructed of North-Americansourced hardwoods that are sustainably harvested from woodlots that are managed to yield the best long-term results.

Blaine Neupert, president of Madison, WI-based Don’s Home Furniture, Inc., added, younger buyers “are very concerned about tossing things in the landfill, so they are making the move from IKEA (garbage) to better quality without much selling needed.”

Our Pittsburgher continued, “The question I get from these younger buyers is something like, ‘If we buy a table and chairs now, can we get a server and extra chairs that will match at a later time? And…ya know…will they actually match?!’ To me and to my younger customers that is where the value is. We know that OCS does a great job certifying and inspecting finish colors and it is that very consistency that puts younger buyers at ease and that alone is a tremendous value to them.”

That checks another box, which probably falls mostly under “value.” If a young couple knows that they can build out their entire room, or multiple rooms, one piece at a time and have it match, well, then, they’ve secured long-term value knowing that their pieces will match over the years. It also speaks to sustainability, by keeping those pieces over the long term.

Interestingly, Neupert said, “Young shoppers can never make up their minds on colors. They love the idea of the trendy colors, but when we explain that what they are buying will be around long after those

Oak in a light-colored stain might seem like a throwback, but there are key differences: First, it’s Rustic Oak, which would have been unheard of 15-20 years ago. Next, the chair is an updated design and finally, it appears to be finished with a lowsheen stain. Continued on page 18

trends have moved on, they tend to go for the core colors. How you sell it to a customer is very important. I will say that I love how the younger shoppers are understanding of what they are buying in terms of a quality piece of furniture. Their parents seem to have done a great job explaining that what you get for your money is important.“

Another retailer commented, “Younger people are looking for something totally different than mom and dad, but they really browse the internet a great deal, and so then Amish prices sometimes are difficult for them to understand, but we just ‘tell the story.’”

Perfectly said. People make buying decisions based on a lot of factors, and Millennials/Zs most definitely have their own agenda; agendas that, in some cases previously didn’t exist. But a lot of this speaks directly to quality and value. If it’s one thing we all know, quality will win over price objections every time.

Quick example: (And forgive me if I’ve told this story before!) About 25 years ago my parents were car shopping. They had a budget in mind, but the smalltown dealer we visited had two of the exact same model on its lot: One was a base model, and the other, albeit more expensive and above their budget,

Myth vs.Fact

As we add new readers, some of them might be unfamiliar with various aspects not only of Amish-built furniture, but also Amish culture. What we’ve learned over the years is that there still are plenty of questions and misconceptions about both. We offer the following as an effort to give our readers some basic information.

Myth: The Amish aren’t allowed to use or own telephones, so it’s difficult to do business with them.

Fact: So much has changed in recent years! We do still have builders who communicate only by fax, voice mail and US Mail, but the majority of our builders now have either a phone in their shop, or easy access to a phone. Many also have email, and some even have websites.

Myth: Since the Amish don’t own or drive cars, I’ll have to make my own transportation arrangements if I start buying Amishbuilt furniture.

Fact: As our local furniture industry has grown, so have the number of support businesses. Transportation to almost anywhere in the USA can be provided by a number of different furniture logistics companies. (See page 20)

Myth: I’ve seen pictures of Amish-built furniture and it all looks the same.

Fact: Today’s consumers expect Amish-built furniture to be of a superior quality and in styles they desire. Amish craftsmen have responded with dramatically different designs, colors and finish choices. Twenty-five to 30 years ago, consumers were far less concerned with the look of Amishbuilt furniture. But that has changed, and the industry has changed along with it.

Myth: My clientele is very urban and trendy. I’m sure the Amish don’t have any- thing they would be interested in.

Fact: If you could turn back the hands of time, you’d see that styles, designs and colors have changed a great deal — not just in the last 10-15 years, but even in the last three years or so. There’s truly some- thing for even the trendiest shopper.

Myth: Customization is difficult or impossible when choosing furniture.

