Dear EYD Blog Readers,
I am thrilled to be able to write my next blog feature about a company that has continuously inspired my design and art senses, time and time again. Amish made Das Holz Haus Fine Cabinetry & Furniture is right here in our back yard, in Arthur, IL. A local treasure, creating heirloom quality kitchens, vanities, libraries, moldings, and furniture that last for generations.
Why do Das Holz Haus custom cabinets find a special place in so many homes? That is a story that is deeply rooted in their German Heritage. With a craftsman's heart and a designer's eye, LaVern Schlabach began crafting the inaugural DHH pieces on evenings after his day job in the late 1970's. The company has been owned and operated by LaVern Schlabach since it began in 1988 and now employs 50 employees, many of whom have been with him for decades. DHH has shipped their cabinets from coast to coast and recently even to Hawaii! In addition to his work family, LaVern is also a family man who is always excited to share with you that he has 31 grandchildren, 2 of which are now working with him at DHH!
"The Das Holz Haus facility has expanded over the years, but there are some things that never change. Thoughtful organization, good communication, and a clean shop are the keys of our workmanship."
I have personally been able to work with the DHH artisans over the past year and a half as I have been designing kitchens and bathrooms through Kuche Fine Cabinetry & Design. From the first instant that I walked into their show room, I knew that this was a remarkable place. As I gazed at the cabinet displays and furniture, I immediately saw an array of extraordinary finishes with so much depth that the artist in me was immediately inspired. The inviting scent of fresh wood was also a memorable part of the experience. Even as you brush the cabinet doors with your fingertips, you can feel that satiny smooth finish that you know is next-level quality.
"We do not settle for anything less than the highest quality materials to build with. For example, when no available veneer met the high Das Holz Haus standard, we went right to the manufacturer for a custom veneer made just for you."
Like most other Amish companies, DHH's entire facility is run on natural gas and diesel engines, so they are 100% self-generating. Even the lamps in their showroom are lit with natural gas. DHH also has a playful side, offering handmade wooden toys for children in their showroom, hosting employee games of volleyball at lunch time, and even has a giant swing at the top of a hill that they encourage all guests to try (assuming they aren't too afraid of heights).
"In our shop, the most valuable tools are our hands. Our experienced fingertips and palms instill intrinsic value into each new heirloom we bring into the world. Inside and out, each component is hand fitted into place. "
Upon my first meeting with LaVern, I was very delighted by how forward thinking he is as it relates to his business. We stood and spoke for about an hour brainstorming ways that we could take out partnership to the next level through marketing campaigns, networking events, and traveling shows. And upon getting to know him further through design, my inspiration grew. I find that working with LaVern is so amazing because he gets just as excited and exhilarated as I do during the design process. Although he may be modest, LaVern himself is a great artist in the purest sense of the word and is not afraid to push the creative boundaries. When he gets inspired, his excitement is palpable as he darts around his show room showing you ideas and examples of his part of the vision. As we bounce design ideas off of each other, I know that what we are creating together has never been done before, and will be a master piece. The best part is that the client has the opportunity to be there with us, 100% involved in the entire design process. What a special and completely unique experience.
"Mere appearance isn’t enough for Das Holz Haus. Style matters, but we go far beyond style to build integrity and character into each treasure we create."
Pictured Above is a project designs by EYD using DHH cabinetry
The reason that I am so excited to be writing about DHH is that the cabinetry and furniture that they create is absolutely second to none in quality, function and aesthetics. These are truly heirloom quality and will last for generations, as their lifetime warranty guarantees. The DHH team is full of highly skilled workers that have their business dialed in to the last detail. I recently ran into a friend who had built a home with DHH cabinets the other day, and she said excitedly that even after 10 years her cabinets are in impeccable condition and that she loves them just as much now as she did when she designed them. I mentioned this to Lavern and he happily expressed that his favorite aspect of designing and creating cabinetry is hearing when clients still enjoy their cabinets after 10-15 years. His greatest thrill is the immense value that DHH cabinets bring to people, and how they "can make their dreams come true".
"If you can envision it, we can build it."
If you would like to get a quote on custom Das Holz Haus cabinets or furniture for your home, please call me at 612-702-2929. I will work with you to create your initial designs, and to create your bid. We can also go up and take a tour together of the captivating Das Holz Haus facility, led by LaVern himself.
"We don't tolerate mediocrity and average isn't in our vocabulary. Anything less than excellence is failure."
A Few Photos to Help Paint the DHH Picture:
Slideshow of the Das Holz Haus Design Process:
Check out this recent project that I did with Das Holz Haus and Kuche Fine Cabinetry. Our clients wanted to remodel their master bathroom and needed a new double vanity and linen closet. We started with a photo of a vanity that our client found of a RH vanity, because she loved the way it looked like a heirloom piece of furniture. Everything from the inset cabinetry, to the three pieces of trim and molding, to the bun feet, and the vintage gray finish make it look like vintage furniture. But our client wanted to complete a similar look with different details that were more her style. After we did the initial design, we went to DHH to meet with LaVern where we picked the door style, the trim pieces, the type of glass for the linen cabinet, and the interior cabinet accessories. We also went to see Roman, who is the artist behind the DHH finishes and created a custom finish with a base of white paint and a black glaze wash. This vanity and linen were designed specifically to her needs and included a drawer with an outlet in the back and compartments for a hair drier and curling iron, a drawer with make up compartments, flip outs under the sinks for tooth brushes, roll outs in the sink bases, and a make up mirror installed inside of the linen designed to pull out to the exact height she needs. Overall, the project turned out to be absolutely stunning, thanks to the amazing opportunity I had to work with this client with impeccable taste!
Click the arrow to see how an EYD and DHH collab would work...
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