When I spoke with Brian Barlow and Charles Sparks at Craftsman Cabinets & Furniture, the first thing both said was, “Everything we do is American-made.”

They emphasized the quality and benefits of American-made home furniture and cabinets. This is the best quality available right now, Brian said. And, he and Charles also emphasized that American-made furniture is bringing a long-standing, much-loved tradition and industry back to North Carolina.

“We use Amish builders almost exclusively,” Brian Barlow added. The reason is not just the design and quality of Amish furniture, but also the craftsmanship that is handed down through families for generations.

American-made furniture typically lasts longer than imported furniture, and the furniture that is carried by Craftsman Cabinets and Furniture is also custom-made, incorporating elegant and timeless designs. Another consideration with buying furniture is the true cost. While people may pay a lower price to begin with on imported products, the furniture often may not last. Furniture from overseas may be made with poorer quality materials, and also isn’t typically made by expert craftspeople.

Cabinets Uniquely Designed For Each Room
Brian and Charles talked to me about their custom cabinet services, which the store began offering last year. Their cabinets share the same quality and workmanship that’s found in their custom furniture.

I asked them about the advantages of custom cabinets, and they quickly explained that no parts of their cabinets are pre-made. Every cabinet is designed exclusively for the room and home.

“People who may be familiar with kitchen cabinets from years ago don’t know all of the benefits that new custom cabinets can offer,” Brian said.

There is no wasted space with custom cabinets, and features can easily be included that can reduce clutter and beautify a kitchen, bath, or other area. If people are considering remodeling their kitchen, the kitchen is the heart of the home, Charles said. Brian added that an up-to-date, custom kitchen with cabinets designed specifically for the space can be one of the best ways to add value as well as enjoyment to a home.

Using quality wood and workmanship for custom cabinets can also pay off over time. Inexpensive laminate cabinets can’t be refurbished. Instead, owners need to replace them. Custom cabinets made from quality wood can be refinished and refreshed with stain, paint, and new hardware. Charles and Brian also mentioned that Craftsman Cabinets & Furniture is a “one-stop shop.” They will design and install not only cabinets, but bedrooms, dining rooms, and the entire home.

Custom Quality and Local Artists/Craftspeople
Charles discussed the other design elements that they are able to provide, including custom textiles, upholstery, and window treatments. Their upholstery is provided by some of North Carolina’s finest upholsterers. Charles mentioned that their bed linens include fabrics and textiles from Wooded River, one of the finest providers of hand-crafted luxury bedding and textiles in the United States.

They also offer unique lighting options, clocks, and candles, along with locally-made pottery. Local artists provide artwork that blends seamlessly with their custom furniture and cabinetry. Brian and Charles mentioned a local potter who had experienced health challenges, and the business assisted with a fundraiser to help with her medical needs and travel to the Mayo Clinic.

Meeting Customer Needs and Going the Extra Mile
Charles and Brian said that they are seeing many different, diverse customers these days, including younger customers who are starting to see the value in traditional furniture and fine craftsmanship. “They may only buy one or two pieces at a time,” Brian said, “but they are investing in their home and their future.”

Charles said, “Some of our best customers started out buying a dining room table, and over time, the relationship has grown to the point where we have designed and furnished their entire home.”

“We love to build relationships with customers,” Brian said. “We want to learn about our customers, their families, and their homes.” This enables them to create a unique environment for each home, always focused on the quality and value that Craftsman Cabinets & Furniture provides.

The business is launching a new website which will serve as a reference for customers, but we talked about how the best way to look at and learn about their offerings is to come in and see the quality and selection directly. They are open 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and any time by appointment.

Supporting the Community and Giving Back
Being a part of the community and giving back has always been very important to Brian and Charles. In addition to the medical fundraiser they mentioned, they also helped with the campaign for a local veteran who had been homeless, donating furniture for his new home that was provided by a local organization. As Charles is also a veteran, this cause was especially near and dear to their hearts.

Brian and Charles spoke about the difference between cost and value. Value is something that lasts for a lifetime, just like having a close-knit community and caring for neighbors adds value to our lives. “You can buy something inexpensive and it will last for a year,” Brian said. “But if you buy something that’s truly well-made by a craftsman, it will last for a lifetime.”

Craftsman Cabinets & Furniture
2994 Hickory Blvd, Hudson
(828) 572-4424
craftsmancabinetsandfurniture.com