Fact: While “Quick Ship” choices are available for some of the most popular collections, the majority of Amish-built furniture is produced on a made-to-order basis, allowing customers to choose wood, stain hardware and even dimensional choices. Far from being difficult, customization is the standard.

Myth: This isn’t actually real wood, is it?

Fact: Absolutely! Virtually all of the furni- ture manufactured in Ohio’s Amish Country Fur- niture District is solid wood. That means, dimensional lumber harvested from native USA hardwoods. We are not aware of any veneers being used. Some “case goods” may have paneling or plywood used in the back or maybe sides, but this, too, is a solid wood.

Myth: OK, so they will do custom work is available. But it must be really expensive.

Fact: In most cases, custom choices have very little affect on prices. Simple changes in dimensions are not cost-prohibi- tive. The three basic choices that affect the consumer’s end cost are: Wood species, stain (multi-step finishes cost more than standard stain choices) and hardware.

New buyers/stain choices

Continued from page 15

had all the bells and whistles. By the third time they went back to that car, the salesman was almost visibly smiling, because he knew they were sold. When they wrote up the deal, he told them as much! My point: Price isn’t always a dealbreaker, and if people really understand what they’re buying, it almost always falls lower on the list.

Now let’s take, for example, IKEA vs. Amish-built furniture. First and foremost (and forgive me for being blunt), but I’ve been to their stores, and been on their website, and I find most of their products just plain ugly. It’s boxy and unimaginative. But if someone is on the fence between IKEA and Amish-built furniture, that’s where we get the opportunity to make solid comparisons.

Neupert put it this way: “If we have to explain the justification on the price we simply point them in the direction of the closest big box store and make sure they pull out a drawer or look at the back of a piece. We display several of our pieces on the floor with backs fully visible so that they can see just what a quality piece of furniture should look like from the ‘business side.’”

Again; price might be an objection, but armed with the right knowledge, and sharing it with younger buyers, it doesn’t have to be the objection. Neupert commented, “The one thing I can tell you is that the product knowledge of the salespeople makes 100 percent of the difference. If they don’t know how to sell the quality and only care about selling the piece, well…that

is usually why stores have a hard time selling to a younger customer.”

So, we know several things at this point:

• Educated buyers don’t necessarily care about price, they care about value.

• Millennials/Gen Z-ers are big on sustainability. Amish-built furniture is crafted from a highly renewable resource, and will last an indefinite amount of time. Translation: It’s not going to be sitting on the curb for the trash collector in two years.

Color choices

We received an interesting variety of responses about the colors that attract young people. As Neupert intimated, steering younger buyers to more-traditional looks seems like a solid, practical idea. But he also said, “They do want newer looks. So, Michaels Cherry has started to die along with numerous other colors from the 2000-2010 years.”

One retailer who responded to our query commented, “We do a great deal of Asbury on QSWO, and Natural Hickory. We seldom use Michael’s Cherry, because it was so overused in stores, so we seldom have shown it on our floor.” Interesting. The same retailer also commented that they had attended the recent Ohio Hardwood Furniture Market, and “We bought all new styles and finishes.”

But, our Pittsburgh store commented, “No matter what we show, people of all ages love brown maple with Michaels. We also do lots and lots of two toning involving the Michaels and, say, OCS 230 Onyx. Natural has done well for us as well, but Michaels

on Brown Maple just keeps on keeping on.”

A store local to Ohio’s Amish Country concurred on that basic combination, saying that “Michaels Cherry and Ebony remain strong.”

The Pittsburgh store owner expanded his thoughts, saying, “Everyone and all age groups love the combination (of Michaels Cherry and Onyx). We have a very large showroom and show as many wood and stain combinations as possible. We happen to have a dining table from Superior Furniture in Brown maple/Michaels that just about everyone “ooooh” and “ahhhhhs” over. We also have a great table with a hand-planed Brown maple top in LO with a 10 sheen and folks go crazy for that, too. If I see young folks doing something consistently, it might be choosing lower sheen finishes and lots of two-toning.

