A FOUNDER’S JOURNEY
QUALITY AMISH CRAFTSMANSHIP FOR CUSTOM INTERIORS
LUXURY BY RACHEL HAGENBAUGH Remarkably beautiful creations that are carefully made to last generations — that’s what quality craftsmanship is. It’s the skill, time and attention to detail put forth by an artist to manifest masterpieces that are uniquely yours. Nearly 35 years ago, Homestead Furniture set out to bring customers’ custom designs to life and the results have been nothing short of extraordinary. From its humble beginnings in a converted chicken coop to the collaboration of its sister company, Abner Henry, with The Metropolitan Museum of Art, quality craftsmanship is the impetus of Homestead’s success. “It comes down to the thought process and skill set that is handed down from generation to generation,” says LaVern Hershberger, store manager and the oldest son of Ernest Hershberger, Homestead’s founder, and a third-generation woodcraftsman. “Amish-crafted furniture is renowned for its exceptional quality and durability. Our innovative designs distinctly differentiate us in the market, positioning us as pioneers in our unique approach to furniture manufacturing and design.”
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HANDCRAFTED, HEARTFELT Quality craftsmanship allows people to have experiences — to do what they love in their home to the fullest. At Homestead Furniture and Abner Henry, you don’t have to sacrifice excellence, design or customization to turn your dream spaces into realities. That’s because craftsmanship is weaved into the very fabric of every experience, from concept and creation to delivery.
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WHAT REALLY WORKS FOR US AT HOMESTEAD IS
HAVING SOMEBODY WHO REALLY GUIDES US ALONG. “The value of our offerings extends beyond monetary considerations,” Hershberger says. “The experience we provide is an integral and enriching component of our service.” For custom pieces, the journey begins with a design consultant dedicated to learning about your style and preferences and helping you discover the perfect pieces. If you know what you want or have an idea in mind, that’s great. If not, that’s where Homestead’s expertise truly shines. Browse the 38,000-square-foot showroom for inspiration, then visit the design center to decide the function, style, size, texture and fabric. With an in-house color lab and generational craftsmen, the sky’s the limit. “Explore an array of vignettes showcasing a wide range of styles in our showroom,” Hershberger says. “It's the perfect place to gather inspiration!” Next, you’ll receive a hand-drawn rendering of your design so you can imagine how it will look in your home before it’s sent next door to Homestead’s factory to be built. “We offer a broad selection in a diverse range of designs to cater to various style preferences and budget considerations,” Hershberger says.
– LOUISE S.
amount of product lines to allow us to serve your needs in every aesthetic visually and have an array of options for every room of the home.” EXCITING EXPERIENCES
“Whether you’re looking for a single custom-made piece or desire an entire interior redesign, we can serve your needs.” But the experience doesn’t end there. With every resource you need to furnish your home from upholstery, mattresses, rugs and sofas to lighting, window treatments and outdoor lines, you’ll want to carve out several hours to spend at Homestead Furniture. “The store features an extensive array of lifestyle galleries — a varied collection of stylish visuals to help inspire you,” Hershberger says, adding that the stunning showroom is filled with custom furniture you can browse to your heart’s content. “We’ve added a substantial
Beyond its impeccable reputation as a haven for heirloom-grade custom creations and one-stop interior design shop, Homestead has its eyes set on a truly spectacular experience as a oneof-a-kind tourism destination. “Our great purpose is to ‘Serve with Excellence.’ With each interaction, we strive to transcend the conventional furniture store experience, offering unparalleled quality and service,” Hershberger says. During warmer months, stroll through the gardens, where gorgeous flowers, shrubs and trees (all grown at the arboretum) adorn a beautiful outdoor oasis complete with a walking path and pond. “Now you can spend an entire day here. Come tour the factory and arboretum, then request access to Homestead’s The Met Collection by Abner Henry in the private showroom,” Hershberger says, expressing a heartfelt appreciation for all that his family’s company has accomplished so far and everyone who has helped make it possible. With a nod to its humble beginnings and eyes set on a bright future, the foundation of Homestead’s success can be found in its roots as a multigenerational company. “We’re a third-generation business and hope to be in business for many more. We’re not perfect, but I assure you, we take care of people — from our employees to our customers,” Hershberger says. “We do the right thing not only for today, but also tomorrow. Everything we do, it’s all to build trust that we’re going to be here to serve our community for years to come.”
