Blog & News
The Sustainability of Solid Wood Furniture
Hearing the word sustainability may trigger thoughts about ways to live differently, like putting solar panels up or changing the type of light bulbs used. You may even think about sustainability in terms of the current trend of economic growth. But do you ever think about it in relation to the type of furniture you buy? While it may not be the first place you consider environmental responsibility, the type of furniture you decide to invest in is impactful. Sure, it may take three IKEA dining table purchases in the course of five years to finally realize why budgeting for...
How to shop for the best value in Amish Furniture
Craftsman Style at the movies
What does Doc’s 1955 mansion in Back to the Future and the house featured in Netflix’s recent hit thriller Bird Box have in common? Other than arguably great pieces of filmwork, both feature distinct and very beautiful craftsman style homes. But if you’re like me and tend to miss just how often the great American bungalow makes an appearance until someone reminds you of Leonardo DiCaprio’s Arts & Crafts house in the movie Inception, you’re not alone. Read on to be guided through a backlot tour of Hollywood’s obsession with the craftsman style bungalow. A brief history on the craftsman...
MB Makers Interview- Jeff Icenhower of Mission West Wood and Leather
We are so excited to be hosting Jeff Icenhower, leather artist in our store! He will be joining us on March 24th, from 2-4 PM for a presentation on leather and the Arts and Crafts movement, followed by a demonstration. Because we love learning about the artisans we work with and their process and inspiration, we asked him a few questions. Here are his answers: What was the moment you decided to follow a path as an artist? I grew into it. I began doing traditional American West items - belts, billfolds, etc. with western style decoration. I thought...
How to Decorate your Modern Bungalow
You might think there’s a contrast between the historic style of your home and the way we live today and wonder how to decorate your bungalow. Not to worry, we have more in common with the homebuyers of 100 years ago than we think! First, a bit of history on your bungalow: Architects like Charles and Henry Greene and Frank Lloyd Wright conceived and built grand bungalows around the turn of the 20th century, and more modest bungalow-style cottages began springing up in warm climates as vacation homes. But it was Gustav Stickley in 1906 who suggested that these dwellings...