He also said, “Every age group has surprised me with offbeat color choices. Some older customers have simply grown tired of pieces they have had for a long time, and they want something different. Maybe it’s because they have moved and want new looks in new spaces or, as I said, they might simply want to see something different.”

He added, “I also must point out that Oak is trending up, so per normal, the customer confounds me. Young consumers want things that are going to last a long time, so I see them choosing traditional colors and woods and staying away from trendy.

Speaking to those trends, Neupert commented, “We offer 38 stain options on 7 species of wood.

Consistent top sellers change about every 8-12 months. And I mean that. It is the strangest thing to watch as colors move. We see the ‘trendy’ colors move as well. They are hot for a year then cold for a year. Then hot again for a while. So, what can we conclude from this? That’s difficult to say, but overall, Michaels Cherry — whether by itself or in contrast with Onyx/Ebony — does seem to be holding its own, especially, on Brown Maple. (This is rather surprising, given how well it looks on Oak.)

And yes, younger buyers want different looks than what earlier generations had. As far as the latest trendy colors go, perhaps an “eyes wide open” approach, such as what Neupert advocates, is advisable. That is, simply helping buyers understand that this furniture might outlast the latest decorating trends.

Those new, trendy colors exist for a reason, and people do buy them. If this year’s OHFM is any indication, colors are definitely trending lighter. As our Pittsburgh retailer commented, “This year’s show was great for many reasons but none more than the abundance of fresh colors and looks. White Oak instead of Red? Yes! Bring it on! Some of the Keim colors were great and of course OCS and FinishWorks. OCS 137 Lace, Dark Streak, Sunset, Prince, Sunkissed, Antique Barrell, to name a few of the new colors we are excited to see on our showroom floor.”

All of this is good news for one significant reason: Young people are showing up in stores that sell Amish-built furniture. They seem to grasp the value and quality, and

the sustainability factor is easy to explain.

Support local

Finally, we cannot overstate the importance of “local.” Younger buyers are very, very keen to support local businesses. Amishbuilt furniture checks that box in a big way. Consider that the average furniture maker in Ohio’s Amish Country Furniture District employs one to three people, including the owner.

But when you consider all the additional businesses that are part of the process, the local factor grows almost exponentially: Stain shops (and stain manufacturers), glue-up and component shops, equipment suppliers and service companies, logging and dry kilns and, of course transportation. Hundreds of small, locally owned businesses are involved in the process of building furniture, and many of them are just as small as the manufacturers themselves. Some mid-sized and larger

businesses have grown as well, and support many more families, but the vast majority are true cottage-style businesses.

We’ll close with this final thought from our Pittsburgh retailer: “My one additional comment is this: Bravo to the builders. Seriously. Well done. We work consistently with 35-40 Ohio builders and when I say we know these people I mean we know them. We communicate with them all the time. Our builders understand the absolute need for custom sizing and are willing to do modifications for our customers. On top of that, they are always blowing us away with new styles and ideas and that keeps things fresh and exciting for all involved, builder, retailer and consumer! What could be better than that?!” We couldn’t agree more.

— By Jerry Klingerman

Finish shops are a great place to visit to see what’s current and popular. A visit to Schlabach Finishing of Dundee, OH shows us a combination of new and more-traditional colors.