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REASONS TO DESIGN
WHILE YOU BUILD If you can dream it, Homestead can design it. So why limit yourself by treating furniture as an afterthought? At Homestead, quality craftsmanship means providing unparallel experiences, not only for clients at the magnificently curated campus, but also for friends and family in the comfort of your own home. Fabulous furniture provides the foundation for memories you will cherish for a lifetime. The key is to design while you build or renovate and begin working with Homestead during the early stages. HERE ARE SIX REASONS WHY:
1. YOUR HOME, REIMAGINED “When you’re building a home, you’re making the most important decisions upfront — colors, treatments, finishes, accents, et cetera,” says Hershberger, adding that in addition to design consultants on staff, Homestead can connect clients with a huge network of interior designers throughout the state to help them design any room or even an entire house. 2. FURNITURE THAT REPRESENTS YOU Your home reflects yourself, and your furniture is no different. When furniture comes from a big box store, it lacks your personality and unique taste. “We can build heirloom furniture in any style, function, fabric or color you need,” Hershberger says. “Because of what we’re capable of, it requires a longer thought process.” Homestead also provides an array of upholstery lines, outdoor furniture brands, mattresses and accents including wallpaper, drapery, linens, and decor. 3. LIMITLESS POSSIBILITIES With a 38,000-square-foot showroom, more than 3,000 wood finishes and nearly endless options for textures, patterns, shades and designs, Homestead offers options for every style, from modern, rustic, live-edge and transitional to Shaker, mission, industrial or anything in between. Whether you’re looking for upholstery, metal work, hardwood or outdoor furniture, designing while you build allows you to bring your visions to life. 4. QUALITY CONTROL Handcrafted to perfection — no exceptions. “You don’t need to sacrifice quality for certain features,” Hershberger says, adding that it all comes down to planning and experience. “Our furniture is generational, which means it’s not only great quality, but it’s designed to be used on a daily basis and still last for many years.” 5. MAXIMIZE YOUR SPACE When you consider furniture during the early stages, it allows you to transition to different rooms in a very thoughtful manner, as well as design spaces around uniquely curated statement pieces that are both fashionable and functional, such as a dining room table, sectional, bed, armoire, bookcase, office desk — the possibilities are endless. “With Homestead, you don’t need to settle,” Hershberger says. “When you make informed decisions and leverage customization options, you optimize both your space and budget.” 6. MORE BANG FOR YOUR BUCK Bottom line? “When considering your furniture purchases, wouldn't you aspire to have an exceptional experience throughout the entire process?” Hershberger asks. “That’s what Homestead offers.”
HOMESTEAD’S DESIGNER PROGRAM
WHEN WE WERE BUILDING OUR HOUSE, IN MY MIND I HAD THINGS PICTURED. VERY SELDOM CAN YOU FIND THE THINGS THAT YOU HAVE PICTURED IN YOUR MIND, BUT GOING TO HOMESTEAD FURNITURE AND WORKING WITH THEIR TEAM, IT ALL TURNED OUT EXACTLY THE WAY I PICTURED IT. – CECILIA S.
Working with clients yourself? For a designer, nothing is more frustrating than having to compromise your client’s vision. You need to feel confident knowing you have a resource that believes in limitless possibilities. Homestead’s designer-friendly trade program does just that by giving you exclusive access to all that their furniture and design center has to offer, including complementary trade pricing; white glove delivery; custom designs and sizing at your fingertips; individual attention and service; free samples of fabrics, wood and metal finishes; and full access to our 38,000-square-foot showroom.
It also gives you the opportunity to work with other prestigious furniture brands that Homestead stands behind as much as their own pieces. Among these are American Leather, Lancer Inc., Norwalk Furniture, La-Z-Boy, Jensen Outdoor, Woodward, Lloyd Flanders, Jaipur Living, Uttermost, Noir, Stearns & Foster, Beautyrest, Tempur-pedic, Iconic Pineapple and Abner Henry. Homestead's designer program takes care of the logistics, allowing you to give your client your full attention and focus solely on designing the space of their dreams. Reach out to learn more about what the program has to offer.
WHAT TO
EXPECT
When you or your designer book an appointment at Homestead, trust that you will be in good hands from start to finish. Whether inspiration strikes as you browse the showroom or you’re ready with a sketch, photo or description — all you need to get started is an idea. From single pieces to furnishing full rooms, every project gets the same tender care and attention to detail. At your appointment, your consultant will create a visual proposal that will bring your visions to life with sketches, dimensions and other details, and together you’ll nail down the look of each piece. Once you’re satisfied, the design will be shared with Homestead’s master craftsmen, who fashion your dream into a reality. Finally, when your new furniture is completed, we’ll white glove deliver each piece to its new place in your home — from dreams to done.
SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT NOW
8233 STATE ROUTE 241, MT. HOPE, OHIO 44660 | 330-674-4902 | HOMESTEADFURNITUREONLINE.COM
SEE IT TO BELIEVE IT
Book an appointment to experience the one-of-a-kind Abner Henry x The Metropolitan Museum of Art furniture collection.