Country Style Wine cabinet from Timberside Woodworking There’s lots of storage here, and the convenient lighting makes it easy to find what you’re looking for, or show your favorite vintages. Shown in White Oak with OCS Bennet Slate. — See ad on page 37

^^^The new Europa Chest of Drawers from Farmside Wood features rounded corners and inset drawers with hardware­free pulls to create a very stylish, uncomplicated look. Shown here in beautiful Natural Rustic Walnut, it’s sure to grab attention on your sales floor! — See ad on page 7

^^^The 30­inch Bar Stool from Ridgeview Woodcraft is available with fabric, leather or reclaimed seating options, and is also available with or without a back, rough­sawn base and custom heights. New! >>> Be sure to ask about our new heavy­duty swivel mechanisms and fasteners (shown at right) that are featured across our entire product line. — See ad on page 53

>>>Looking for next­level comfort in a low­back office chair? Check out the Edleweiss Tufted Desk Chair (EDT57) from Buckeye Rockers. It’s the lowback counterpart to their popular Tufted Executive Chairs. Shown here in Brown Maple with OCS Onyx stain, and L520 Mushroom leather, it’s sure to provide hour after hour of comfort.

>>>The Centre Co Quality Wood Products excellent solu nating countertop clu — and easy ac cess for your morning coffee. It features sleek inset drawers de signed for K­Cups, a trash can in one door and storage on the left side. Need a phone charge? There also are two handy USB ports! — See ad on page 36

program. Also available in hickory/walnut combo and any solid wood species. — See ad on page 43

>>> The Serene collection from BLU Furniture features large legs that are part of the company’s name: “Bold.” And bold they are! Accented by ball­style feet, this eye features rounded edges on the tops, rounded drawer fronts, half on the entertainment center doors and a unique opening for the component shelf. Shown here in Rustic White Oak and Latte stain.

— See ad on page 33

>>> Your customers are bound to love the simple­yetelegant lines of the brand­new Nova Chair by Farmstead Acres Wood. But don’t be fooled — the closer you look, the more you’ll see all the design elements that go into this model: A curved top that leads into a unique curved back, supports that taper and then widen out as they go down to the based and opposing­style legs. Sure to be a hit! — See ad on page 2

<<< In addition to the many hall seats in its product lineup, Farmside Furniture also makes additional storage options, including the 42­inch Morgan Storage bench. Shown here in an attractive OCS Smoke finish, it features two inset drawers, which provide a handy spot to put gloves, hats or even shoes. This attractive piece is at home in the entryway, mudroom or even bedroom — any place a little extra stylish storage space is needed. — See ad on page 11

<<< Frog Pond Furniture reports that its Weston Collection bedroom was a good seller, and a close look shows why: Its squared­ff designs are part modern and part Mid­Century. The case goods feature large inset drawers with wrought­style hardware (and large handles on the dresser) and the headboard breaks up the design with its angled slat look. A classic example of an appealing, understated style.

— See ad on page 55

>>> Cushioned. Floa Fuchsia collection by Monarch Rest is for those customers wanting a mattress with the ultimate feel and look. The Fuchsia and Fuchsia Duo both have two firmness options, with the Fuchsia Duo being a doublesided, flippable ma See ad on page 13

— See

<<<The “Magabout Delight from Superior Woodcrafts has a more elegant, sought­after look than some of their other styles. In addion to the standard 180­degree swivel base, it has rounded corners and edges, a bowed top and a sliding top that reveals additional storage. The magazine rack on the side has horizontal slats, and this model is available with either three drawers and a out shelf, or tissue holder and tilt­out trash can — See ad on page 41

^^^With its new Abbie Floating TV Console Y&T Woodcraft takes a big step outside the box. Part shelf, part cupboard and part console, this unique piece has a small footprint, but is big on style, and storage, including an adjustable shelf. Shown here in Rustic Quarter Sawn White Oak and Greywash stain, this piece is sure to get lots of attention.

<<< There are a lot of design elements at work in the new Bowerston occasional collection from Troy Lane . The appealing combination of inset drawers, thick tops, a storage shelf in the base and truly unique legs are sure to make on a hit. The collection includes ee, chair side and end tables. — See ad on page 54

<<< With a thoroughly modern look designed to attract today’s style­conscious customers, the Maywood Console from Maple Hill Woodworking features lots of enclosed storage, a space for your widescreen TV and components as well as an attractive electric fireplace with real heat! — See ad on page 43

ve metal base, and chairs with clean, spindle­style legs and slats, the Tulip Dining set from Deer Valley Woodworking draws Century Modern period. The table is available in a variety of sizes, and is sure to be a hit with customers who appreciate the clean, simple lines of this popular style. See ad on page 21

<<< Sturdy yet stylish! The NP 400 chair from Gliders By Miller, is not only one of their most­popular models, but also their sturdiest chair. Built to last generations, it’s available in a variety of wood, stain and fabric choices. From rocking babies to rocking grandmas, it is sure to be a family favorite. — See ad on page 44

^^^ Talk about a blast from the past! Anyone who remembers when every home had “TV trays” will appreciate the convenience and functionality of these folding tables from Ashery Woodworking, which offer a sturdy, stylish solution to the age­old need for a bit of temporary space. Perfect for holidays, crafting or any time you need extra space. (Shown here open (left) folded (center) and half­closed (right). — See ad on page 29

tomers’ needs. The HR 2.4 high­density foam used in the seats is warranted for life, and the trendy styling is just right for today’s customers. Sure to be a hit on your floor! — See ad on back cover

>>> New! Now available from Finishing Designs is the Seymour Collection. Showcasing the very latest styles, the 42­inch round table (with two leaves) features a unique angled base with four “prongs,” while the chairs use rounded shapes in both the top and seat. The chair legs also mirror the base. Shown here in Brown Maple with S43747 Cocoa Light this is one of two new collections available. — See ad on page 25

>>> The Taunton Executive Desk is brand new from A&L Furniture With plenty of storage, including a wide pencil drawer, two file drawers and four additional drawers this eye­catching new offering features a truly unique leg­base setup that definitely with attract attention. The legs angle outward while the support slats curve inward. Shown here in Sap Cherry in OCS 112, it’s a beautiful addition to home office or executive suite. — See ad on page 24

<<< Classic features with a strong dash of style and sturdy construction best describe the Holland Table from Hermie’s Table Shop. The main supports are tulip­shaped, and lead nicely into the stairstepstyle base. Pair it with your favorite chair, benches or a combination!

— See ad on page 32

^^^Your customers are sure to love the Orchid Collection from Country Comfort Woodworking The table features angled legs that are almost like pencil post­style, which is continued in the front legs of the matching chair. The chairs feature thin, curved slats and a scooped seat. The styling on the entire set is clean, understated and timeless. Shown in Rustic Hickory and OCS 119 stain.

— See ad on page 24

>>> The Glen Canyon Collection from Meadow Wood Furniture features an eye­catching combination of Barn Floor/Brown Maple. The traditional styling includes a high headboard, with the set also showcasing a roomy ninedrawer dresser and mirror combo. An excellent choice for a cabin, vacation home or anywhere you want a rusticstyle look. — See ad on page 13

<<< Just released! The Laker chair by Hickory Lane Woodworking is a brand­new model that features angled legs in the back with two wide slats that narrow in from the seat. This Mid­Century Modern­style chair combines appealing design with an overall clean look. Perfect for those customers who are looking for “something different.” — See ad on page 51

The Roland Chair by Wengerd Wood Products is all about the curves! from the very top, which features a gentle curve, to the sides, slats

has been build

tresses for nearly 45 years. Using only the best materials available, the Diamond Mattress set represents two generations of knowledge, and the ultimate in comfort. When your customers are ready to take sleep seriously, introduce them to the Diamond lifestyle. — See ad on page 21

le bit

onal styling with its hugging

curved top piece. It’s a pleasingfort you’d expect. Goes with alSee ad

<<< The detailed beveled edge work on the inset drawers and doors add a real touch of elegance to the Ventura 60" TV Stand from Ashery Oak. It also features beveled edges on the top, and a nice wide opening for all your components. With four drawers and a center cabinet, it also features plenty of storage. A perfect touch of class for your living area! — See ad on page 11

<<<Exciting lines and excellent comfort combine to make the Liberty Collection a best seller for Hillside Chair. The front legs of the chairs are reminiscent of the Queen Anne style, while the wavy slats in the backs are thoroughly modern! As shown here with an Elm top, the chair design offers numerous options for contrasting wood/stain combinations. — See ad on page 51

>>> Woodside Poly furniture with the Buckeye Dining Table. This new set features rounded log table top and sea ture wood­grain is an attracti well in a cabin se where you want the look of log furniture, but don’t want it to weather like logs!

— See ad on page 41

c Hickory shown here being nicely accented by wrought­style trestle hardware. — See ad on page 40

<<< The Hocking is a brand­new colon from Gable Valley Wrought that pairs in stunning effect with our (also brand­new!) hammered Old World Polish finish. It can also be a very economical option, with smooth texture and a flat powder coat. The Hocking bases are compatible with glass or any kind of wood! Available in all sizes from a small drink table to dining and pub height. Please check our website for all the available options! — See ad on page 25

>>> The only question you’ll have about the new Superior Dining Set from Emerson Woodcraft is where to put it — Dining room? Breakfast nook? Man Cave? The answer is, yes! This very attractive new set, which combines reclaimed Oak with dark wrought­style metal is at home in any of those spaces. Don’t let the sturdy metal­base chairs fool you; this is a very comfortable chair!

— See ad on page 28

<<< The Milltown MT 1112 from Dutch Valley Woodcraft combines popular rustic features with a dash of style and elegance. The sawmarks, burnished/distressed edges on the top and wrought­style hardware rails present a timeless, well­worn look — while keeping components, etc. hidden. The exposed center shelves allow you to display keepsakes and decorative items. Shown in Rustic Brown Maple S1176 R66 Long Oak stain. — See ad on page 40

>>> The Coastal Chair from Hidden Hollow Wood and Upholstery is a comfortable, modern and stylish design. The cushioned seat offers maximum comfort, while the angled legs make for an eye­catching design. — See ad on page 36

^^^ Ebony Woodworking shows us that there are few more eye­appealing combinations that Rustic Walnut and wrought­style metal! New for 2024, this 42x84 table shows all of the character that today’s customers are looking for, and in grand fashion. The 2­inch tick top is extremely durable, and the dark metal base serves as the perfect complement. Stunning! — See ad on page 20

Fed balks at lowering interest rates

Earlier this year we reported that the Federal Reserve Bank was expected to lower interest rates at it spring meeting, and there could potentially be three interest rate cuts this year. Now, all that is up in the air, and there are no rate cuts coming for the foreseeable future.

At its recent meeting, The Federal Reserve let stand its key interest rate at 5.3 percent — the highest rate in two decades.

The sharp increase in rates since 2022 has spurred the highest mortgage interest rates in 20 years. As CBS News recently reported, “The current 30-year fixed rate mortgage rate is 6.88% which is more than double what rates were during most of 2020 and 2021.”

As recently as their last meeting on March 20, the Fed’s policymakers had projected three rate reductions in 2024, likely starting in June. Rate cuts by the Fed would lead to lower borrowing costs for consumers and businesses, including for mortgages, auto loans and credit cards.

But now, in light of the inaction at its last meeting — and several regional Fed governors’ statements regarding rates — it’s unclear if or when the Fed will ease rates. The main reason cited is that, despite raising interest rates, inflation still isn’t reaching the stated target of two percent annually. Keeping borrowing rates higher is, according to the Federal reserve, intended to ease inflation.

2022.”

The comparison of pre-2022 rates and today’s rates reveal a difference of hundreds of dollars a month in Principal and Interest payments, serving mostly to lock out would-be first-time buyers. But tight inventory (less building) is still keeping home prices high — with appreciation growing especially high in some US markets (see graphic).

Finally, there is an unseen/unspoken effect that could also be affecting available home inventory as well as prices: Homeowners who locked in their rates prior to the doubling of mortgage rates are, simply put, reluctant to move and give up their lower-rate mortgages — which seem like a real bargain today!

Jonathan Koop, Senior Portfolio Manager at Indiana-based Bedel Financial Consulting Inc. reports, “Just a few years ago, it was common for someone to snag a 30-year mortgage in the 2%-3% range.” The payment on a 300K mortgage a 3% rate would be $1,265. “Using today’s prevailing 7.25% rate, that same mortgage requires a monthly payment of $2,045. That is a difference of almost $9,500 more per year!”

All that being said, home prices show no signs of stabilizing or going down in most of the USA. In fact, according to Bankrate.com/S&P “annual home-price growth increased in February 2024 by 6.4 percent. That’s up from a 6 percent gain in January, which represented the fastest rate of year-over-year growth since

He continued, “This creates what economists call a “lock-in effect.” These homeowners are financially disincentivized to sell. Moving means securing a new mortgage, and with significantly higher rates, the monthly payment for a similar home could be much steeper.”

The Federal Reserve next meets in mid-June. In light of their recent actions, it’s difficult to predict what they may or may not do the rest of 2024.

Send your news items to: editor@eiwmagazine.com

Top 10 US housing markets with the most appreciation in home value Source: National Association of Realtors

The 2024 Ohio Hardwood Furniture Market (OHFM) is in the books, and was a huge success! First and foremost, the event was held in a single location: The Mt. Hope Event Center and Dean Beachy Arena on the campus of the Mt. Hope Auction, in the virtual heart of Ohio’s Amish Country.

2024 OHFM Is Huge Success

Both buildings were filled with locally built hardwood furniture (as well as a growing number of items from poly lumber outdoor furniture builders).

A large display board in the Dean Beachy arena allowed exhibitors to direct attendees to their booths to see their newest items.

The two-day event saw 389 stores, with 1,032 buyers attend. Those stores represented 35 states and Canada! Attendees saw the very latest in designs, styles and colors from 166 local builders. If you attended, we sincerely hope you found it an enjoyable, worthwhile experience. If you didn’t. we invite you to mark your calendar now, the 2025 OHFM, April 1-2, 2025.

From dining (above) to bedroom (below) lighter colors definitely took center stage in a number of manufacturers’ displays. Below, a group of buyers admires a new bedroom suite by Troyer Ridge Furniture.

^^^ Now in its second year, the Showcase House was a very popular destination for attendees. From outdoor furniture

to kitchen,

Once something of a rarity, a handful of manufacturers in Ohio’s Amish Country now offer completely upholstered furniture. One of those is Quality fabrications, which offers several models and sizes of their new upholstered lines.

(shown at lower left)

living, bath and bedroom, every room featured locally made furniture in a decorated home setting.

Attendees didn’t go hungry! Benefit meals and auctions are very common in Ohio’s Amish Country, and the OHFM reflected that. Across the twoday event, breakfast, lunch and dinner were served on a donation-only basis. In all, $28,747 in donations were raised for the Amish Special Education fund.

^^^This photo shows, almost as much as any, the variety of new styles and designs that were on display at the 2024 OHFM. In the foreground is a solid top dining table with not only wrought-style metal in the base, but also in the chairs. Behind that,we see a bedroom suite showcasing a light finish, and at the right we see both a small-footprint round dining table and bar stools with metal base and Wormy Maple wood.

(Right) The Willoughby bedroom suite by Meadow Lane Furniture incorporates lighter colors on Oak, but with an updated design.

(Below) The LeClaire Buffet from Glenmont Furniture was just one of many design-forward pieces making its debut at the OHFM.

>>> Live Edge styles, including this beautiful Walnut table and matching bench by Valley Furniture, remain popular. Note how the side chairs are used as accents; coordinating well with the metal base.

<<< The Aden Park Collection by Y&T Woodcraft is shown here in a lighter whitewashstyle finish that allows the woodgrain to show through.